Over 75 leaders gathered to gain practical insights on how to plant and grow thriving local churches through ARC’s latest church Launch event.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Association of Related Churches (ARC) recently hosted one of its signature ARC Launch training events, bringing together more than 75 church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders from across the United States. Held March 18–19 at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, this immersive two-day experience equipped attendees with practical tools and strategies to launch and lead life-giving churches in communities both domestically and globally.
Church of the Highlands, pastored by the Association of Related Churches’ co-founder Chris Hodges, served as a meaningful backdrop for the gathering. As the very first ARC church plant in 2001, it continues to play a central role in ARC’s mission of empowering church leaders. Pastor Hodges, along with an experienced lineup of speakers and coaches, guided participants through core elements of church planting and sustainable ministry growth.
Throughout the event, attendees heard from dynamic leaders with real-world experience launching successful ARC churches. Mayo Sowell, lead pastor of LIIV Church in Atlanta (ARC church plant number 1,050), provided powerful insight on creating vision buy-in and building launch teams with purpose and passion. Andy and Christy Cass of Echo Church in Rochester, Minnesota (ARC church plant number 1,007), brought their expertise on branding and local outreach strategies.
Lee Domingue, founder of Kingdom Builders, focused on financial vision and tracking growth markers that align business and ministry leadership. Longtime Association of Related Churches’ team members Amy and Josh Roberie provided foundational coaching on church governance, strategic planning, and the integration of AI technology to maximize impact. Renowned communicators Jimmy and Irene Rollins offered guidance on balancing ministry and marriage, while Jason Laird of Citizens Church in Franklin, Tennessee (ARC church plant number 1,108), shared keys to creating engaging weekend services in portable settings.
The event concluded with a powerful commissioning and blessing from the Association of Related Churches’ President and Executive Director Dino Rizzo, who celebrated the courage and calling of those preparing to step into church planting.
“Every ARC Launch event is about more than training—it’s about relationships and encouragement,” said Rizzo. “We’re committed to walking with church planters and leaders every step of the way as they bring the message of Jesus to new communities.”
The Association of Related Churches will continue its commitment to supporting pastors through upcoming ARC Launch events scheduled for June 2–3 in Washington, D.C., August 19–20 in Carlsbad, CA, and November 18–19 back in Birmingham, AL. Those interested in planting or strengthening a local church are encouraged to register at arcchurches.com/launch.
Since its founding in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has been a catalyst in launching over 1,100 churches around the world. With its strong relational model and practical training, The Association of Related Churches continues to fuel a global movement of thriving, life-giving congregations.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.
For more information, visit www.arcchurches.com.
SOURCE Association of Related Churches
