Dino Rizzo has spent decades helping people build strong, service-driven communities. With over 35 years of experience, he has worked alongside leaders to support new churches, foster outreach programs, and encourage a purpose-driven approach to leadership. In a conversation with Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr., Rizzo shared practical insights on creating lasting impact, leading with humility, and staying committed to meaningful service.
The Foundation of Building Strong Communities
For Dino Rizzo, planting a church is not just about starting a congregation—it’s about creating a place where people feel supported and connected. As the co-founder and Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), which has helped launch over 1,000 churches worldwide, Rizzo believes in equipping leaders with the tools they need to make a real difference.
Reflecting on his journey, Rizzo recalled his decision to start Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1993. What began as a small gathering of twelve people evolved into a thriving organization dedicated to serving those in need. This passion for outreach became the foundation of his work and led to the creation of Servolution, a movement encouraging churches to prioritize community service.
Commitment Over Quick Results
Rizzo emphasized the importance of patience and consistency when building something meaningful. “Creating lasting impact isn’t about quick results—it’s about laying brick by brick,” he explained. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of steady, intentional work. Every meeting, every event, and every act of service contributes to the bigger picture.
One of his key lessons is the importance of staying true to your purpose. While leadership trends come and go, he encourages people to stay focused on their core mission rather than chasing short-term strategies. “It’s easy to get distracted,” he said, “but we have to continually come back to why we started—helping others and making a difference.”
Leading with Service
A defining aspect of Dino Rizzo’s leadership is his dedication to serving others. He believes that great leadership is about prioritizing people over programs. “If you cut me, I still bleed outreach,” he said, underscoring his lifelong passion for helping those in need.
Through his work with the Association of Related Churches (ARC) and other initiatives, Rizzo has supported outreach programs that provide free medical and dental clinics, re-entry assistance for ex-prisoners, and large-scale service days. He stressed that organizations must connect with their communities in meaningful ways, ensuring that service is not just a philosophy but a daily practice.
Staying Rooted in Purpose
Navigating different seasons of leadership requires adaptability, but staying rooted in purpose is what brings long-term fulfillment. Rizzo spoke about his own journey of learning and growth, acknowledging that different stages of life call for different approaches. “Your scoreboard changes,” he noted, explaining that while methods evolve, the mission remains the same—helping people live better lives.
He also highlighted the importance of humility and learning from those who have gone before. “No one is self-made,” he said. “We all stand on the shoulders of others who paved the way.” Whether mentoring new leaders or helping organizations launch, Rizzo remains committed to guiding the next generation toward impactful leadership.
Looking Ahead
As he looks to the future, Dino Rizzo remains optimistic about the power of service-driven leadership. While challenges will always exist, he believes that collaboration and unity are the keys to making a lasting difference. Through his work with ARC, he continues to help leaders establish strong organizations that not only start well but sustain long-term impact.
For Rizzo, the goal is clear: help leaders build strong communities, encourage service, and remain focused on a greater purpose. As he continues to mentor and inspire, his message remains simple yet powerful—stay committed, serve others, and make every moment count.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a 35-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored “Serve Your City.” Rizzo serves as the President of ARC (Association of Related Churches), which has planted more than 1100 churches worldwide, and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.
