What You Need to Know About ARC

A Biblical Evaluation of the Association of Related Churches

Introduction

In the last twenty years, the Association of Related Churches (ARC) has emerged as a leading church-planting network in North America. By providing coaching, financial assistance, leadership training, and resources for church planting, ARC has successfully launched hundreds of churches and has impacted numerous pastors and ministry leaders. Many individuals have found faith in Jesus Christ through ARC-affiliated churches, and this is a cause for true celebration. Whenever the gospel is shared faithfully and lives are changed, God is worthy of all glory. However, this growth has also sparked heightened discussion and scrutiny. Issues related to church governance, pastoral accountability, leadership culture, preaching philosophy, discipleship, and the impact of contemporary church-growth strategies have prompted many believers to pose a crucial question: Does the ARC model align with the principles of the New Testament church? That question warrants more than just emotional responses or allegiance to a denomination. It requires a careful, thoughtful, and biblical analysis. Before proceeding, I want to clarify something important. This post does not serve as an indictment against all ARC churches, nor does it seek to undermine the sincerity, love for Christ, or dedication of every pastor within the network. God has consistently worked through flawed individuals and imperfect organizations. Similarly, no denomination, fellowship, or independent church is exempt from the necessity of ongoing reformation in alignment with God's Word. The issues discussed in this article are not exclusive to ARC; they mirror wider trends that have influenced much of contemporary evangelicalism over the last few decades. My intention is not to criticize merely for its own sake. The Scriptures caution against a contentious spirit just as firmly as they warn against false teachings and unhealthy leadership. Rather, I aim to promote discernment. As followers of Jesus, we are called to assess every ministry not based on its popularity, size, innovation, influence, or reputation, but rather on its faithfulness to the Word of God. The Bereans were praised for eagerly receiving the apostles' teachings while also diligently examining the Scriptures each day to verify the truth of what they heard (Acts 17:11). This same attitude should define every believer today. Throughout the history of the Church, it has consistently faced the temptation to embrace the values and practices of the surrounding culture. At different points in time, it has been lured by political authority, institutional reputation, philosophical sway, material riches, or societal approval. Each generation is challenged to consider whether it is constructing Christ's Church in alignment with Christ's blueprint or merely conforming to the world's standards of success. This inquiry is not directed only at ARC; it is a question that every pastor, elder, ministry leader, and congregation should sincerely reflect upon. As you read through this post, I encourage you to resist the impulse to either defend or condemn too hastily. Rather, open your Bible. Assess every observation in light of Scripture. If something is in harmony with God's Word, cling to it firmly. If it contradicts, possess the humility to let Scripture alter your mindset. Our ultimate loyalty does not lie with a church network, a denomination, a favored preacher, or a ministry philosophy. Our allegiance is exclusively to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). Keeping that in mind, we will start by exploring what ARC is, its achievements, and then thoroughly analyze its ministry philosophy in light of Scripture.

A Note on Fairness and Biblical Evaluation

Assessing any church network necessitates a careful differentiation between historical facts, publicly available information, and theological interpretations. In this post, I have deliberately aimed to clarify that distinction. In examining the history of ARC, its stated mission, organizational framework, and publicly accessible information, I prioritize primary sources, particularly ARC's own published documents. Events reported in the media concerning churches or leaders linked to the network are based on documented accounts and should not be interpreted as indicative of all ARC churches or pastors. The biblical assessment provided in this post stands apart. It does not center on isolated disputes or specific personalities; instead, it evaluates ministry philosophy and practices in relation to the model outlined in Scripture. It addresses issues concerning church leadership, preaching, discipleship, accountability, and ecclesiology, referencing the teachings of the New Testament, particularly the examples provided by Christ, the apostles, and the early church. In the end, every church, denomination, and ministry, even those we hold in high regard, must be prepared to align its beliefs and practices with the authority of Scripture. This is the benchmark against which every movement should be evaluated.

What Is ARC?

Founded in 2000, the Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a church-planting network with the mission of planting "life-giving churches." Instead of functioning as a denomination, ARC operates as a cooperative network that offers assessment, coaching, financial support, leadership development, and continuous assistance to pastors looking to establish new churches. The philosophy behind ARC is rooted in the belief that healthy and growing churches are among the most effective ways to reach people with the gospel and bring about community transformation. ARC was established by a collective of pastors, such as Greg Surratt, Billy Hornsby, Rick Bezet, Dino Rizzo, and others, who were united by a shared enthusiasm for church planting. Since its founding, the network has grown considerably, assisting in the launch of more than one thousand churches both in the United States and around the globe. Numerous churches within this network have seen swift growth, evolving into significant congregations that impact their local communities and beyond. One of ARC's defining characteristics is its commitment to building churches that are friendly, accessible, and relevant for those with little or no church history. New church planters are encouraged to focus on achieving excellence in hospitality, children's ministry, worship, communication, leadership development, and community outreach. The objective is to remove any barriers that could prevent individuals from encountering the gospel and becoming part of a local church. In contrast to numerous traditional denominations, ARC does not impose direct control over the daily operations of its affiliated churches. Each congregation is governed independently, choosing to engage with the network for coaching, relationship building, training, and access to shared resources. This structure grants churches significant autonomy while allowing them to benefit from the insights and support of pastors who have effectively established and managed thriving congregations. Each church retains its independence, yet opts into the network for various forms of support, including coaching and training, which enhances their operational capabilities. This model fosters a high degree of independence for each church, while simultaneously providing access to the valuable experience and guidance of successful pastors. A significant portion of ARC's ministry philosophy embodies principles linked to the wider church-growth movement that rose to prominence in the late twentieth century. This methodology strongly focuses on deliberate leadership development, strategic planning, effective communication, community involvement, and fostering welcoming environments for those not affiliated with the church. Advocates highlight the network's swift expansion of churches and numerous accounts of changed lives as proof that this model has successfully contributed to the advancement of the Great Commission. These achievements should not be downplayed. Church planting has its foundations in the New Testament. Jesus instructed His disciples to spread the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19–20), and the book of Acts details how the apostles founded churches across the Roman Empire. The Apostle Paul dedicated a significant portion of his ministry to establishing churches, appointing capable elders, fortifying believers, and motivating local congregations to stay true to the gospel. Any organization dedicated to planting churches that adhere to biblical principles merits recognition for its role in this mission. Acknowledging the significance of church planting does not absolve us from the duty to assess the philosophy, methods, and priorities that define those churches. Each ministry model must be scrutinized against Scripture. Although methods may evolve with cultural and contextual shifts, the Church's mission and the framework set by Christ and His apostles continue to serve as the benchmark. Thus, the inquiry is not about whether ARC has successfully planted churches or impacted individuals for Christ. The more crucial question is whether the guiding principles of the network consistently align with the biblical model of the local church. As we move forward, it is crucial to assess ARC not through individual success stories or public critiques, but by posing a more fundamental question: How does its ministry philosophy align with the model of the New Testament church? This question will provide the framework for the rest of this post.

Want to know if your church is affiliated with ARC?
ARC maintains an official Find a Church directory that includes churches planted through ARC as well as network churches that partner with its mission. You can search by church name or location using ARC's official directory:
ARC Find a Church Directory. According to ARC, the churches listed are legally autonomous, independently led, and reviewed annually for inclusion in the directory.

