We are 3 months into this 18 month launch period (May 2021-December 2022) and some leaders have been asking for a brief blog that shares the scale of the Alliance of Reformed Churches activity in the first three months after staffing for growth.

Here is a quick overview:

1. All eight regional synods of the RCA have had churches and leaders exploring becoming a part of the Alliance. 25 classes are represented in those who have engaged, as staff respond to the inquiries through our website (arc21.org), and by email, phone calls and in-person meetings. Over 125 churches have indicated direct interest in ARC, and there are another 75 considering a transition out of the RCA that we know of but have not yet contacted us directly. Many are waiting for the October 2021 General Synod to meet.
2. Churches and leaders in the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA), Presbyterian Church of Canada (PCC), Presbyterian Church of America (PCA), and various independent congregations/leaders and new church starts have begun dialogues with ARC. Some of these groups could be 50-250 churches or leaders as well, but it is early on yet.
3. Donations to fund the launch phase of ARC have come in steadily from many sources: churches, classis funds, individuals, businesses, and a foundation. About 60% of the $261,000 budget for 2021 has been committed and funded.
4. 40 churches are already in process with their classis at to transfer into the Alliance of Reformed Churches. They have filed their petition to withdraw with their classis, sections 3a, b and c of the RCA Book of Church Order on pages 40-44. Each classis has their own timeline, but the maximum is six months to complete the oversight of that transfer process, which could be considerably shorter in some cases. Congregations will transfer first, and with the RCA, Ministers and Commissioned Pastors transfer separately.
5. Diverse teams of leaders are preparing the way for the many who will be coming soon: Shaking House Prayer Team, Ordination Team, Finance Team, and the Network Design Team (for groups of 30-60 churches on mission together.). Each network will have its own name and staffing, plus help populate the Alliance board with a leader from each network for a direct connection to all the churches.

Thank you for all your interest, your questions, insights, convictions and contributions. The vision and values of the Alliance of Reformed Churches are taking shape in a gospel-centered, creative and mission focused way. For Christ and Kingdom!

Tim Vink serves as the Director of Spiritual Leadership and Outreach in the ARC.

Read More on the organizational convictions.