The Association of Related Churches Shares Update on 2024 Giveaway Winner at 2025 ARC Conference

At the 2025 ARC Conference, ARC shared how Trailside Church, the 2024 giveaway winner, used its gift to pay off debt, serve its community, and support future church planters.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--During this year’s ARC Conference, the Association of Related Churches (ARC) shared a powerful update on the impact of its 2024 Giveaway, highlighting the story of Trailside Church in Travelers Rest, South Carolina—the recipient of last year’s surprise financial blessing.

Led by Pastors Shawn and Lane Gata, Trailside Church received $26,000 during the 2024 ARC Conference, an unexpected gift that came at just the right time. Heading into last year’s event, the Gatas were feeling overwhelmed by leadership challenges and internal transitions. “We were pretty worn out… putting out a lot of fires,” Lane shared in the update. “We came to ARC Conference hopeful, just praying for resilience and peace that we were still doing the right thing.”

What they experienced was more than encouragement—it was confirmation. The giveaway affirmed their calling and renewed their sense of purpose in ministry. “It was such a huge answer to prayer,” Lane said. “It reminded us that we weren’t forgotten and that what we were doing mattered.”

Trailside Church quickly put the funds to meaningful use. They paid off their church debt, enabling them to reinvest in ministry and begin giving back to the Association of Related Churches out of their weekly offerings. Their support is now helping equip other church planters, creating a ripple effect of generosity.

The church also set aside resources to meet urgent needs in their community. When a hurricane hit shortly after the conference, Trailside was ready to respond. They paid rent for multiple families, covered utility bills, and stepped in to prevent one local family from losing their home. That same family is now fully engaged in the church's life—giving, serving, and pouring into others.

This update shared at the 2025 ARC Conference demonstrates how ARC’s investment in church planters extends far beyond the initial gift. It’s a living example of what’s possible when leaders are supported, empowered, and reminded they are not alone.

With over 1,160 churches planted worldwide, the Association of Related Churches continues to build a movement of life-giving churches that impact communities in tangible, transformational ways.

To learn more about ARC, its church planting efforts, or how to support future giveaways, visit www.arcchurches.com.

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 1,160 new churches globally.