Developing Multiple Sites

Multiplication is one of the secrets of success.  (James 1:5)  It is wisdom to learn how to multiply.  Isolated church leaders think of the church as one location.  City-Changers think of the mission and are not tied to a building.  Fulfilling The Great Commission is what motivates City-Changers.  Mission rather than programs is what drives their agenda.

The Apostle Approach – it’s one thing to be the pastor of a multi-site church, it is another to be the apostle of a multi-site movement.  Only Christ can call you to become an apostle.  (Ephesians 4:11)  The apostle oversees the multiplication of new churches.

The Video Venue Approach – in this type of multi-site the worship service is live, but the preaching is by video.  The video approach works best for churches with limited staff and finances and a gifted communicator.

The Rent Approach – it’s usually less expensive to rent than it is to buy.  Multi-site churches share office space and staff.  Dramas, videos, and other ministries can be shared with multi-site churches.

The Apartment Approach – these are small cell-like churches.  They are more interested in changing their city than they are in growing large churches.  They focus on growing more cells rather than growing in numerical size.

The Small Church Approach – these congregations recognize their physical limitations.  They are usually land-locked, with no off-street parking, and accessible only by stairs.

The result of these multi-sites strategies is they reach people faster, with higher quality ministry, with greater results, and lower costs. 

Pastors are about the only people who like huge services.  Most members put up with the large crowds because of the ministry offered.  If they could find the same quality in a smaller church, no doubt they would be there. 

Steps to Growing a Multi-Site Church

1. They see themselves as one-church in many locations.
2. They view ministry as responding to need rather than strategizing.
3. They see effectiveness flowing from internal leadership development.
4. They build on strengths rather than on weaknesses.
5. They function best with team-based ministry.
6. They’ve dropped the one-size fits all mentality. They’ve escaped the cookie cutter way of thinking.
7. They’ve formed covenant relationships with other churches and ministries who are committed to the same vision of fulfilling The Great Commission.

What Are the Advantages of Multi-sites?

The Kingdom of God continues to expand even though the church property is land-locked or their resources are small.  More options are available to them and they continue to reach more non-believers.

The resources increase and there is better stewardship of funds and resources.  Ministries are more diverse and the larger-than-life mission inspires everyone.  The laity is mobilized to a greater degree and multi-sites experience more opportunities than new congregations.

What Are the Challenges?

Multi-sites can be stressful and demanding.  Much stress comes from not being able to touch everything and everyone each weekend.

Four Ways to Help Reduce Stress

1. Keep the people focused on the big-idea. We’re fulfilling The Great Commission.
2. Keep the emphasis on coaching to develop more leadership on ministry teams.
3. Empower the laity and rely less on paid staff.
4. Constantly look for new ways of doing things.

We Should Ask God to Give Us Creative Ideas                                           to Reach Our Cities for Him.