Arrow was founded on the belief that there are young leaders in the world today with the vision and strength to take on the reigns of leadership for the 21st Century. Beginning with the vision of one man – Leighton Ford – Arrow has made a significant impact on thousands of lives.
Even as a teenager, Leighton Ford demonstrated his abilities as a young leader, organizing and preaching at evangelistic youth rallies. Personally mentored by Billy Graham, he was an associate evangelist and vice president with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
After 31 years in ministry, a personal tragedy helped give Leighton Ford new direction. His 21-year-old son Sandy, a strong Christian leader planning to enter full-time ministry, died unexpectedly during heart surgery. Out of this loss Leighton Ford gained a deep desire to help those emerging as new communicators of the gospel. The Arrow Leadership Program was established to accomplish this goal.
In 1998, Arrow’s leadership passed to Dr. Carson Pue from Vancouver, Canada. There are Arrow programs operating in Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Norway and Poland, as well as Ireland.