From Two Churches to a Global Movement: 25 Years of Impact Made Possible by the Association of Related Churches

As the Association of Related Churches (ARC) approaches its 25th anniversary, the church planting network is honoring the moment it all began on February 4, 2001, the launch date of ARC’s first two church plants: Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, and New Life Church in Conway, Arkansas.

Both churches launched on the same day and were planted by pastors who would later become founding leaders of the Association of Related Churches, a church planting network dedicated to pastor support and coaching. What began as a shared step of faith has since grown into a global movement that has helped launch more than 1,200 ARC church plants around the world.

A Vision Takes Root in Birmingham

Church of the Highlands was planted by Chris and Tammy Hodges and held its first service on February 4, 2001, at Mountain Brook High School with more than 350 people in attendance. After prayerfully discerning where God was calling them to plant, Birmingham became clear as Chris sensed a deep love for the city and its people.

Church of the Highlands quickly became a model of generosity, leadership development, and outreach. Over the past 25 years, the church has grown to 26 campuses across Alabama and Georgia, ministers weekly in more than 20 correctional facilities, and has seen more than 245,000 people make decisions for Christ.

Planting Hope in Conway, Arkansas

On the same day, February 4, 2001, Rick and Michelle Bezet launched New Life Church in an old car dealership in downtown Conway, Arkansas. Like Church of the Highlands, New Life was planted through relationships, prayer, and a shared vision to see life-giving churches established across the nation.

New Life has since grown into a multi-faceted ministry with a strong emphasis on community outreach, leadership development, and compassion. The Arkansas Dream Center, which began in Little Rock, now serves communities through food distribution, after-school programs, and family support across multiple locations.

Rick and Michelle Bezet, who serve on the ARC Lead Team, have also invested deeply in raising up future leaders through NLC College and the School of Ministry, equipping students for ministry and marketplace leadership.

How Faith and Generosity Gave Rise to a Global Network

The launch of these two churches marked more than local church beginnings. It laid the foundation for ARC itself. Through the generosity and vision of leaders like Greg Surratt, Billy Hornsby, and others, a simple investment model was formed: churches helping churches. That model remains at the heart of the Association of Related Churches today.

What began with two churches and a shared commitment to invest in others has grown into a movement defined by generosity, collaboration, and faith. These first two church plants continue to reflect the heart of ARC by prioritizing belief in people, resourcing pastors, and supporting healthy church growth.

More than two decades after its founding, the Association of Related Churches celebrates not only its history, but the thousands of lives changed through ARC church planting, pastor support and coaching, and the ongoing mission to help churches launch strong and stay healthy.

About the Association of Related Churches

The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a global church planting network dedicated to launching and supporting life-giving churches. Founded in 2001, ARC provides coaching, resources, and relational support to pastors and leaders with a vision to reach people and make a lasting impact.