What ARC Does Well

Prior to addressing areas of concern, it is essential to acknowledge that ARC has significantly contributed to church planting and evangelism. A balanced biblical assessment recognizes both the strengths and weaknesses present. When there is clear evidence of God's grace in action, Christians ought to express gratitude, while also diligently evaluating each ministry in light of Scripture. One of ARC's most significant strengths lies in its steadfast dedication to planting new churches. In the New Testament, church planting was a fundamental aspect of the apostles' mission. The Apostle Paul journeyed across the Roman Empire, spreading the gospel, making disciples, appointing elders, and founding local congregations. ARC embodies this same belief that thriving churches should focus on multiplication rather than mere self-preservation. In an environment where numerous churches are facing decline or shutting down, ARC has continually devoted substantial resources to training and supporting individuals who aspire to create new gospel-centered congregations. Another notable strength is its emphasis on evangelism and reaching people who are far from God. Many ARC churches intentionally seek to remove unnecessary barriers that might prevent someone from hearing the gospel. Whether through community outreach, hospitality, children's ministries, or intentional guest experiences, these churches often demonstrate a genuine desire to engage their communities with the hope found in Jesus Christ. Scripture calls believers to proclaim the gospel to every nation and every generation, and any sincere effort to reach the lost should be recognized as a worthy pursuit. ARC has made significant investments in cultivating leadership. By utilizing assessment, coaching, mentoring, conferences, and hands-on training, the network provides pastors and ministry leaders with essential resources for founding and managing local churches. Effective leadership is crucial for the vitality of any congregation, and offering encouragement and practical assistance to church planters embodies the biblical principle of empowering those who serve in ministry. Furthermore, numerous ARC churches exhibit a significant degree of organizational excellence. They are typically deliberate in their approach to hospitality, communication, volunteer training, children's ministry, and fostering environments where visitors feel appreciated and welcomed. Although excellence does not equate to spiritual maturity, Scripture instructs believers to perform their tasks wholeheartedly as if for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Careful planning and effective stewardship can serve as essential tools when they align with the Church's mission rather than overshadowing it. Additionally, many ARC churches actively engage in serving their local communities. Initiatives such as food distributions, disaster relief, foster care programs, partnerships with schools, addiction recovery ministries, and local outreach projects have become vital expressions of ministry for numerous congregations. These activities embody Christ's command to love our neighbors and showcase the compassion of the gospel through concrete acts of service. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently intertwined the declaration of truth with acts of mercy, reminding the Church that faithful ministry often encompasses both words and actions. These strengths warrant recognition and appreciation. Church planting, evangelism, leadership development, organizational stewardship, and compassionate outreach align with significant biblical priorities. They have played a vital role in the growth of numerous congregations and have positively influenced countless lives for Christ. Nevertheless, each strength has the potential to turn into a weakness if it starts to supplant rather than support the priorities outlined in Scripture. A zeal for growth should never eclipse the mission to cultivate mature disciples. The pursuit of organizational excellence must not take precedence over spiritual faithfulness. Leadership development should always be rooted in biblical character, not just leadership skills. While methods are useful tools, they should not be allowed to dominate. For this reason, the remainder of this article is not meant to disregard the positive outcomes achieved through ARC. Instead, it seeks to explore a more vital question: How does the ministry philosophy of ARC compare to the model laid out by Christ and His apostles? Where does it truly reflect the New Testament church, and where could it benefit from scriptural correction? Every church, including ours, should be prepared to ask this question with humility, since the ultimate purpose is not to create successful ministries, but to build Christ's Church according to His intended design.

Five Biblical Concerns

Recognizing the numerous positive impacts ARC has had on church planting and evangelism, we must now pose a more critical question: Does the ministry philosophy typically linked with ARC consistently align with the biblical model of the local church? Although methods and strategies may evolve over generations, Scripture lays down enduring principles that should guide every church, irrespective of its size, influence, or effectiveness. This section aims to compare prevalent ministry philosophies with the framework set forth by Christ and His apostles.

1. From Making Converts to Making Disciples

Jesus did not instruct His followers to construct large churches or establish prominent ministries. His directive was explicit: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19–20). The New Testament consistently prioritizes spiritual growth over numerical expansion. The early church committed itself to "the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). These believers were not simply attending meetings; they were being shaped into the image of Christ. Similarly, Paul characterized his ministry as presenting "everyone mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28). One concern voiced by critics of the contemporary church-growth movement is that success is frequently gauged primarily through metrics such as attendance, baptisms, campuses, volunteer involvement, and financial increases. While these metrics are not insignificant and can indicate a healthy ministry, they do not represent the primary criteria outlined in the New Testament. The biblical standard for a healthy church is the transformation of lives, increasing holiness, doctrinal integrity, perseverance, and believers who increasingly reflect Christ. While numbers are important because people are important, Scripture consistently emphasizes the spiritual maturity of individuals over the size of the congregation.

2. From Expository Preaching to Practical Messages

The New Testament places significant importance on the faithful proclamation of God's Word. Paul's instruction to Timothy was both straightforward and profound: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2). Numerous churches influenced by modern ministry approaches, including some within ARC, often employ topical sermon series focused on themes such as relationships, finances, emotional well-being, leadership, or personal purpose. While these subjects are indeed found in Scripture, preaching on them is not inherently problematic. The issue arises when sermons start with a predetermined topic and then search for biblical passages to back that topic, rather than allowing the biblical text to shape the message. Expository preaching begins with the question, "What did the Holy Spirit intend to convey through this passage?" Application should follow interpretation, not the reverse. The apostles consistently interpreted Scripture within its historical, literary, and theological context. When practical application becomes disconnected from thorough exegesis, the church risks delivering inspirational messages that are informed by the Bible but not governed by it.

3. From Shepherds to CEOs

One of the most vivid metaphors employed throughout the New Testament to depict church leaders is that of a shepherd. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Peter urged elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you... not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3). In today's ministry environment, there is often a significant emphasis on visionary leadership, organizational expansion, strategic planning, and executive decision-making. While these skills hold practical importance, they are not portrayed in Scripture as the essential traits of pastoral ministry. Paul placed greater emphasis on a leader's character rather than their leadership skills. First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 highlight qualities such as humility, self-control, hospitality, sound doctrine, faithfulness in the home, and spiritual maturity. The primary duty of a pastor is not to build an organization but to shepherd souls. When pastors are primarily recognized as CEOs, visionaries, or brand developers instead of shepherds and teachers of God's Word, the biblical understanding of pastoral ministry begins to change.

4. From the Local Church to a Ministry Brand

The New Testament depicts each local church as a distinct group of believers united by the gospel, yet influenced by the specific needs of their community. While Paul established many churches, he did not aim for them to be culturally uniform. Corinth faced issues of division, Galatia dealt with legalism, Ephesus confronted false teachings, Philippi focused on partnership and joy, and Thessalonica experienced persecution. Each congregation was guided according to its unique context while remaining true to the same gospel. Contemporary church networks frequently promote shared ministry approaches, leadership frameworks, branding, communication methods, and organizational designs. Learning from each other is both prudent and scriptural. Paul himself urged churches to follow the examples of those who were faithful. Nevertheless, when branding overshadows biblical identity, it warrants careful consideration. Scripture describes the Church as a family, a body, a temple, and a flock, but never as a franchise. The unity that Christ prayed for was based on truth and love, rather than uniformity in presentation or organizational practices. The risk does not lie in striving for excellence or consistency. The real danger is when recognizable systems and ministry models take precedence over the ordinary means of grace that God has provided for His Church: faithful preaching, prayer, the ordinances, discipleship, and shepherding.

5. Accountability Must Be Stronger Than Influence

One of the most crucial questions that any church should consider is this: Who oversees the shepherds? The New Testament sets exceptionally high expectations for those who hold spiritual leadership roles. James cautions that teachers will face stricter judgment (James 3:1). Paul advises Timothy against hastily appointing leaders and outlines specific qualifications that emphasize character over charisma (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). In recent years, many discussions within evangelical circles, including those involving churches linked to ARC, have brought to light significant issues regarding pastoral accountability, elder autonomy, leadership restoration, and governance. While each case should be assessed on its own merits, these conversations serve as a reminder to the Church of a timeless biblical truth: giftedness can never replace godliness. Effective accountability goes beyond mere trusted friendships or organizational ties. It necessitates leaders who are truly open to biblical correction, transparent governance, qualified and independent elders, and a culture that prioritizes truth over reputation. The credibility of the Church has always depended not on the talents of its leaders but on their faithfulness to Christ.

Looking Ahead

None of these issues indicate that every ARC church has forsaken biblical ministry, nor do they suggest that every non-ARC church accurately embodies the New Testament model. The matter extends beyond a single organization. These inquiries confront every pastor, elder, and congregation, including our own. The intention is not to disparage thriving churches. Rather, the aim is to align our understanding of success with God's definition. Before we consider whether a ministry is innovative, influential, or experiencing rapid growth, we must first determine if it is faithfully constructing the Church in accordance with the design set forth by its Head, Jesus Christ.

What Does the New Testament Church Look Like?

Upon reviewing the advantages of ARC alongside various biblical issues related to contemporary church-growth strategies, one crucial question persists: What vision did Jesus and the apostles have for the local church? The answer lies not in modern leadership seminars, business tactics, or societal trends, but within the Scriptures themselves. Although the New Testament does not lay out a strict ministry blueprint or specific worship style, it does outline essential priorities that should characterize every local church, irrespective of its size, denomination, or ministry approach. The most vivid depiction can be found in Acts 2. After the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, Luke chronicles the experiences of the early church:

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers... And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42, 47)

Observe the emphasis placed by Luke. Prior to discussing numerical growth, he highlights spiritual commitment. The church was dedicated to biblical teachings, genuine fellowship, collective worship, prayer, generosity, and the witness of the gospel. Growth was not artificially created through strategies; rather, it was a natural outcome of faithful obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This trend persists throughout the New Testament. Paul's epistles illustrate churches that are committed to sound doctrine, mutual accountability, prayer, selfless love, and endurance in the face of suffering. The apostles consistently evaluated a church's health not by its attendance or influence, but by its faithfulness to Christ.

