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This book offers practical help to churches considering or already in the early stages of the multi-site model. Backed by in-depth research, it explores the challenges, benefits, leadership models, and key decisions involved in multi-site expansion. Discover insights from leading pastors and ministry experts to navigate the complexities of establishing and growing multi-site churches effectively.
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Multi-Site Churches: Guidance for the Movement’s Next Generation
About the author Scott McConnell Associate Director of LifeWay Research Has studied the needs and preferences of churches for 13 years. Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
About the book Multi-Site Churches: Guidance for the Movement’s Next Generation
Overview • Multi-Site Churches provides practical help to churches who are considering multi-site or are in the early stages of multi-site • The principles and “in the trenches” examples help leaders think about multi-site and begin planning for the many decisions they will need to make
How this book came about • LifeWay Research found that 16 percent of Protestant pastors are “seriously considering adding a worship service at one or more new locations or campuses in the next two years.” Survey of 1,005 Protestant pastors in April-May 2007 • In December 2008, it was unchanged with 15% saying the same thing • The need for guidance was clear
Where does the ‘guidance’ come from? • LifeWay Research conducted in-depth interviews with lead pastors, campus pastors and ministers responsible for multi-site ministry at their church • These included over 40 multi-site churches that represented a variety of sizes, denominations and locations across the country
Where does the ‘guidance’ come from? • Understanding the tough things and the things these churches were unprepared for– McConnell discovered a treasure of guidance for churches going multi-site
Where does the ‘guidance’ come from? • Multi-Site Churches also taps 9 multi-site experts as contributors: • James MacDonald • Dino Rizzo • Rick Rusaw • Geoff Surratt • Warren Bird • Scott Chapman • Jimmie Davidson • Dave Ferguson • Jon Ferguson
Why multi-site? Based on the multi-site churches we studied: • When the focus is on the Great Commission • When you have a culture of multiplication • When you are willing to remove barriers to reach more people • When you are willing to seize the opportunity • When your church is healthy
You must see God’s activity in 6 areas • Unanimity among leaders • A leader for the new site • A core group of leaders to lead the core ministries at the new site • A locale of people that God is calling your church to reach • Systems and structures in place • Sufficient finances
…An understanding of who they are and what matters • Leaders must be honest about who their church is, so they know what to replicate • Leaders must get beyond analogies (e.g., DNA) • New sites must prioritize and invest in the programs/activities that matter most and not try to offer everything
Leadership must flow • A matrixed organizational model is required • The campus pastor is the extension of the church’s senior leadership to the site • Core leaders for each core ministry extend the leadership of the campus pastor and age group ministers
Role of the campus pastor • Any pastor has three primary roles: teacher, shepherd and leader • The campus pastor’s roles are shepherd and leader • Shepherding – drawing people in with care • Leadership – sending people out as an extension of the church’s senior leadership
Communicating effectively • The vision must be effectively shared with the whole church • Those going to the new site must ‘get it’“We are not going there for you.” • Those in the community must see that you are part of the community and are available
Staff roles change • Pastors: “I ended up working less in ministry and working more on the ministry.” Dave Browning • Staff members: “My honest take is multi-site exposes staff people who are not team builders.” Dan Scates
Leadership Development • “Multi-site puts us back to those early days over and over where people are needed.” Larry Osborne • “We have found small groups to be the best incubator for growing reproducing leaders because only a person capable of developing followers will be a successful small group leader.”Jon Ferguson
Other chapters address: • Specific types of new sites • Starting an ethnic or multi-cultural site • Merging with or absorbing an existing church • Developing a team of leaders • Decisions that define your multi-site church • Keeping sites connected
Multi-Site Churches: Guidance for the Movement’s Next Generation