The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is an incredibly unique organization. In addition to bringing together church planters and leaders from all different denominations and backgrounds, the Association of Related Churches is blessed to have many husband-and-wife duos leading ministries together as one.

Many couples are involved in ministry together. However, leading a new church together can be an entirely different experience that presents various challenges along the way.

Danny and Jamie Schulz, planters for the Association of Related Church from Sun City Church in Spokane, Washington, have an insider’s perspective on what it takes to open an ARC church with a spouse. Below, they share some tips on how couples can co-lead ARC churches and make them successful endeavors.

God said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” In the Association of Related Churches, there are many male pastors who possess a deep desire in their hearts to lead together with their wives.

Having this desire is great, as leading ARC churches comes with many challenges and pressures. There are pressures around getting the work done, managing the expectations of everyone around you, handling the practical elements of managing a staff, and getting projects completed.

That’s why co-leading ARC churches is such a great idea, says Danny Schulz. Putting two people together in the lead pastor role can oftentimes create a sustainable model for longevity and success. Instead of one person having to handle everything on their own, they can rely on their partner to handle it with them.

Jamie Schulz points out that one of the biggest challenges of co-leading is the tendency to compare yourself to your spouse. It can be easy to feel insecure about what you bring to the table and what your exact role is.

Men and women were created differently—not just in their physical traits, but also in the way God designed them to lead.

It’s important for leaders of ARC churches to not fall into the trap of self-doubt. Sure, you might have to wrestle with some insecurities, but you must remember that God designed you for leadership in your own way—and not just as a replica of your spouse.

Both you and your spouse have been specifically designed to serve as co-team leaders in your own unique way.

Another major challenge of co-leading ARC churches is navigating conflict. While conflict is always present between co-leaders, it often becomes more pronounced when those co-leaders are spouses.

In other words, conflict arises both professionally and personally, and it can be easy for conflict from one area of life to carry over into the other. For this reason, both realms must be managed.

To do this, Danny Schulz suggests creating processes, systems, and cultures that allow co-leaders to navigate through those conflicts together.

Always remember that it’s not necessary to have one unified opinion. Just as your body has both a heart and a brain leading the way, husbands and wives offer two perspectives. This provides depth in leadership and ministry.

By embracing the idea that a husband-and-wife duo provides two perspectives in ministry, co-leaders of ARC churches will be better prepared for success.

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 1,000 new churches globally.