A Church Devoted to God's Word

The primary focus of the early church was the teaching of the apostles. Scripture was not just one of many ministries; it served as the cornerstone for all other ministries. Paul instructed Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2), understanding that the Church is sustained, corrected, and equipped through the faithful exposition of Scripture. Similarly, the Bereans were praised for their diligence in examining the Scriptures daily to confirm the teachings they received (Acts 17:11). A thriving church does not merely utilize Scripture to back its ideas; it allows Scripture to influence its theology, worship, leadership, and mission. The authority of God's Word must always take precedence over cultural relevance, ministry trends, and personal preferences.

A Church That Makes Disciples

Jesus did not instruct His followers to organize grand gatherings. Instead, He commanded them to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). Discipleship transcends merely attending services or participating in ministry teams. It is a lifelong journey of being transformed into the image of Christ. Paul characterized his ministry as "presenting everyone mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28), and Ephesians 4 explains that church leaders are meant to equip the saints until they reach maturity in Christ. While healthy churches celebrate conversions, they are also deeply committed to spiritual growth. The objective is not just to fill pews but to cultivate believers who understand God's Word, strive for holiness, serve others, and faithfully share the gospel.

A Church Led by Shepherds

The New Testament consistently depicts pastors as shepherds responsible for the well-being of Christ's flock. Peter urged elders to shepherd God's people with willingness, eagerness, and by setting a good example, rather than for personal gain or influence (1 Peter 5:1–4). Jesus Himself stated that the Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Biblical leadership is characterized by humility, a servant's heart, and selfless love. Although effective administration and organizational skills are important, they can never substitute the shepherd's duty to know, protect, nourish, and care for God's people.

A Church Marked by Genuine Community

The early church represented much more than just a weekly meeting. Believers lived life in community. They prayed collectively, supported each other through challenges, practiced hospitality, looked after those in need, confessed their sins, and provided daily encouragement to one another. Christian fellowship extends beyond merely attending an event. The Church functions as a family, embraced by the Father, united through Christ, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. A true biblical community fosters accountability, encouragement, and spiritual development that cannot be achieved through programs alone.

A Church That Pursues Holiness

One often overlooked aspect in conversations about church vitality is holiness. The apostles consistently urged believers to lead lives that reflect the gospel (Philippians 1:27), to seek sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and to eradicate sin through the Holy Spirit's power (Romans 8:13). Churches are not merely tasked with drawing people in but with guiding them to become more like Christ. Grace does not diminish God's standard of holiness; rather, it enables believers to strive for it. A thriving church proclaims both the forgiveness available in Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit that follows true repentance.

A Church Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The extraordinary expansion of the book of Acts cannot be credited to creative strategies or charismatic leaders. Time and again, Luke emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enabled courageous preaching, transformed hearts, brought believers together, provided the Church with spiritual gifts, and upheld steadfast witness even amidst persecution. While programs can structure ministry, it is solely the Holy Spirit that can generate spiritual vitality. The Church has consistently thrived when its trust was placed not in human strength but in divine power.

Christ Must Remain the Head of the Church

Ultimately, the key feature of the New Testament church is not its organizational structure, size, style of worship, or ministry approach. Rather, it is its submission to Jesus Christ. Paul states that Christ "is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18). Every decision, ministry, sermon, leadership framework, and success metric must operate under His authority. The Church is owned by Christ. It was redeemed by His blood, established by His power, and upheld by His Spirit. When the Church loses sight of this truth, it tends to replace divine design with human reasoning. As we assess any ministry, be it ARC, a denomination, an independent church, or our own congregation, the fundamental question is not whether it is innovative, influential, or experiencing rapid growth. Instead, we must ask if it increasingly embodies the priorities of the New Testament church: steadfast commitment to God's Word, dedicated discipleship, humble leadership, genuine community, holy living, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and unwavering loyalty to Jesus Christ. While these priorities may not always lead to the largest congregations, they will foster faithful churches. Ultimately, it is faithfulness, not popularity, that Christ will use to evaluate His Church.

Final Thoughts

In this post, we have explored the Association of Related Churches (ARC) through a biblical perspective rather than an emotional one. We have recognized the network's authentic contributions to church planting, evangelism, leadership development, and community outreach. Simultaneously, we have examined several aspects where the philosophy often linked to the contemporary church-growth movement warrants thorough biblical scrutiny. If there is one key takeaway from this discussion, it is this: the focus is not solely on ARC. ARC serves merely as a case study within a broader dialogue occurring across evangelical Christianity. The inquiries presented here should extend beyond a single network, denomination, or movement. They ought to prompt every pastor, elder, ministry leader, and church member to confront challenging yet vital questions about their own church. Are we truly making disciples, or are we just drawing in attendees? Are our sermons grounded in Scripture, or do we mainly utilize Scripture to back the topics we wish to discuss? Do our leaders act as shepherds who know, nurture, protect, and love the flock, or have we inadvertently embraced leadership models that prioritize influence over spiritual care? Is our success gauged by transformed lives and increasing holiness, or is it primarily based on attendance, campuses, budgets, and social media presence? Are we constructing Christ's Church according to His blueprint, or are we trying to create successful organizations using any methods that appear effective? These questions are not simple, but they are crucial. One of the most significant threats to the Church has never stemmed from external persecution. Historically, the more pressing danger has often been the insidious temptation to let culture alter the Church from within. Each generation confronts this same issue. We are perpetually lured to trade faithfulness for effectiveness, depth for breadth, discipleship for popularity, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for trust in human strategies. This struggle is not a recent phenomenon. The Corinthian church grappled with worldly wisdom and division. The Galatians veered towards legalism. The Laodicean church grew complacent and self-reliant. Throughout Revelation 2–3, Jesus consistently urged His churches to repent, not out of abandonment, but out of love. That same call persists today. The intention of this post has never been to dishearten those who serve diligently within ARC churches or to imply that God cannot work through flawed individuals and organizations. Every church has its blind spots. Every denomination has its shortcomings. Every pastor, including the writer of this post, is in constant need of God's grace and the guidance of His Word. The issue has never been whether God can utilize a ministry. God has always worked through imperfect individuals. The real question is whether we are prepared to let Scripture, rather than success, tradition, personality, or culture, continually reshape our understanding of the Church. The Reformers upheld the principle of Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, meaning "the church reformed, always being reformed according to the Word of God." This principle remains as vital today as it was five centuries ago. No movement, network, denomination, or independent church should ever assume it has reached its destination. We are all accountable to the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. If this post has prompted you to reflect critically on your own church, start not with criticism but with prayer. Pray for your pastors. Pray for your elders. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that Christ would purify His Church, empower faithful shepherds, reveal any unhealthy practices, and cultivate believers who cherish His Word above all trends and prioritize His glory over any earthly standard of success. Above all, keep in mind this truth: Jesus promised to build His Church (Matthew 16:18). That promise is not contingent upon a network, a denomination, a celebrity pastor, or a specific ministry model. It is solely founded on Christ Himself. Our mission is not to create the largest church. Our mission is not to establish the most influential church. Our mission is not to innovate the most cutting-edge church. Our mission is to remain faithful. One day, every pastor, elder, ministry leader, and church member will find themselves before the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). On that day, attendance figures, budgets, platforms, and influence will become insignificant. The only question that will hold weight is whether we have faithfully managed what Christ has entrusted to us. Let us never mistake success for faithfulness. Let us never replace methods with the gospel. Let us never place personalities above Christ. And may the Church, in every generation, continually return to the simple, beautiful, and powerful pattern outlined in Scripture, for the glory of God, the welfare of His people, and the progress of His Kingdom.

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Footnotes and Recommended Resources

The intention of this post is not to conduct an in-depth study of the Association of Related Churches (ARC) or modern evangelical church movements. Instead, it aims to inspire readers to evaluate ministry philosophies against the backdrop of Scripture. For those who want to explore these topics further, the following resources are provided.

