As a young man, new to my relationship with the Lord, I became fascinated by the ways people served him. I saw street outreach teams sharing hope, bus ministries bringing families to church, and food pantries offering meals to hungry neighbors. The creativity and diversity of these ministries captivated me. From those early days, my understanding of the vast expressions of God’s kingdom took shape.
Networks are much like that. They’re collective expressions—leaders, churches, and organizations united by a vision to bring hope, address pain, and spread the Gospel. Each network reflects the heart of God in unique ways, and I’ve grown to love and respect that diversity.
The Story of ARC
ARC (Association of Related Churches) is one such network. At the beginning, our focus was simple: resource couples who dream of planting life-giving churches. We didn’t dictate where people should go. Instead, we listened as they shared what cities God had placed on their hearts. If couples were ready and healthy, we partnered with them.
In 23 years, God’s grace has been evident in incredible ways. ARC has planted 1,037 churches—each a unique expression of the body Jesus is building. Every one of these self-governing churches carries its own culture and vision while remaining rooted in the broader mission of Jesus.
Churches have come alongside us, investing resources, time, and leadership. Together, we view church planting as a collective movement that is transforming American communities.
We’ve always known, though, that ARC is only one small part of what God is doing globally. The body of Christ is vast, and the mission is shared. In the early days, ARC connected with networks such as Acts 29, Stadia, Nu Thing, Exponential, and NAMB. We gathered regularly to talk shop, share ideas, and build relationships. Sometimes we fished, hunted, or simply sat around a table together. By learning from one another, we’ve grown and improved, leading to increased effectiveness.
Church planting has always been a unique calling. It’s not for the faint of heart. These missionaries uproot their family, move to a new city, and work tirelessly to crack the code of reaching people for Jesus. It’s a labor of love, challenge, and deep faith. Looking across today’s landscape, three trends present opportunities and challenges for outreach.
3 Factors That Shape Church Planting
1. The Need To Navigate Culture
The unprecedented pace of change in American culture can open doors yet is tricky. While engaging people authentically, we must stay true to core biblical beliefs. Young people are connected online yet desperate for meaningful relationships. They hunger for authenticity, relevance, and encounters with the presence and power of God.
If we embrace this moment, meeting people where they are while offering the unchanging hope of Jesus, the ministry possibilities are limitless.
2. The Need To Leverage Technology
The modern-day church has access to unparalleled tools. We can connect with people in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Digital platforms expand our reach beyond physical buildings, allowing us to share the good news through innovative avenues. When used well, technology is a valuable bridge to engagement and discipleship.
3. The Need To Prioritize Mental Health for Pastors and Their Families
The pandemic exposed an overlooked reality: Many pastors were struggling emotionally. When the world shut down, pastors carried immense uncertainty, wondering if, when, and how their churches could reopen. Some church planters who launched in early 2020 had to shut their doors weeks later. Others couldn’t even determine who was still part of their congregation.
This crisis revealed cracks in pastoral care, with spiritual leaders feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and ready to quit. At ARC, we recognized this need and responded. For example, Greg Surratt, founding pastor of Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, launched retreats such as Church Creek. There pastors can take a breath, spend time in nature, and connect with like-minded peers. Through these spaces, hundreds of church leaders have found healing, restoration, and clarity.
