How ARC Church Planters Are Transforming Cities Through Faith and Generosity

Across the world, communities are being renewed by the power of local churches: ordinary people saying yes to an extraordinary calling. For more than two decades, the Association of Related Churches (ARC) has been at the heart of this movement, helping pastors and leaders launch life-giving churches that bring hope, healing, and unity to their cities.

From small towns to global cities, each new church planted through ARC carries the same vision: to reach people with the message of Jesus and to transform communities through generosity and service.

A Global Movement Rooted in Local Impact

Since its founding in 2000, ARC has helped launch 1,187 churches worldwide. Behind each one is a couple or a team who felt the call to plant, took a step of faith, and found support through ARC’s network of resources, coaching, and relationships.

These churches are more than buildings; in fact, they are centers of community life. ARC planters are known for finding creative ways to meet local needs, from hosting outreach events and providing family support to creating spaces where faith and everyday life intersect.

One shining example is Glory Bell Church in Waco, Texas, launched by Pastors Chuck and Ashley Martin. Their story began in heartbreak but grew into a testimony of restoration and purpose. After losing a child and walking through years of infertility, they felt called to say “yes” to planting a church.

That “yes” became the birth of Glory Bell, which is now a thriving church and home to Glory Bell Coffee, a vibrant 5,000-square-foot coffeehouse that brings the community together through prayer, worship, and conversation. What was once a dark corner of their city is now filled with light, music, and hope.

Generosity That Fuels Transformation

The impact of ARC’s work is not possible without the generosity of those who believe in its mission. Through campaigns like The Next One, ARC ensures that every church planter who says yes to their calling has the financial and relational support to launch strong and stay healthy.

Launching a new church requires an average investment of $150,000, and ARC provides matching funds, training, and ongoing mentorship to help new leaders succeed. The organization maintains an 85% direct-to-mission rate, meaning the vast majority of donations go directly toward church planting and community outreach.

Each year, these investments yield powerful results. In 2025 alone, ARC-supported churches welcomed more than 20,000 attendees on launch days, and 1,626 people made a decision to follow Jesus. These numbers represent real people, real families, and real communities experiencing life change.

Faith in Action Around the World

ARC’s reach now spans across the United States and into more than eight countries, including South Africa, Brazil, England, and Portugal. In every location, the mission remains the same—to help start and strengthen life-giving churches that transform cities through the Gospel.

From urban centers to rural regions, ARC planters are engaging their communities in innovative ways. Some have opened food banks, others run mentorship programs or local businesses that double as ministry spaces. The impact is both spiritual and tangible: lives are being changed, neighborhoods are being revived, and hope is being restored.

“Our purpose at ARC is simple: to help start new life-giving churches,” says Pastor Dino Rizzo, Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches. “When new churches open their doors, entire communities are transformed. That’s the power of the Gospel in action.”

Building Together for The Next One

The future of ARC’s mission depends on continued generosity and shared vision. Whether you are a church, a business leader, or an individual, your partnership helps ensure that the next pastor who feels called to plant has the resources they need to say yes.

You can sponsor a church plant, give now, or make a pledge to help fund the next wave of church planters around the world.

Learn more or get involved at arcchurches.com

About the Association of Related Churches (ARC)

The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a global network of independent congregations committed to planting and building life-giving churches. Since its founding in 2000, ARC has helped launch over 1,180 churches worldwide by offering coaching, resources, funding, and ongoing relational support. At its heart, ARC exists to see a thriving church in every community—and no leader walking alone. Learn more at arcchurches.com.