ARC caps its 25th anniversary year with a record wave of church launches, reaching new nations on five continents and setting the stage for an even greater 2027

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Related Churches (ARC) has released its 2026 Year in Review, celebrating a remarkable year of growth, generosity and Kingdom impact.

Pastors, planters and partners worked together to launch 63 new life-giving churches across 20 U.S. states and 12 countries in 2026, up from 55 churches in 2025. The milestone caps ARC's 25th anniversary year and marks one of the most far-reaching seasons in the network's history.

This year's launches took ARC's mission across five continents. New churches opened their doors in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, England, France, Mexico, Romania, South Africa, Switzerland, Uganda and Wales. Since its founding in 2000, ARC has now helped launch more than 1,250 churches worldwide, and every one of them has brought new hope, new community and new opportunities for lives to be changed.

"Our purpose at ARC is simple: to help start new life-giving churches, churches just like yours," ARC shared with its church family. "We believe the local church is the hope of the world. When new churches open their doors, entire communities are transformed, and every church that gives, prays and partners with us is part of that story."

Among this year's launches is Neuma Church, a powerful reminder of why ARC plants churches: to reach people with the hope of Jesus and create opportunities for lives to be changed. Like every ARC plant, Neuma was made possible by the generosity of partner churches who believe in giving new communities a place to belong. Each of this year's planters has a story worth telling, and readers can meet the 2026 church planters behind this year's launches.

ARC isn't slowing down. More than 55 couples are already preparing to plant churches, and the network is believing for an even greater 2027. To reach more communities with the Gospel, ARC says the number of church plants must double, even triple. To meet that need, ARC continues to invest in assessment, training, coaching and funding through its church planting resources, so no planter launches alone.

"We're so grateful for everything God has done this year, but we're also believing for an even greater 2027," ARC said. "The need continues to grow. That's why ARC's work, and your partnership, matters so much."

ARC is inviting churches across its network to celebrate with their congregations, and it has provided videos, slides and graphics for use in weekend services. The momentum continues at ARC Conference 2027 at Milestone Church, where pastors, planters and leaders from around the world will gather to worship, learn and dream about what's next. Churches and individuals who want to be part of the next wave of launches can give to ARC's church planting mission.

"On behalf of every ARC church planter, thank you for your faith, your generosity and your heart for God's house," ARC said. "Because of you, countless lives are being changed, and we believe the best is still to come."

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 more than 1,250 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, or follow ARC on YouTube and Instagram at @arcchurches.

Media Contact

Association of Related Churches
Birmingham, AL
inquiries@arcchurches.com
205.981.4566
arcchurches.com

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SOURCE ARC Churches