ARC Church Plant Assessment Process
What does the ARC church planter assessment process involve, and can leaders participate in it for evaluation purposes?
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) conducts a formal assessment process for every prospective church planter seeking to launch through its network. This evaluation is designed to help determine readiness, identify areas for growth, and ensure that leaders are equipped for the responsibilities of planting a healthy, sustainable church.
The assessment process typically results in one of three outcomes. Some candidates are determined to be ready to plant, indicating they are prepared to move forward with launch plans. Others may be approved to plant, but not yet, meaning they have potential but require further development or preparation before proceeding. In certain cases, candidates may be not approved to plant, which is approached as a pastoral care opportunity focused on guidance, support, and next steps rather than simply a disqualifying decision.
It is important to note that ARC functions as a support network rather than a governing authority. The organization does not hold operational control or autonomy over churches that launch through its process. Its primary aim is to help leaders build healthy churches by providing assessment, coaching, and relational support.