The Association of Related Churches Reflects on a Powerful Gather 2024 Conference

The Association of Related Churches (ARC) recently hosted its Gather Conference 2024, uniting over 3,000 church leaders across multiple locations to strengthen local churches through networking, inspirational messages, and community service initiatives.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On October 15, 2024, the Association of Related Churches (ARC) once again hosted a powerful and unifying Gather Conference. With 16 simultaneous events held across 12 U.S. cities and 4 Canadian locations, this year’s conference attracted over 3,000 church leaders, pastors, staff, and volunteers, all of whom are deeply committed to building relationships and gaining valuable resources to support the growth and vitality of local churches.

The ARC Gather Conference offered attendees a dynamic mix of inspirational messages, expert sessions, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, which were tailored to the unique needs of each location. Attendees were empowered to carry forth their mission of spreading faith and fostering stronger community connections. Speaker lineups featured regional and national leaders, with each host city aiming to reflect the needs and stories of their local church communities.

The gathering in Orlando showcased the Association of Related Churches’ mission-driven adaptability in action. In response to the devastating impact of recent hurricanes across Florida, the original conference schedule was revised to prioritize relief efforts. In lieu of a full-day conference, host pastor Justin Dailey of Action Church led a special Leadership Lunch.

Pastor Dailey emphasized the importance of serving communities in crisis, saying, “We know many of your communities have been affected by recent hurricanes. And the local church has been on the front lines of relief efforts for the past few weeks. … We are shifting the Gather event schedule so that you and your teams can continue to serve your communities and be the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The event in Orlando served as a poignant reminder of the Association of Related Churches’ commitment to empowering churches to meet both spiritual and practical needs within their communities.

Meanwhile, at Life Church New York, host pastor Wayne Francis celebrated the event with electrifying enthusiasm. Reflecting on the transformative impact the Association of Related Churches has had on his life, Pastor Francis said, “Over a decade ago, @arcchurches changed my life and our church planting trajectory in NY… It felt so good to give back to help other church planters thrive.” He also praised the stellar lineup of speakers, who delivered messages that left attendees “turbo-charged” and ready to finish the year with renewed joy and purpose. Finally, Pastor Francis extended heartfelt appreciation to the Life Church New York team for providing exceptional hospitality and a worship experience that touched hearts.

The ARC Gather Conference showcased how both local and global partnerships can bring transformative growth to churches and their communities. Dino and DeLynn Rizzo, longstanding leaders of the Association of Related Churches, were recognized for their unwavering dedication to expanding the reach and mission of the ARC family worldwide. Through this network, new and established churches alike continue to find guidance, resources, and inspiration.

The Association of Related Churches is committed to building a thriving local church in every community across the globe. The Gather Conference is one of many ways that ARC equips, connects, and encourages churches to fulfill their mission with passion, resilience, and unity.

For more information, visit https://gather.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 1,100 new churches globally.