As the executive director of ARC (Association of Related Churches), Dino Rizzo has played an intricate role in helping to launch new churches across the world. Along with his team of dedicated men and women in ministry, the organization he leads works to see a thriving church in every community so that more people can hear the message of Jesus.
Dino Rizzo knows that planting a new church can be challenging. There are many steps that need to be accomplished, and the process doesn’t always progress in a straight line. There are plenty of bumps in the road that church planters are likely to come across as well.
While each separate church plant is unique in its own way, there are some general strategies to follow for a successful launch.
Don’t Do It Alone
One of the main tenets of ARC (Association of Related Churches) is to not do ministry alone. That’s more than just a saying, though; it’s practical advice. Dino Rizzo explains that we’re all better together. When you’re planting a church, you need to rely on your family. You need to rely on your friends. And you need to rely on a tight-knit community of people who are dedicated to the cause as much as you are.
There is plenty of strength in relationships. When you’re having tough days on your route to planting a church, it helps to be able to lean on someone you love and trust. By working with ARC, church planters can rely on the solid network of like-minded and experienced people in ministry from around the country.
Learn from Others
No matter what you’re doing in life, it’s good to learn from others who have charted a similar path before you. Dino Rizzo says this is one of the biggest benefits of working with ARC Churches.
All new church planters are connected with coaches who have gone through the ARC church planting process in the past and can share the knowledge and wisdom they gained through their experience.
Being able to get feedback as you build your plan and start to plant your church will prove to be invaluable on your journey. It will help you be fully prepared for what’s ahead of you.
Be Well-Funded
Churches aren’t focused on money, of course, but it certainly does take money to launch a new church. That’s why Dino Rizzo says it’s important that anyone in ministry who wants to start a church needs to ensure that they are well-funded.
In many ways, you can look at this aspect of church planting from an entrepreneurial perspective. Many small businesses fail not long after they launch because they don’t have enough capital.
Without the necessary money to pay for expenses, new church communities can fail, too.
Fundraising is a big part of any church community, but it’s especially important for new church communities. That’s why Dino Rizzo says the Association of Related Churches provides matching funds for new church planters, up to $50,000 in financial support.
All of that money can be reinvested into the church community to ensure the new church planting is successful.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored “Serve Your City.” As Executive Director of ARC (Association of Related Churches), Rizzo oversees the planting of over 1,000 churches worldwide and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.
