'Empowering Churches: Unlocking Growth with Association of Related Churches ARC'

Association of Related Churches (ARC)

The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a church-planting organization that began in the year 2000. It was founded by six pastors who had a vision to plant thousands of churches. The organization is nondenominational and has planted over six hundred churches while partnering with hundreds more around the world.

The Vision and Strategy of ARC

ARC's strategy for church planting is unique. Instead of starting small and gradually growing, ARC encourages church planters to start big. They provide funds and support to launch large initial gatherings, giving church planters the resources they need to succeed. The idea is that this instant momentum will help the church sustain itself.

ARC believes in recycling funds used for planting churches. When they support a new church plant, they instruct them to use the same amount of funds to plant new churches, creating a chain reaction of churches funding churches. This approach has allowed ARC to grow exponentially over the years.

The Founders of ARC

The six founders of ARC are Greg Surratt, Billy Hornsby, Rick Bezet, Chris Hodges, Dino Rizzo, and Scott Hornsby. Greg Surratt, pastor of Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina, initially felt called to plant two thousand churches but did not know how to accomplish this vision. Meanwhile, Billy Hornsby, an experienced church planter, saw Surratt's church as a model to emulate.

When Rick Bezet and Chris Hodges from Bethany World Prayer Center wanted to plant churches but needed funds and a workable model, connections were made. Surratt offered each of them $25,000 and any additional money they needed for their first year's budget. Bezet and Hodges planted their churches in February 2001.

Billy Hornsby served as the president of ARC from 2001 until his death in 2011. Greg Surratt took over as president in 2012, and ARC continued to grow under his leadership.

Statement of Faith and Autonomy

As a nondenominational organization, ARC does not have a complex doctrinal statement. Their Statement of Faith is concise and focuses on the contents of the Nicene Creed, the inerrancy of Scripture, the necessity of monogamous heterosexual marriage, and the existence of only two genders. It does not address other denominational divides such as baptism, women in leadership, communion, or predestination.

ARC does not claim leadership over its church plants. Each church that partners with ARC to plant more churches is legally autonomous, independently led, separately operated, and solely accountable to their own leadership. ARC provides resources and training but does not exert control over these churches.

The Growth of ARC

ARC has experienced significant growth since its inception. In the early 2000s, only a few churches were planted each year. By 2008, that number had increased to twenty-five, and by 2009, the average number of church plants had reached fifty per year. This growth can be attributed to the unique approach and support that ARC offers to church planters.

ARC Global and ARC Women

ARC has expanded its ministry beyond just church planting. They have established ARC Global to equip global church plants and provide them with resources and training. Additionally, ARC Women exists to assist women in ministry and pastors' wives. These initiatives demonstrate ARC's commitment to empowering and supporting leaders within the church.

Principles for Choosing a Church

For those searching for a home church, it is essential to consider certain principles. First, choose a church where the Bible is taught rightly and thoroughly. The Bible should be central to the teaching and preaching within the church community. Second, select a church where Jesus Christ is exalted and the gospel is primary. The focus should be on the redemptive work of Christ and the message of salvation.

Third, seek a church where people strive to love and serve one another. A healthy church community is characterized by genuine love and support among its members. Fourth, look for a church where the pastor is genuine and loves his people. The pastor should have a heart for the congregation and lead with integrity.

Finally, seek God's wisdom and will in prayer when choosing a church home. It is important to seek His guidance and discernment in making this decision.

Why This Matters

The Association of Related Churches provides valuable support and resources for church planters around the world. Their unique approach of starting big has proven successful in launching new churches and fostering their growth. By partnering with ARC, church planters have access to funding, training, and a supportive community that can help them thrive.

Think About It

Consider the importance of community and support when starting or joining a new church. The Association of Related Churches emphasizes the value of collaboration and accountability within their network of churches. How can you apply these principles to your own church community, regardless of whether it is part of ARC or not?