The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a large church-planting network that has been instrumental in planting thousands of churches globally. While many praise ARC for its effectiveness in church growth and outreach, some have raised concerns about aspects of its teachings, practices, and theological emphasis. These concerns often focus on areas such as doctrinal soundness, leadership structure, and an overemphasis on growth and success. Here’s a detailed examination of the critiques labeled as “false teaching” within ARC churches:
1. Overemphasis on Prosperity and Success
One of the main critiques of ARC-affiliated churches is the alleged alignment with elements of the prosperity gospel.
What is the Prosperity Gospel?
- The prosperity gospel teaches that faith, positive declarations, and financial giving will result in material wealth, health, and success. It often emphasizes “name it and claim it” theology.
Concerns in ARC Churches:
- Excessive Focus on Tithing: Critics claim that some ARC churches teach tithing as a way to unlock God’s blessings, which can border on manipulative giving.
- Promises of Earthly Success: Sermons and messaging in some ARC churches emphasize personal success and achieving goals, which can overshadow the biblical message of taking up one’s cross and following Christ (Luke 9:23).
Biblical Response:
- While God does bless His people, the Bible teaches contentment and warns against equating faith with material gain:
- “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
2. Shallow or Motivational Teaching
Some have criticized ARC churches for preaching sermons that lean more toward motivational speaking than biblical exposition.
Critique:
- Self-Help Focus: Sermons can sometimes emphasize personal growth, self-improvement, and achieving one’s potential, rather than deep theological teaching or gospel-centered messages.
- Lack of Depth: Critics argue that there is little emphasis on sin, repentance, and salvation in favor of feel-good messages.
Biblical Response:
- Preaching should center on Christ and the transformative power of the gospel:
- “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
3. Leadership Structure and Accountability
ARC’s pastor-centric leadership model has raised concerns about potential abuses of power and lack of accountability.
Critique:
- Pastor as CEO: In many ARC churches, the lead pastor wields significant authority, with minimal checks and balances. Critics say this structure can lead to financial mismanagement, moral failings, or unhealthy church cultures.
- Lack of Oversight: ARC provides initial resources for church planting but does not maintain ongoing doctrinal oversight or accountability for affiliated churches.
Biblical Response:
- Church leaders are called to be servant-leaders who are accountable to others:
- “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3)
- “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
4. Entertainment-Driven Worship
Critics claim that ARC churches often prioritize creating a polished, performance-like worship experience.
Concerns:
- Focus on Attraction: Critics suggest that the emphasis on high-quality music, lighting, and stage design can create a consumer-oriented church culture.
- Emotional Manipulation: The experience may prioritize emotional highs over genuine spiritual transformation.
Biblical Response:
- Worship should be focused on glorifying God, not entertaining people:
- “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
5. Pragmatism Over Doctrine
The ARC model emphasizes church growth strategies, sometimes leading to accusations that pragmatism takes precedence over biblical doctrine.
Concerns:
- Growth at All Costs: The focus on planting large, fast-growing churches may lead to compromising on theological rigor or difficult biblical truths to appeal to wider audiences.
- Influence of Business Practices: Critics argue that some ARC churches borrow heavily from corporate models, treating the church more like a business than a spiritual community.
Biblical Response:
- The mission of the church is to make disciples, not just to grow in numbers:
- “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
6. Doctrinal Flexibility
ARC does not require strict adherence to a specific doctrinal statement beyond broad evangelical principles. This flexibility can lead to inconsistencies.
Concerns:
- Theological Ambiguity: Critics worry that the lack of a firm doctrinal stance allows for varying interpretations, some of which may stray from biblical orthodoxy.
- Alignment with Questionable Movements: Some ARC churches have been accused of aligning with charismatic or prosperity movements that emphasize unbiblical practices.
Biblical Response:
- Sound doctrine is essential for the health of the church:
- “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
7. High-Profile Scandals
Several high-profile moral and financial failures among leaders of ARC-affiliated churches have raised questions about the organization’s vetting and accountability processes.
Concerns:
- These failures have tarnished the reputation of some ARC churches, leading to critiques of the network’s ability to ensure integrity among its leaders.
Biblical Response:
- Church leaders are held to high moral standards:
- “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
Key Takeaways
While many ARC churches are faithful in preaching the gospel and building Christ-centered communities, the following areas warrant caution:
- Overemphasis on success and growth.
- Shallow teaching that may lack theological depth.
- Leadership structures with potential for misuse of power.
- Entertainment-driven worship that may distract from spiritual focus.
- Theological flexibility that could allow for unbiblical practices.
What Should You Do?
If you’re attending an ARC church or considering joining one, here are some steps to ensure its teachings align with Scripture:
- Examine Its Doctrine: Does the church teach biblical truth and focus on the gospel?
- Assess the Leadership: Is the leadership accountable and servant-hearted?
- Focus on Discipleship: Does the church emphasize spiritual growth and discipleship over numerical growth?
- Pray for Discernment: Ask God for wisdom in evaluating the church (James 1:5).
Conclusion
Not all ARC churches are alike, and many are faithful in their mission to spread the gospel and make disciples. However, concerns about prosperity theology, leadership accountability, and entertainment-driven practices highlight the need for discernment. Always test teachings and practices against the Word of God to ensure they align with His truth.