Primary Sources

Association of Related Churches (ARC)

• Association of Related Churches. About ARC.https://www.arcchurches.com/about/

• Association of Related Churches. Our Story.https://www.arcchurches.com/our-story/

• Association of Related Churches. Statement of Faith.https://www.arcchurches.com/about/

• Association of Related Churches. Find a Church.https://www.arcchurches.com/find-a-church/

Biblical Passages Referenced

• Matthew 16:18

• Matthew 28:18–20

• John 10:1–18

• Acts 2:42–47

• Acts 17:11

• Romans 12

• 1 Corinthians 3

• Colossians 1:18, 28

• Ephesians 4:11–16

• Philippians 1:27

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3

• 1 Timothy 3:1–7

• 2 Timothy 4:1–5

• Titus 1:5–9

• Hebrews 13:17

• James 3:1

• 1 Peter 5:1–4

• Revelation 2–3

Recommended Books on the Church

Allison, Gregg R. Sojourners and Strangers: The Doctrine of the Church. Crossway, 2012.

Dever, Mark. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. Crossway, 4th Edition, 2021.

Leeman, Jonathan. One Assembly: Rethinking the Multisite and Multiservice Church Models. Crossway, 2020.

Stott, John R. W. The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor. IVP, 2007.

Strauch, Alexander. Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership. Lewis and Roth, Revised Edition, 2017.

Recommended Books on Biblical Interpretation

Klein, William W., Craig L. Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Zondervan.

Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Zondervan.

Kaiser, Walter C., Jr., and Moisés Silva. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. Zondervan.

Church History

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity (2 Volumes). HarperOne.

Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Eerdmans.

Articles and Research

For readers interested in researching both praise and criticism of ARC and the broader church-growth movement, consider reading from a variety of perspectives:

• The Roys Report (investigative journalism on church accountability)

• Christianity Today

• 9Marks Ministries

• The Gospel Coalition

• Ligonier Ministries

• Christianity Today podcasts and investigative reports on church leadership and accountability

When reading investigative reports or opinion pieces, compare all claims with primary sources whenever possible and evaluate every conclusion through the teaching of Scripture.

Final Encouragement

No ministry, denomination, network, or pastor should be above biblical examination. Likewise, no criticism should be accepted uncritically. As Luke records concerning the Bereans:

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." — Acts 17:11 (ESV)

May that same spirit characterize every believer as we seek to love Christ, cherish His Church, and remain faithful to His Word.

Returning to the Way (Part 3): Rediscovering the Church Jesus Intended

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Series: Returning to the Way

A three-part series exploring how the Church can rediscover biblical discipleship, servant leadership, and the mission Jesus entrusted to His people.

You are reading: Part 3 of 3

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If the first two parts of this series have posed tough questions, this last article aims to tackle one of the most crucial ones.

So, where do we go from here?

Recognizing that the Church has strayed in some areas is one thing. Figuring out how to react is a whole different ball game.

The easy choice might be to think that the solution is to walk away.

Walk away from the church.

Walk away from the denomination.

Walk away from organized Christianity.

Walk away from leadership.

Walk away from ministry altogether.

Many people have taken that route, believing that if the institution is flawed, then Christ must be sought outside of it.

But that’s not the message we get from the New Testament.

Jesus didn’t promise to establish a denomination.

He promised to build His Church.

The Church has never been owned by pastors, movements, traditions, or institutions. It belongs to Christ. This means that our reaction to brokenness isn't to walk away, it’s to actively engage in Christ's ongoing work of renewal.

Historically, whenever God has sparked revival among His people, He seldom begins by replacing the Church.

He starts by renewing it.

The prophets called Israel back.

Jesus called God's people back.

The apostles called the churches back.

Time and again, Scripture shows that God is all about restoring what has strayed rather than tossing it aside.

That truth should inspire hope in us.

The Church's most significant moments have never hinged on its perfection.

They have always relied on Christ's faithfulness.

If that’s the case, maybe our first question shouldn’t be, "How do we fix the Church?"

Maybe it should be,

"How do we become the kind of disciples Jesus can use to renew His Church?"

Renewal has always started with everyday people who fully surrender to God.

Before revival sweeps through cities, it starts in individual hearts.

Before churches transform, people must transform.

Before ministries thrive, leaders need to humble themselves before Christ.

Every enduring movement of God has followed this pattern.

So where do we kick things off?

We start with repentance.

Repentance is one of the most misinterpreted terms in modern Christianity. Many hear it and instantly think of shame or judgment. Biblically, repentance is something much more beautiful. It’s a gracious invitation to turn away from whatever has taken hold of our hearts and return to the God who has never stopped chasing after us.

Repentance isn’t just about admitting our sins.

It’s about reorienting our lives around Christ once more.

Maybe churches need to rethink measuring success by attendance rather than by discipleship.

Maybe pastors should rethink their focus on building platforms instead of nurturing people.

Maybe church members ought to reconsider their role as consumers rather than contributors.

Perhaps we all need to reflect on how we've let politics, personalities, traditions, or preferences take the place that should be reserved for Christ alone.

Repentance isn’t a sign of weakness.

It’s actually the gateway to renewal.

From repentance springs a fresh commitment to discipleship.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus' ministry is how ordinary it often seemed.

He spent years walking along dusty paths.

He shared meals with others.

He responded to questions.

He posed questions.

He offered corrections.

He provided encouragement.

He listened intently.

He prayed fervently.

He poured himself into a relatively small group of individuals who would go on to change the world.

Jesus never seemed hurried.

He never mistook busyness for productivity.

He recognized that the Kingdom of God grows mainly through transformed individuals.

At some point, many churches became skilled at attracting crowds while unintentionally overlooking the slower, often hidden work of disciple-making.

Discipleship isn't usually about the spotlight.

It unfolds at dinner tables.

In cozy living rooms.

Over steaming cups of coffee.

During visits to the hospital.

In prayer gatherings.

Through genuine conversations.

By diving into the Scriptures together.

By supporting someone through their failures instead of walking away from them.

Discipleship isn't just another program in the Church.

It's the very heart of the Church.

When we put discipleship back at the center, leadership starts to change too.

Jesus redefined what greatness really means.

In a society where leadership often equates to power, influence, and fame, Jesus took a towel, wrapped it around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet.

The King became a servant.

That moment should always influence how Christians view leadership.

Biblical leaders aren't here to create their own empires.

They're here to help others thrive.

Their success isn't about how many people recognize their name, but about how many people grow closer to Christ because of their impact.

Healthy leadership leads to mature disciples.

It empowers instead of controlling.

It nurtures rather than overpowers.

It values faithfulness more than popularity.

One of the biggest changes the Church needs today is shifting from a performance-driven culture to one focused on presence.

Performance questions, "How impressive was Sunday?"

Presence questions, "Did we meet Christ?"

Performance wonders, "How many showed up?"

Presence wonders, "How many are growing closer to Jesus?"

Performance fills up schedules.

Presence changes hearts.

The early Church grasped something we really need to get back to.

Christianity was never meant to be just a weekly event.

It was a communal way of living.

Believers gathered for worship, but they also shared meals.

They prayed together.

They supported each other through tough times.

They looked after widows.

They were generous givers.

They welcomed newcomers.

Their faith reached far beyond the buildings where they met.

Maybe that’s why the Church grew with such incredible strength.

People didn’t just listen to sermons.

They saw a completely different lifestyle in action.

Just think about what could happen if churches were known for that again.

Picture communities where lonely individuals instantly found a family.

Where struggling marriages discovered mentors.

Where young believers found spiritual parents.

Where pastors saw their greatest achievement as raising new leaders rather than making themselves irreplaceable.

Where everyone realized that ministry is for every follower of Jesus, not just those with titles.

Imagine a place where disagreements are approached with humility.

Where repentance is something to celebrate.

Where forgiveness is a regular practice.

Where truth and love go hand in hand.

Would that make all problems vanish?

Not at all.

The New Testament clearly shows that churches will grapple with sin until Christ comes back.

But maybe our witness would start to resemble the Church that Jesus envisioned.

As I think about everything we've discussed in this series, one question keeps popping up in my mind.

If Jesus walked into our churches this Sunday, what would make Him rejoice?

I believe He would be joyful wherever people are truly worshiping Him.

Where the Scriptures are shared faithfully.

Where kids are learning the gospel.

Where the hungry are fed.

Where missionaries are sent out.

Where those in pain find comfort.

Where believers help each other with humility.

There’s so much good happening in the Church that social media often overlooks.

But I also think He would gently challenge us with tough questions.

Have you kept your first love alive?

Are you making disciples?

Are you serving others or just chasing status?

Are your traditions helping people follow Me?

Are you recognized for your love?

These questions aren’t threats.

They’re invitations.

Invitations to come back.

Invitations to remember.

Invitations to realign our lives with the One who called us.

The Church doesn’t need another celebrity.

It needs shepherds.

The Church doesn’t need another marketing strategy.

It needs disciples.

The Church doesn’t need more cultural influence if it compromises biblical faithfulness.

It needs greater surrender.

