Church Highlight: Metro Community Church – Englewood, New Jersey

Metro Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey, began over two decades ago with a simple yet profound vision nurtured by Peter Ahn while a seminary student at Fuller Theological Seminary. From its inception, the church has been shaped around the idea of embracing human imperfections, recognizing that true strength and spiritual growth often emerge through weakness—anchored in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Over the years, Metro has blossomed into a vibrant, multicultural congregation of around 750 people, drawing from Asian, African-American, Latino, and White communities throughout Northern New Jersey and beyond.

The church’s mission underscores relevance and authenticity. Metro aims “to be relevant to the unchurched and to bring them into an authentic relationship with Jesus and the community,” while fostering spiritual growth and addressing the needs of the hurting. They value creativity, racial diversity, and openness, believing that the gospel must meet people in their real-life contexts, not through polished or idealized presentations.This ethos of welcoming honesty and embracing imperfection is so central that Metro has even titled a sermon series “20 Years of Embracing Weakness,” celebrating the strength that emerges from vulnerability.

The core values—Relevance, Relationship, Reflection, and Response—guide all aspects of Metro’s community life. They encourage incorporating art and diversity in worship, fostering honest relationships rooted in grace, growing disciples through spiritual training and service, and compassionately responding to social injustices. Through this framework, Metro commits to countering societal barriers like racism and classism, championing causes for the marginalized, and creating catalytic community initiatives.

Central to Metro’s identity is Lead Pastor Peter Ahn. Ahn earned his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, where Metro’s foundation was laid, and he is widely recognized as the church’s founding pastor. A Korean-American, he has also engaged deeply in broader denominational ministry—spoke out on race and reconciliation within the Evangelical Covenant Church. Beyond preaching, he is President of Metro Community Center, which supports local outreach in Englewood, and founded Zimele USA—after visiting an orphanage in South Africa—which empowers women and children through development and justice-based programs.

Dr. Ahn is noted not only for his pastoral vision but also his personal discipline and authenticity. Residing in Leonia with his wife Jenny and their three children, he emphasizes spiritual health integrated with physical well-being, incorporating fitness and nutrition into daily life. He’s also the voice behind the “Weak Pastor Podcast,” engaging leaders worldwide on the themes of vulnerability and authentic leadership.

In summary, Metro Community Church stands as a contemporary, multi-ethnic, and intergenerational faith community grounded in transformative authenticity. Guided by Pastor Peter Ahn’s leadership and theological insight, the church’s mission and core values foster a place where people from all walks of life are invited to live honestly, grow spiritually, and join in meaningful service. Its roots in weakness have become its greatest strength—and continue to shape its vision for the future.

Please join us this week as we celebrate and lift up our friends at Metro Community Church in prayer! We are excited about all God is doing and will continue to do in and through them!