#United States #Charleston #ARC #Social Church #Tribe Church

Celebrating Generosity at the 2026 ARC Conference

The recent 2026 Association of Related Churches (ARC) Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, marked a significant occasion, not just for congregational leaders but for two remarkable church-planting couples who embodied the spirit of generosity and faith. During a stirring announcement, ARC President Dino Rizzo presented $50,000 gifts to Pastors Fernando and Nicole Mejia of Social Church in Arizona, and Pastors Matt and Carrie Dilley of Tribe Church in Indiana. This moment served as a powerful reminder of the impact that faith and perseverance can have on a community.

A Testament to Perseverance

Pastors Fernando and Nicole Mejia faced substantial challenges before establishing Social Church in January 2026. Initially contemplating leaving their mission of church planting, they chose instead to embrace their calling and move forward with faith. The launch marked Social Church as ARC's 1,191st church, and it quickly made waves in the Buckeye community. Their dedication resonated widely, yielding an impressive attendance of 700 individuals during their inaugural Easter service and 33 documented salvations.

Dino Rizzo highlighted their journey during the live presentation, emphasizing the significance of their resilience: "You almost quit, and now look what God is doing. We are proud of you. We believe in you."

Radical Generosity Recognized

Similarly, Pastors Matt and Carrie Dilley, who established Tribe Church in 2018, were honored for their unwavering commitment to generosity despite being one of the smaller church launches that year. The Dilleys made a conscious choice to allow their church's size to not dictate their impact. They actively supported many beginning church plants, providing both financial and relational encouragement.

"They may have been one of our smallest launches in numbers, but maybe the biggest hearts we've ever seen," said Rizzo, articulating the disproportionate influence of Tribe Church, particularly noted for their acts of kindness within their community, including paying electric bills for struggling families, especially during the Christmas season.

The Power of Community Support

The impressive awards presented at the conference were made possible through a collaborative effort among ARC's resource partners, who initially dedicated $25,000 to each couple. However, during the live presentation, additional philanthropists moved by the Mejias’ and Dilleys’ stories contributed extra donations, ultimately doubling the gifts to $50,000 for each couple. This remarkable generosity underscores the deep-seated commitment to supporting church plants and their outreach endeavors.

Continuing the Mission

The funds will significantly bolster the ongoing ministries of Social Church and Tribe Church, empowering both congregations to deepen their outreach efforts and community impact further. As they continue to spread hope and change lives, these churches serve as a testament to the work that faith can achieve when paired with determination and generosity.

For those eager to learn more about the Association of Related Churches and their impactful annual conference, consider visiting their website at www.arcchurches.com. Through this collaborative effort, ARC not only supports independent congregations but also paves the way for a new generation of church leaders and community changers.

About the Association of Related Churches (ARC)

Established as a foundational network for independent congregations across various denominations, ARC is driven by the mission to provide vital resources and support to church planters and pastors globally. Acting as enablers for church leaders, ARC has successfully assisted in establishing over 1,200 new churches since its inception in 2000, marking its footprint as a significant player in fostering spiritual growth and outreach initiatives worldwide.