The landscape of church planting continues to evolve, and in 2025, leaders stepping into this calling must be equipped with more than just passion—they need insight, strategy, and a strong support network. The Association of Related Churches (ARC), which has helped launch more than 1,160 life-giving churches, is seeing a few key trends emerge that every future church planter should understand.
Relationships Are the Foundation
One of the most important shifts in 2025 is the renewed emphasis on relational leadership. Today’s thriving churches are led by pastors who are deeply connected to their communities and to the people they serve. According to ARC, healthy churches begin with healthy leaders, which is why their training process is designed to be relational, not just instructional. Church planters aren’t left to figure things out on their own—they’re paired with experienced mentors who walk with them through every phase of the journey.
Digital Engagement Is a Core Ministry Tool
As digital communication continues to shape everyday life, effective church planters must think beyond the stage. Reaching people now means engaging them throughout the week—through online platforms, social content, and virtual communities. This trend has made digital ministry an essential part of planting a church.
ARC equips church leaders to navigate this space with confidence. Through its ARC Launch Training, planters receive tools and strategies for integrating technology into their outreach, discipleship, and launch efforts. Whether they’re just starting out or leading a growing launch team, ARC helps ensure that technology is not a burden, but a bridge to meaningful ministry.
Clear Vision Matters More Than Ever
Another defining trend for 2025 is the importance of clarity. In a culture filled with noise and competing messages, people are drawn to churches that communicate a clear mission and purpose. For church planters, this means having a well-defined “why” before launch day ever arrives.
The Association of Related Churches supports leaders by helping them craft their vision, refine their message, and build a strategic plan for reaching their community. That clarity doesn’t just build confidence—it builds momentum.
Planting Churches With ARC
The process of starting a church is challenging, but no leader should have to go it alone. ARC exists to make sure they don’t. From one-on-one coaching to financial guidance and post-launch support, ARC surrounds church planters with a network dedicated to their success.
As these trends continue to shape the future of ministry, ARC remains committed to equipping the next generation of leaders to plant life-giving churches in every community.
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.
