Overcoming Church Planting Challenges: Lessons from City Hope Church with the Association of Related Churches

Church planting is an exciting but challenging journey, and many church planters face obstacles that can feel overwhelming. For Ben and Annaliese Murray, planting City Hope Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, came with its own set of difficulties. However, partnering with the Association of Related Churches (ARC) helped them overcome these challenges. If you’re considering church planting or are facing similar struggles, here’s how ARC can help you navigate common obstacles on the path to success.

  1. Overcoming Location Challenges with ARC Support

One of the first challenges Ben and Annaliese encountered was finding a suitable location for their church. Wichita Falls, often referred to as “the city that time forgot,” is an isolated area with limited meeting spaces available for new churches. Despite reaching out to several schools and venues, their requests were initially met with rejection or uncertainty.

But then the Association of Related Churches stepped in. ARC provides strategic guidance on finding a location and connects church planters with a network of other church leaders who can share their experiences and offer advice. Through ARC, Ben and Annaliese received insights on how to approach local schools and serve the community in ways that would build relationships and open doors.

Their breakthrough came when, after serving local teachers with small acts of kindness, a school that had previously turned them down reached out with an offer for them to use their facilities. This was a direct result of the relational and strategic framework the Association of Related Churches encourages.

  1. Securing Financial Support with ARC’s Church-Planting Model

Financial concerns are another major hurdle for many church planters. Starting a new church involves significant financial investments, from securing a venue to covering operational costs and paying staff. Ben and Annaliese were no exception. But with the Association of Related Churches’ proven church-planting model, they gained access to funding resources and financial planning tools that helped them secure the necessary support to launch City Hope Church.

The Association of Related Churches’ financial resources, combined with their expertise in fundraising, helped provide the financial backing the Murrays needed to move forward. Additionally, ARC encourages church planters to build a strong base of financial partners—something that was key to City Hope’s successful launch in 2019.

  1. Navigating Early Growth Challenges

After launching, City Hope Church faced another significant challenge: rapid growth. The first service saw 639 attendees, with 65 people giving their lives to Christ. Such explosive growth can create logistical and pastoral challenges, especially for a small church plant.

With guidance from the Association of Related Churches, Ben and Annaliese developed systems for managing growth while maintaining a focus on their mission. ARC’s ongoing coaching and resources helped them develop strong leadership teams and volunteer structures, which were critical for keeping up with the increasing number of attendees and the growing spiritual needs of their congregation.

  1. Sustaining Long-Term Growth

Building a church that thrives long-term requires careful strategy and consistent support. An immense benefit of being part of the Association of Related Churches is the ongoing mentorship and coaching that church planters receive. Ben and Annaliese have been able to tap into this network, continually learning from seasoned church planters of ARC churches. This mentorship has been key in sustaining City Hope’s growth and ensuring it remains rooted in faith, community, and mission.

In just five years, City Hope has seen over 2,000 documented salvations and continues to grow, with the recent acquisition of 27 acres of land for a permanent location. This level of success wouldn’t have been possible without comprehensive support from ARC.

Planting a church is no small feat, but the Association of Related Churches equips church planters with the tools, resources, and support needed to overcome common challenges. From finding a location and securing financial backing to navigating rapid growth and sustaining long-term success, ARC helps church planters every step of the way.

As Ben and Annaliese Murray’s story demonstrates, working with the Association of Related Churches can transform a vision into a thriving, life-changing ministry. If you’re considering planting a church, partnering with ARC could be the key to overcoming challenges and seeing your church succeed.

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.