The Association of Related Churches Planters to Launch 30+ Churches Worldwide in 2025

The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is proud to announce the launch of over 30 new life-giving churches across 15 U.S. states and seven countries during the 2025 launch season, marking a global expansion of faith and community.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2025 launch season, with over 30 new churches set to open their doors between January and March. These launches will span 15 U.S. states and seven countries, marking a dynamic expansion of the Association of Related Churches’ mission to help couples and their teams establish life-giving churches around the globe.

These church planters have spent valuable months and years preparing for this moment. Their dedication has included intensive training, strategic fundraising, team building, and outreach efforts. The end result is the creation of churches that embody vibrant, welcoming communities rooted in faith.

The first Association of Related Churches launch of 2025 took place on January 12 with Believers Church in Ladson, South Carolina, pastored by Dakota and Monica Andekin. The Andekins share a powerful vision for their church, saying, “We believe in a movement of God in the Charleston area that touches people from all backgrounds. We believe God is building His Church with great diversity and grace to transform lives.”

The Association of Related Churches’ momentum continued on January 19, when five additional churches launched, including Connection Church in Hampton, Virginia, led by Bernie and Sara Gillott. The Gillotts are committed to fostering deep relationships and meaningful connections within their community.

“We believe that God will use Connection Church to help families develop authentic connections with God and with one another. These connections will reshape homes and, in turn, our community,” the Gillotts said. “Additionally, our community has a significant military population, and we are passionate about helping those families find a healthy community to grow in. We know that amazing things happen when good people meet a great God!”

The most impactful day of the season occurs on January 26, when 10 new churches will launch simultaneously. This monumental day highlights the Association of Related Churches’ commitment to equipping leaders who can serve their communities effectively and inspire change.

The 2025 launch season isn’t limited to the United States, either. The Association of Related Churches’ global mission will continue with new churches being planted in Brazil, Cyprus, England, Latvia, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland. These international launches reflect ARC’s vision of spreading hope and faith to the global community.

To learn more about the many planters of ARC churches and the incredible work they are doing, visit arcchurches.com/launch/season.

The Association of Related Churches remains committed to supporting church planters as they answer their calling to create thriving, life-giving churches. With the launch of over 30 new congregations, ARC is excited to see lives transformed and communities strengthened in 2025 and beyond.

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, the Association of Related Churches has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.