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What is the ARC? I could try to answer that with a theological or visionary type of statement. But that would not get to the heart of the who the ARC is and what we're about as a network.
Instead I'd like to share what I'm hearing from pastors and congregational leaders from around the country as they express who the ARC is for them.
One ARC leader told me, "It's where I can be my most real self. In the ARC I do not have to pretend to be someone I'm not, nor to hide something I really am. I'm not forced to choose between being evangelical, Spirit-empowered, or sacramental. In most groups I've been a part of I've had to suppress one or more of those parts of my identity. In the ARC I can be who I am without apology because that's who the ARC is, too."
Another ARC leader said, "This network is like a band of brothers for me. I know they're there for me. If I am discouraged or hurting, other brothers and sisters are there to pick me up and carry me along when I just don't have to energy or will to go any further. I know I'm walking with people who absolutely refuse to let me settle for anything less than all God has for me and for my congregation."
Yet another ARC leader remarked, "My leaders and I do not have to turn for counsel or encouragement to outside sources who do not know us. The leaders in the ARC do know us. They know us on a personal basis and we count it a privilege that we can turn to them when we are in need of encouragement, training, and counsel."
As I consider these leaders and their reflections on our kingdom partnership together, I find myself considering the same question personally: who is the ARC for me?
The ARC is my chosen family of destiny. The ARC is the band of brothers alongside whom I am walking in life and ministry. This company of brothers and sisters share my love for the Lord, my heart for His church, and my passion to serve the world. Together we are agreed that the Kingdom of God should be intentionally and aggressively advanced in our world today. These dear brothers and sisters will not let me settle for ministering in my power or with the latest Christian techniques, but always and principally in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The ARC is this for me and much more.
As you visit us on our website, if you have questions, please contact us.
Thanks for checking us out on the web!
Mike Bradley
Director for the ARC