Long before the Church was recognized for cathedrals, conferences, publishing houses, podcasts, or denominations, it was known for something much simpler.

A group of everyday people had met the risen Christ.

They loved each other deeply.

They committed themselves to the apostles' teaching.

They shared meals.

They prayed together.

They served together.

They took the hope of the gospel to every corner of the world.

That’s still the mission.

It hasn’t changed.

The solution to the challenges the Church faces today isn’t to create a new version of Christianity.

It’s to rediscover the One who has always been at its core.

Let’s never get so focused on protecting our institutions that we forget the mission Christ gave us.

Let’s never get so caught up in winning arguments that we overlook the importance of loving people.

Let’s never get so busy building ministries that we forget to make disciples.

And let’s always remember that the hope of the Church has never depended on its buildings, budgets, traditions, or leaders.

Its hope has always been, and always will be, in Jesus Christ.

Maybe the greatest revival our generation could see wouldn’t start with bigger churches or louder voices.

Maybe it would start with believers quietly opening their Bibles again, humbly kneeling in repentance, faithfully loving their neighbors, boldly sharing the gospel, and intentionally making disciples one life at a time.

That kind of Church might never make the news.

But it will resemble exactly what Jesus intended.

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Rooted Reflection

Throughout this series, we've tackled some tough questions about the Church, our priorities, and how we present ourselves to the world. But as we wrap things up, let's keep this in mind: the Church isn't just 'them'; it's us.

It's pretty easy to criticize the Church from afar. The real challenge is letting God take a good look at our own hearts. Renewal doesn’t kick off in church buildings, denominational offices, or on conference stages. It starts when everyday followers of Jesus decide to surrender their lives to Him.

The Church has never been transformed by people waiting for someone else to step up. It has always been revitalized by believers who quietly dedicated themselves to prayer, repentance, faithful obedience, and making disciples wherever God has placed them. You might never lead a massive church, start a movement, or write a bestseller, but each of us has the same calling: to follow Jesus and help others do the same faithfully.

As you wrap up this series, don’t just ponder what needs to change in the Church. Consider what Christ is inviting you to do next. Revival has never begun with large crowds; it has always started with individuals willing to say, 'Lord, start with me.'

Let’s strive to be people who are deeply grounded in God’s Word, constantly growing in Christ, and dedicated to reflecting His truth, love, and mission in every aspect of our lives.

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Questions for Reflection

• After reading this series, what has challenged me the most about my own walk with Christ?

• Am I actively making disciples, or have I unintentionally settled into simply attending church?

• In what areas of my life is Jesus calling me to greater humility, repentance, or obedience?

• How can I better reflect both the truth and the love of Christ in my home, workplace, church, and community?

• What gifts, experiences, or opportunities has God entrusted to me that I can use to strengthen His Church rather than simply consume it?

• If every believer lived out their faith the way I do, what kind of church would we become?

• What is one specific step I will take this week to intentionally invest in someone else's spiritual growth?

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A Prayer for the Church

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Church. Forgive us for the times we have allowed our traditions, preferences, or agendas to take priority over Your mission. Teach us to love as Christ loved, to speak the truth with grace, and to faithfully make disciples wherever You have placed us. Begin Your work of renewal in our own hearts, and use us to strengthen Your Church for the glory of Your name. May everything we build point people to Jesus, and may our lives reflect the hope of the gospel until He returns. Amen.

Returning to the Way (Part 2): When We Become Known More for What We Oppose Than Who We Follow

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Series: Returning to the Way

A three-part series exploring how the Church can rediscover biblical discipleship, servant leadership, and the mission Jesus entrusted to His people.

You are reading: Part 2 of 3

Next Article → Rediscovering the Church Jesus Intended

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If there's one question that's really stuck with me over the years, it's this:

If someone completely unfamiliar with Christianity just watched our conversations, our social media posts, our public actions, and how we interact with our communities, would they think we’re mostly known for our love, or for what we oppose?

I must admit I am working on this one.

This question isn’t meant to downplay the significance of truth. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The Bible consistently urges believers to stand firm in their faith, reject false teachings, and hold on to sound doctrine. The New Testament never suggests that Christians should water down their biblical beliefs just to fit in with the culture.

However, the New Testament also doesn’t separate truth from love.

Somehow, in various parts of today’s Christianity, we’ve acted like we have to pick one over the other. We’ve set up false dichotomies where love is seen as a weakness and truth is treated as a license for being harsh. But Jesus never exemplified either of those extremes.

He was overflowing with grace and truth.

Not just half grace and half truth.

Totally full of both.

Jesus never compromised on holiness, yet sinners were attracted to Him. He didn’t dilute God’s standards, but the broken found hope in His presence. He boldly confronted hypocrisy while showing incredible compassion to those who acknowledged their need for mercy.

That should make us think.

If Jesus perfectly represented truth and love, why do we often find it hard to keep them together?

Maybe part of the reason is that it’s easier to win arguments than to truly love people.

Arguments need information.

Love demands sacrifice.

You can win arguments from afar.

Love needs us to be close.

Arguments usually don’t cost us much. But love can cost us everything. The apostle Paul really got this struggle. When he wrote to the church in Corinth, a group dealing with division, pride, immaturity, and confusion about their beliefs, he didn’t just tell them to get smarter. He reminded them that knowledge without love is just hollow. He even claimed that someone could have amazing spiritual gifts, incredible faith, and deep understanding, but without love, it all means nothing.

That’s a pretty heavy thought.

Just think about it: standing in front of Christ one day and realizing that our focus on being doctrinally correct was never supposed to take the place of having a Christlike character.

Throughout the history of the church, every movement that has truly changed communities has been characterized by a mix of conviction and compassion. From believers saving abandoned babies in the early days, to Christians looking after plague victims while others ran away, to missionaries working hard to translate the Scriptures into languages that hadn’t been reached, and regular churches providing food for the hungry and support for widows, the Church shines brightest when it shows truth through acts of sacrificial love.

People didn’t just hear the gospel.

They witnessed it.

Yet, at some point, many of us have started to be more defined by our responses.

We respond to culture.

We respond to politics.

We respond to moral decay.

We respond to theological mistakes.

There's definitely a time and place to tackle these issues. Christians are meant to figure out what's true and what's not, and to speak up when it counts. But when our message turns mostly reactive, something sneaky starts to happen.

People begin to miss what we stand for because all they hear is what we're against.

It's ironic that Jesus spent way more time sharing the Kingdom of God than he did responding to the Roman authorities.

He dedicated much more time to healing the hurting than he did to criticizing society.

He focused way more on mentoring twelve disciples than on trying to get the thumbs up from the religious leaders.

His ministry was all about intention.

He didn’t overlook sin.

He just chose not to let sin take center stage in His mission.

His mission was all about redemption.

You can see the same theme in the book of Acts. The early Church didn’t gain recognition because they had the best political tactics or cultural sway. They became known because everyday people were so changed by the gospel that whole communities couldn’t help but notice what God was doing among them.

Their generosity was really noticeable.

Their unity was really noticeable.

Their courage was really noticeable.

Their compassion was really noticeable.

Their joy was really noticeable.

Even their opponents recognized that these believers had "turned the world upside down."

Sometimes I wonder if we've accidentally flipped our priorities.

Instead of asking, "How can we show Christ's love?" we often start with, "How can we defend Christianity?"

Defense has its role. The Scriptures tell believers to explain the hope they have inside them. But when apologetics is separated from love, it turns into just an intellectual fight.

The aim of defending the faith has never been about winning arguments.

The aim has always been about winning hearts.

This is where the Church needs to be cautious not to mix boldness with being abrasive.

Biblical boldness isn't just being loud for the sake of it.

It's about being faithful no matter the outcome.

Similarly, biblical love isn't just about being sentimentally tolerant.

It's about being honest because eternity is at stake, while also treating everyone as beings made in God's image.

When we share truth without love, it often drives people away before they can even hear the gospel.

On the flip side, love without truth doesn't change anyone through the gospel.

The Church needs a balance of both.

One of the clearest signs that something has gone off course is when non-believers are more aware of what Christians are against than who the Savior is that Christians share.

Just think if our communities recognized us mainly for how our ministries helped restore marriages.

For how lonely individuals found a family.

For how those struggling with addiction discovered hope.

For how single mothers received support.

For how foster kids found loving homes.

For how the needy were looked after.

For how prisoners were reached out to.

For how neighborhoods thrived simply because followers of Jesus were part of them.

Will people still have differing opinions about our beliefs?

Absolutely.

Even Jesus faced rejection.

The gospel has always challenged human pride.

However, there’s a significant distinction between people being upset by the message of the cross and being upset by the messenger.

