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.