In 2014, Clayton and Courtney Small sensed a stirring in their hearts that God was calling them to plant a church. They were at a pastor’s conference, learning about ARC and hearing messages on church planting, when the seed was planted.
But it would be nearly 10 years before that dream became reality.
During those years, they served faithfully under life-giving pastors in Houston, studied church planting, prayed for clarity, and trusted God’s timing. Over and over, God confirmed His call—through scripture, through the growth of the Magnolia area, and through moments of prayer that reminded them He was preparing the way.
In August of 2023, that seed finally blossomed. The Ark Church launched in Magnolia, Texas.
From the very beginning, God has met their faith with provision. A pastor they had never met offered them a building at a church planter’s rate. A construction leader joined their launch team and helped transform the space in just 60 days. Volunteers rallied. People gave generously. And on launch day, they opened with two services—because they believed God would fill the room.
And He has.
In just the first 18 months, The Ark Church has seen 147 baptisms, countless families restored, and stories of life change that remind us why church planting matters. One man who hadn’t been in church in 60 years found Jesus. Another family experienced the church’s love and care after the tragic loss of a husband, father, and their home. Week after week, lives are being changed in Magnolia.
Clayton and Courtney say it best: “Every time we’ve stepped out in faith and made room, God has filled it. Church planting is fun. And we’re seeing the fruit of saying yes.”
At ARC, we believe in stories like this—because behind every church plant are people whose lives are forever changed by the gospel.