One is sometimes unavoidable.

The other can often be avoided.

As followers of Jesus, we aren’t meant to create offense.

We’re meant to share Christ faithfully.

This calls for a humility that’s becoming increasingly rare in our society.

It means listening before we speak.

Serving before we demand.

Repenting before we criticize.

Loving before we label.

We need to remember that every individual we meet, no matter their beliefs, politics, lifestyle, or history, is someone for whom Christ sacrificed Himself.

That truth should influence every conversation we engage in.

Maybe this is one of the biggest challenges the Church faces today.

Not to lessen our commitment to truth.

But to be so filled with Christ’s love that every tough conversation, every biblical stance, every act of correction, and every public statement is clearly driven by the desire to see people reconciled to God.

When Jesus mentioned that the world would recognize His disciples by their love, He wasn’t outlining a marketing plan.

He was highlighting the proof of a changed heart.

So, the real question isn’t whether we’re standing for truth.

The real question is whether we’re standing for truth in a manner that reflects the heart of the One who is "full of grace and truth."

Because the world doesn’t just need Christians who are correct.

It needs Christians who embody Jesus.

In the next and final segment of this series, we’ll dive into what it looks like to return to biblical leadership and disciple-making, and why the future well-being of the Church relies not on creating better institutions but on developing individuals who genuinely follow Christ.

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Rooted Reflection

One of the greatest temptations is to believe that standing for truth automatically means we are reflecting Christ. But Scripture calls us to something deeper. Jesus never asked His followers to choose between truth and love because He embodied both perfectly. As His disciples, our goal is not merely to be right, it is to become more like Him.

As you reflect on this article, resist the temptation to think only about the Church as a whole. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your own heart. How do you speak about people who disagree with you? Do your words point others toward Christ or simply reinforce your opinions? Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect the character of Jesus. May we become people who never compromise biblical truth, yet whose lives are so marked by humility, compassion, and love that even our hardest conversations reveal the heart of Christ.

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Questions for Reflection

• When people interact with me, are they more likely to remember my convictions or the love of Christ they experienced through me?

• Have I ever allowed being "right" to become more important than representing Jesus well?

• Are my conversations on social media, at work, and in my community marked by both truth and grace?

• How can I intentionally demonstrate the love of Christ to someone with whom I strongly disagree this week?

• Does my life reflect the balance of grace and truth that Jesus modeled, or do I naturally lean toward one at the expense of the other?

• If someone only knew Jesus through my words and actions, what picture of Him would they see?

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Continue Reading

➡️ Next in the Series

Returning to the Way (Part 3): Rediscovering the Church Jesus Intended

It's one thing to recognize where the Church has drifted, it's another to know how to move forward. In the final part of this series, we'll explore what it practically looks like to return to biblical leadership, disciple-making, and a Church marked by truth, love, repentance, and the mission of Christ.

Read Part 3 → Rediscovering the Church Jesus Intended

Returning to the Way (Part 1): When We Protect the Institution More Than the Mission

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Series: Returning to the Way

A three-part series exploring how the Church can rediscover biblical discipleship, servant leadership, and the mission Jesus entrusted to His people.

You are reading: Part 1 of 3

Next Article → When We Become Known More for What We Oppose Than Who We Follow

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I love the Church.

That statement really matters, because what comes next isn't coming from a place of cynicism or bitterness. It's coming from a place of genuine concern, strong belief, and hope. The Church is Christ's bride, His body, and the tool He chose to spread the gospel to everyone. Since I care about the Church, I think we need to be open to asking tough questions whenever we start to stray from the purpose for which Christ set her up.

One question has continued to press on my heart:

Are we now more focused on safeguarding Christian institutions rather than staying true to biblical faithfulness?

It's not about whether institutions are bad by nature. Over the years, God has worked through denominations, seminaries, mission groups, and local churches to achieve amazing things. Many lives have been changed because dedicated individuals poured their hearts into creating ministries that spread the gospel, developed leaders, and supported communities. Institutions can truly be wonderful blessings.

The real risk arises when the organization turns into the goal.

Every organization has this instinct to protect itself. Businesses do it, governments do it, schools do it, and churches are no exception. Over time, there can be a subtle shift where safeguarding reputation takes precedence over seeking repentance, keeping attendance becomes more crucial than making disciples, and upholding tradition overshadows the need for biblical correction.

The Bible shows us time and again that God’s main concern isn’t about keeping religious systems intact. His focus has always been on the hearts of His people.

In the Old Testament, Israel went through periods of incredible blessings followed by painful rebellion. When the nation strayed, God didn’t send prophets to safeguard its image. Instead, He sent prophets to urge His people back to their covenant with Him. Their message was consistently clear: repent, return, and remember the God who saved you.

Jesus continued that same pattern.

When Christ was around the religious leaders of His time, He didn't reserve His harshest words for tax collectors, prostitutes, or Roman officials. Instead, He aimed them at those who had mastered religion but overlooked the essence of God. They were well-versed in Scripture, followed traditions closely, and defended their beliefs with great fervor. However, Jesus revealed a deeper issue. In their quest to uphold their traditions, they started to ignore justice, mercy, faithfulness, and true love for both God and their neighbors.

One of the most striking realities in the Gospels is that individuals can be intensely devoted to religious practices while drifting away from the heart of God.

That possibility should humble every one of us.

We should also remember that the solution isn't to walk away from the Church. Instead, it's about letting the Church be constantly renewed by the Word of God.

When Jesus shared what we often refer to as the Great Commission, His guidance was quite straightforward. He didn't instruct His followers to create grand organizations, set up complex ministry frameworks, or gain cultural power. He simply told them to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to follow all that He had commanded.

The mission was always pretty straightforward.

Follow Jesus.

Assist others in following Jesus.

Do it again.

Everything the Church creates, be it buildings, budgets, programs, denominations, or leadership structures, is meant to support that mission, not to take its place.

Sadly, many churches have gotten really good at bringing people together without truly making disciples. We’ve nailed marketing. We’ve polished our production skills. We’ve crafted strategic plans and organizational charts. None of this is bad in itself. Actually, these can be great tools. But they become risky when they begin to replace the work only the Holy Spirit can do.

The New Testament doesn't just look at attendance to gauge success.

It focuses on faithfulness.

Are disciples being made?

Is the gospel moving forward?

Are believers becoming more holy?

Are leaders training the saints?

Are the needy being looked after?

Is Christ being honored?

These questions are quite different from what we usually consider today.

This tension really stands out when moral failures or abuse happen in Christian organizations. Too often, our instinct is to shield the ministry, defend the leader, protect the reputation, or downplay the damage. We tell ourselves that revealing sin could harm the Church's witness.

But Scripture clearly teaches the opposite.

Concealed sin never bolsters the witness of God's people.

Repentance does.

Confession does.

Humility does.

Truth does.

The Church's credibility has never depended on looking flawless. It has always been about directing people to the only One who truly is.

That’s why I think the Church's biggest need today isn’t another strategic plan.

It’s repentance.

Not just personal repentance, though that’s crucial. We also need corporate repentance. We need churches ready to acknowledge where they’ve strayed, leaders willing to admit their failures, and congregations open to questioning whether long-standing traditions still support the mission Christ gave to His followers.

This isn’t a call to tear down every institution.

It’s a call to assess every institution against the Word of God.

Every ministry should regularly confront tough questions.

Are we making disciples or just drawing in attendees?

Are we equipping believers or just entertaining consumers?

Are we holding onto traditions that help people follow Jesus, or just those that make us feel comfortable?

Would our ministry still achieve its purpose if our building vanished tomorrow?

Most importantly, are we helping people know Christ more deeply, obey Him more faithfully, and love Him more completely?

These questions aren’t threats to the Church.

They’re acts of love.

Healthy things are open to examination.

Healthy churches are open to correction.

Healthy leaders are open to repentance.

Maybe the first step toward renewal isn’t asking God to change the culture around us.

Maybe it’s asking Him to start with us.

Every significant movement of God throughout history has started in a similar fashion, not with individuals clinging to their creations, but with people humbly turning back to the One who established His Church.

Before we dive into how to transform the Church, we need to first reflect on a much more personal question:

Am I more focused on safeguarding what I know than on following Christ wherever He guides?

That's the starting point for every revival.

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Rooted Reflection

It is easy to critique the Church from a distance. It is much harder, and much more biblical, to allow God to examine our own hearts first. Institutional drift doesn't begin with organizations; it begins with individuals. Every church is made up of people like you and me. If we long to see renewal in the Church, we must first invite Christ to renew us.

