The mission of Church Central Associates is to equip leaders to grow healthier churches based on the six purposes of the church: worship, fellowship, ministry, discipleship, prayer and evangelism.

Church Central is a division of Internet-publisher NetWorld Alliance. We produce consultant training conferences, assist in connecting church leaders with suppliers, publish Church Health Today, and offer a rich archive of various resources designed to support the church.

The company began operations in March 2002, and this Web site was launched two months later.

The idea for Church Central Associates began when Tom Harper and Dr. Thom Rainer shared a vision to create a ministry that would strengthen churches in the six purposes outlined in Acts 2:42-47. Dr. Rainer had spent years providing churches with consulting, books, training and other resources vital to their growth and health. He is currently the CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources.

Tom Harper, president of Church Central, is also president of NetWorld Alliance. NetWorld, formed in 2000, is a privately held company based in Louisville, Ky.