Perhaps the question isn't simply whether the Church has drifted. Perhaps the better question is, Have I drifted? Am I more concerned with preserving what is familiar than faithfully following wherever Jesus leads? Revival has always begun with people who were willing to let God change them before asking Him to change everyone else.

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Questions for Reflection

• Where have I confused tradition with biblical conviction?

• Am I contributing to disciple-making or simply attending church?

• What would need to change in my own life if I took the Great Commission more seriously?

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Continue Reading

➡️ Next in the Series

Returning to the Way (Part 2): When We Become Known More for What We Oppose Than Who We Follow

How can the Church faithfully hold to biblical truth while ensuring love, not outrage, remains the defining mark of our witness?

Read Part 2 → When We Become Known More for What We Oppose Than Who We Follow

What Makes Housing Affordable?

Looking Beyond Political Talking Points to Understand Why Some Communities Thrive While Others Struggle.

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Beyond The Headlines

Looking Beyond the Headlines to Understand the Story Behind the Story

An Editorial Feature from The Rooted Life

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Author's Note

Throughout this series, we've explored one of the most debated public policy issues facing our country today: housing affordability.

In the first article, we asked whether New York City's rent freeze was treating the symptom of the housing crisis rather than the disease itself. In the second, we examined what happens when the cost of operating housing continues rising while rental income remains constrained. Along the way we looked at history, examined economic realities, and considered how well-intentioned policies can sometimes produce unintended consequences.

Those conversations naturally lead to one final question.

If long-term affordability cannot be achieved simply by freezing prices, then what actually creates affordable housing?

This may be the most important question in the entire series because it moves us beyond criticism and into solutions.

It is always easier to explain why something doesn't work than it is to propose something better.

Yet if we genuinely care about families struggling to find affordable places to live, we owe them more than criticism.

We owe them thoughtful solutions.

Looking Beyond the Headlines

One of the most important lessons we've learned throughout this series is that housing affordability is far more complicated than political debates often suggest.

It is tempting to believe every major problem has one major cause.

If landlords are the problem, regulate landlords.

If developers are the problem, regulate developers.

If government is the problem, reduce government.

If investors are the problem, restrict investors.

Simple answers are attractive because they make complicated issues feel manageable.

Reality is rarely that simple.

Housing affordability is influenced by dozens of interconnected decisions made over many years. Interest rates influence borrowing costs. Construction costs determine whether projects remain financially viable. Local zoning affects where homes can be built. Infrastructure determines where communities can grow. Labor shortages influence construction timelines. Population growth affects demand. Inflation changes nearly every expense associated with building and maintaining homes.

Each of these factors matters.

None of them tells the whole story.

That reality should produce something our public conversations desperately need more of.

Humility.

The housing crisis was not created by one decision.

It will not be solved by one decision either.

Building Healthy Systems Instead of Chasing Quick Fixes

Perhaps the greatest lesson we've learned is that healthy communities are built on healthy systems.

Throughout history, societies have often searched for immediate solutions to long-term problems. Sometimes those solutions provide temporary relief. Sometimes they genuinely improve people's lives. Occasionally, however, they relieve today's pressure while allowing the deeper problem to continue growing beneath the surface.

Housing works much the same way.

Affordable communities are rarely created because leaders discovered one brilliant policy.

They are created because leaders consistently make hundreds of good decisions over many years.

They encourage responsible growth.

They maintain infrastructure.

They simplify unnecessary bureaucracy without sacrificing public safety.

They create predictable environments where families, builders, lenders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments can all work together toward common goals.

Healthy systems rarely make exciting headlines.

They simply produce healthier communities over time.

That may be one of the greatest challenges facing modern leadership.

Many of the best decisions never become tomorrow's headline because their greatest benefits may not become visible for years.

Yet those are often the decisions that shape future generations the most.

Affordability Is More Than Price

One mistake we often make is assuming affordability and low prices mean the same thing.

They do not.

A community can temporarily lower housing costs through subsidies or price controls while still facing long-term shortages if too few homes continue being built.

Likewise, a city can approve new development while failing to address transportation, schools, utilities, or infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth.

True affordability requires something much larger.

It requires enough housing to meet demand.

It requires predictable investment.

It requires wages capable of supporting families.

It requires communities where young adults believe homeownership remains possible.

It requires neighborhoods that remain safe, attractive, and economically healthy for decades rather than election cycles.

Perhaps the better question is no longer,

"How do we make housing cheaper?"

Perhaps it becomes,

"How do we build communities where affordability can continue for generations?"

That is an entirely different conversation.

And perhaps a much more hopeful one.

Final Reflections: Looking Beyond the Housing Crisis

When this series began, we started with what seemed like a simple question.

Would freezing rent solve New York City's housing crisis?

Like many public policy debates, the answer proved far more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Throughout this series, we've discovered that housing affordability is not shaped by one policy, one political party, one economic theory, or one group of people. It is influenced by decades of decisions involving zoning, infrastructure, construction costs, financing, population growth, regulation, investment, and leadership.

In our first article, we explored whether rent freezes address the root causes of housing affordability or primarily provide temporary relief from its symptoms. We recognized that protecting struggling families is a worthy and compassionate goal, while also asking whether lasting solutions require us to address the conditions that created the crisis in the first place.

In the second article, we examined the financial realities of housing itself. Buildings continue to age. Roofs still need replacing. Property taxes, insurance, labor, utilities, and maintenance continue to rise regardless of whether rents increase. We also looked at historical examples that demonstrated how even well-intentioned policies can produce unintended consequences when incentives are overlooked.

Now we arrive at the final lesson.

Lasting affordability is not built through one policy.

It is built through wise leadership.

Healthy communities are rarely the product of quick political victories. They are the result of patient decisions made consistently over many years, decisions that encourage responsible growth, protect vulnerable families, promote good stewardship, and create opportunities for future generations.

Perhaps that is the greatest lesson this housing conversation offers all of us.

Leadership is not simply about solving today's problem.

It is about ensuring today's solution does not become tomorrow's crisis.

That principle extends far beyond housing.

It applies to education.

Healthcare.

Immigration.

Government spending.

Economic development.

Church leadership.

Family life.

And nearly every significant decision we make.

Good leaders are willing to look beyond the next headline.

They think beyond the next election.

They think beyond the next budget cycle.

They think beyond themselves.

As Christians, we have an opportunity to model that kind of leadership.

Scripture continually calls God's people to pursue both compassion and wisdom. Compassion moves us toward people who are hurting today. Wisdom helps us build a tomorrow where fewer people experience the same hardships. Neither can fully accomplish God's purposes without the other.

My hope throughout this series has never been to convince you that one political party has all the answers or that one policy can solve every problem.

Rather, my hope has been to encourage all of us, including myself, to slow down, ask better questions, examine history, consider long-term consequences, and approach complex issues with both humility and conviction.

Because truth deserves more than slogans.

Leadership requires more than good intentions.

And healthy communities are built not by reacting to today's headlines, but by understanding the story behind them.

Thank you for joining me on this first journey through Beyond the Headlines.

I hope it is the first of many thoughtful conversations we'll have together.

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About This Series

Beyond the Headlines is a series from The Rooted Life that explores today's biggest issues through history, research, economics, leadership, and biblical wisdom. The goal is not to generate outrage or reinforce political talking points but to encourage thoughtful conversations grounded in evidence, humility, and a Christian worldview.

When Costs Don’t Freeze

What Happens When Rent Stays the Same but the Cost of Providing Housing Continues to Rise?

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Beyond The Headlines

Looking Beyond the Headlines to Understand the Story Behind the Story

An Editorial Feature from The Rooted Life

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Author's Note

At the end of my previous article, The Cost of Good Intentions, I left readers with a question:

What happens when the price of housing is frozen, but the cost of providing that housing continues to rise?

That question lies at the heart of nearly every debate surrounding rent regulation.

Before continuing, it's important to acknowledge something often missing from these conversations. Housing is deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family trying to remain in the neighborhood they love, a retiree living on a fixed income, a young couple saving for their first home, or a property owner trying to maintain a building that may have been in their family for generations.

These discussions deserve more than political slogans.

They deserve thoughtful analysis.

The goal of this article is not to defend landlords or criticize tenants. Nor is it to suggest that every landlord behaves responsibly or that every housing policy fails. Rather, my goal is to examine an often-overlooked reality: while governments can temporarily freeze the price tenants pay, they cannot freeze the costs required to operate and maintain housing.

Understanding that distinction helps explain why economists, housing experts, tenant advocates, and policymakers continue to debate rent regulation decades after it first appeared.

Introduction

Imagine owning a small apartment building that has been in your family for thirty years.

The roof eventually needs replacing.

The boiler reaches the end of its life.

Insurance premiums increase.

Property taxes rise.

Water and sewer rates climb.

Landscapers charge more.

Electricians charge more.

Plumbers charge more.

Construction materials become more expensive.

Even routine maintenance, painting hallways, repairing sidewalks, servicing elevators, replacing appliances, costs more than it did just a few years earlier.

Now imagine that while every one of those expenses continues increasing, the primary source of revenue supporting the building remains unchanged.

For many people outside the housing industry, this is the part of the conversation that often receives little attention.

Housing isn't simply a product.

It is an asset that requires continuous investment to remain safe, functional, and livable.

Unlike a completed project that never changes, apartment buildings are constantly aging. Roofs wear out. Pipes corrode. Heating systems fail. Parking lots deteriorate. Fire safety systems require inspections. Local governments update building codes. Insurance companies adjust premiums to reflect changing risks.

Whether a building contains ten apartments or two hundred, the physical realities of ownership never stop.

That reality exists regardless of politics.

What History Teaches

Public policy is often driven by good intentions, but history reminds us that good intentions do not always produce the outcomes policymakers hope for. One of the greatest advantages we have when evaluating modern policies is that we don't have to rely solely on theory. Rent regulation has existed in various forms around the world for decades, giving researchers an opportunity to study what has happened in real communities over time.

The results are not always simple. In many cases, rent regulation has provided meaningful short-term stability for existing tenants. At the same time, many researchers have concluded that prolonged rent regulation can also create challenges for future renters by reducing housing supply, discouraging investment, or changing the incentives surrounding rental housing. Understanding both sides of that equation is essential if we want to learn from history rather than simply repeat it.

When Costs Keep Rising

One of the most common misunderstandings surrounding rent regulation is the assumption that if rent remains unchanged, the financial picture of owning rental housing also remains relatively stable.

History suggests otherwise.

Operating costs rarely remain flat for long.

Inflation alone affects nearly every expense associated with housing. Labor becomes more expensive. Building materials increase in price. Utility costs fluctuate. Insurance markets respond to weather events and claims history. Interest rates influence borrowing costs. Local governments periodically reassess property values, affecting tax obligations.

The building itself doesn't know whether rent has increased.

It simply continues aging.

This is one reason organizations representing both landlords and tenants frequently present very different pictures of the same housing market.

Tenant advocates often focus on affordability, displacement, and housing stability.

Property owners frequently point to operating costs, maintenance obligations, financing, and regulatory requirements.

Both perspectives describe real challenges.

The question is how those realities interact over time.

The Financial Reality of Housing

One of the reasons this debate has persisted for decades is because rental housing operates within a delicate financial balance.

Rental income typically pays for more than a mortgage.

It also funds insurance premiums, property taxes, maintenance staff, repairs, utilities for common areas, security systems, landscaping, snow removal where applicable, legal compliance, capital improvements, emergency repairs, and reserves for future maintenance.

When major components fail, the costs can be staggering.

Replacing a roof on a multi-family building may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Installing a new boiler or HVAC system can represent another significant capital expense.

Elevator modernization often reaches well into six figures.

Water intrusion, structural repairs, or electrical upgrades may require substantial additional investment.

These expenses don't occur because owners are expanding their profits.

Many occur simply because buildings deteriorate over time.

Responsible ownership requires continual reinvestment.

Without that investment, housing quality inevitably declines.

San Francisco: Protection for Some, Fewer Homes for Others

One of the most influential studies on modern rent control was published in 2019 by economists Rebecca Diamond, Tim McQuade, and Franklin Qian at Stanford University. Their research examined the expansion of rent control in San Francisco during the 1990s and followed its long-term effects.

The study found that rent control provided significant benefits for many existing tenants. Individuals covered by the policy were less likely to move and were better able to remain in neighborhoods experiencing rapid increases in housing costs. For families worried about displacement, those findings are important and should not be dismissed.

However, the researchers also identified unintended consequences.

Over time, many property owners responded by converting rent-controlled apartments into condominiums, owner-occupied housing, or other forms of residential property that were no longer subject to rent regulations. Some redeveloped existing buildings entirely.

According to the study, these responses contributed to a reduction in the supply of rental housing while increasing the value of owner-occupied homes. The researchers estimated that the expansion of rent control ultimately reduced the city's supply of rental housing by approximately 15 percent within the affected group of properties.

That conclusion doesn't mean rent control failed completely.

It means the policy accomplished one objective, protecting many current tenants, while simultaneously creating new challenges for future renters searching for available housing.

That distinction matters because public policy often involves trade-offs rather than perfect solutions.

Stockholm: When Affordable Housing Becomes Difficult to Access

Stockholm offers another instructive example.

Sweden's capital has long maintained a system in which rents are negotiated rather than determined entirely by market forces. The goal has been to provide affordable housing while protecting tenants from sudden rent increases.

The policy has succeeded in one important respect.

Many tenants fortunate enough to obtain regulated apartments pay rents below what comparable market-rate housing might otherwise cost.

The challenge, however, has been access.

Because regulated apartments are highly desirable and turnover remains low, waiting lists have grown extraordinarily long. In some areas, prospective tenants have waited many years, and in certain neighborhoods, more than a decade, for the opportunity to secure a regulated apartment.

As a result, informal subletting arrangements and secondary housing markets have developed. Some individuals pay significantly higher prices for short-term rentals simply because they cannot obtain regulated housing through official channels.

The lesson from Stockholm is not that affordable housing is undesirable.

Rather, it demonstrates that affordability means little if families cannot actually obtain housing in a reasonable amount of time.

Affordable housing must also be available housing.

New York: A Continuing Balancing Act

New York City has wrestled with these questions longer than almost any other city in America.

Supporters of rent stabilization argue that the system has allowed millions of residents to remain in neighborhoods that would otherwise have become financially inaccessible. Many credit rent regulation with preserving community stability and protecting long-term tenants from dramatic rent increases during periods of rapid economic change.

Critics, however, point to another reality.

Operating costs continue rising regardless of rent policies.

The New York City Rent Guidelines Board annually reviews changes in expenses such as insurance, labor, fuel, taxes, maintenance, utilities, and administrative costs before determining allowable rent adjustments. Those reports consistently demonstrate that the costs of operating apartment buildings fluctuate with inflation and changing economic conditions.

When revenues remain relatively flat while expenses continue increasing, some owners argue they are forced to delay capital improvements, postpone maintenance, or reconsider future investments. Tenant advocates correctly respond that landlords also have legal obligations to maintain safe housing regardless of financial pressures and that poor maintenance cannot simply be excused by rising costs.

Both concerns are legitimate.

The challenge for policymakers is designing a system that protects tenants without unintentionally discouraging the long-term investment required to preserve and expand the housing supply.

Incentives Shape Future Decisions

These examples reveal a broader principle that extends far beyond housing.

People respond to incentives.

When financial conditions make it increasingly difficult to earn a reasonable return on investment, future investment often slows.

Developers become more cautious.

Lenders become more selective.

Property owners postpone major projects.

Investors direct capital toward communities that appear more financially predictable.

This doesn't happen because people suddenly become less compassionate.

It happens because financial decisions are influenced by expectations about future risk and future returns.

The important question, then, is not simply whether a rent freeze helps today's tenants.

The question is whether the policy creates incentives that encourage enough housing to be built, maintained, and preserved for tomorrow's tenants as well.

History suggests that this balance is one of the most difficult challenges facing housing policy.

Looking Ahead

History teaches us that protecting existing tenants and creating abundant future housing are both worthy goals.

The difficulty lies in designing policies that accomplish both at the same time.

If freezing prices alone cannot fully solve the housing crisis, and if allowing prices to rise without restraint creates genuine hardship for many families, then a larger question remains.

➡️ What Makes Housing Affordable?

Looking Beyond Political Talking Points to Understand Why Some Communities Thrive While Others Struggle

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Continue the Conversation

If you enjoyed this post:

📬 JOIN THE LIST: Receive New Blog Posts and Updates from therootedlife.online, delivered directly to your inbox.

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✓ Just thoughtful, content designed to help you grow in faith and engage the world with wisdom.

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Resources

Rebecca Diamond, Tim McQuade, and Franklin Qian, The Effects of Rent Control Expansion on Tenants, Landlords, and Inequality: Evidence from San Francisco (Stanford University).

New York City Rent Guidelines Board, annual Price Index of Operating Costs reports.

Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, The State of the Nation's Housing.

Urban Institute, research on housing affordability and supply.

Brookings Institution, housing and land-use policy research.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), housing market analysis.