Multisite continues to be one of the fastest growing approaches for church expansion. This strategy is used by many denominations and independent groups, even internationally. According to my friend, Jim Tomberlin (the foremost authority on all things multisite), “There will be over 5,000 multi-site churches by the end of 2010.” Multisite efforts are typically thought of as a new campus from an existing church. But, sometimes it can be a way to effect a merger that energizes a new works capitalizing on resources already part of the church.

When we started consulting with Bethany Church in Greenland, New Hampshire (about an hour north of Boston) there was no thought of multisite. During the process of planning new facilities on their only campus, they were approached by a church that was badly dying - only 12 people, a facility and a very small mortgage. It was clear this was an opportunity to consider. The Cogun Team brought Jim in to consult with us and he uncovered the important issues including location strategy, volunteer development, staff development, teaching options, do’s & don’ts of multisite and DNA transfer requirements. Knowing the questions to ask as well as understanding the implications of the answers, led to the right multisite solution.

Multisite is a sending strategy that deepens disciples. It can often accelerate the impact of the Gospel on a community. But not every church is ready to go multisite and not every potential merger is poised for success. If you want to explore whether or not multisite is a solution for you, I invite you to contact Jim at http://multi-sitesolutions.com/. In the meantime, here the shorthand version of Jim’s 5 P’s for multisite:

Prayer to Proceed – The one thing that really matters is God’s call
Provision to Start – It takes seed money
Pastor to Lead – The most important component in going multisite
People to Follow - The strength of a multi-site launch is the core of followers who come out of the sending congregation.
Place to Meet - The ideal place for a multi-site campus is within the 15-30 minute perimeter of the sending campus.

Last week I attended Exponential, perhaps the most powerful conference in terms of content, cutting edge insights, and speakers. It’s also powerful because of the energy and passion of the people that attend. Many are on the front lines as church planters and ministry entrepreneurs. I enjoy being in the presence of raw passion for Jesus.

I’ve been reflecting on the comments and conversations from the week. Here are just a few of the questions that are ringing in my head:

- I had individual conversations with Will Mancini and Jim Tomberlin and both centered around clarity. The ministry landscape is changing and now, more than ever, churches need to understand their unique mission - their specific calling of God. To paraphrase Peter Drucker, a church is not defined by its mission statement; it’s defined by the needs and wants it satisfies when people come in contact with their ministry. Consider this: Why do people go to Starbucks when they can get coffee as good (or better) as McDonald’s or Dunkin Donuts? Can you answer a similar question for your church? Why do people come to your church when there are so many others to choose from? What has God called you to do in this place and time? How has he uniquely prepared your faith community to minister in your community? What is your essence?

- Francis Chan announced he was leaving his megachurch to follow the call of God saying, “there is a gravitational pull for safety in my life that I have to push against…all I want to hear from God is well done good and faithful servant.” He quoted Amos 6:1, “Woe to you who are complacent…and to you who feel secure…” and discussed the relationship of the presence of God and suffering that is documented throughout the Bible. He recounted the story of 23 Korean missionaries that were captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Two were murdered before the Korean government negotiated their release. Francis met with the surviving pastor who had spoken with the other 20 survivors. Each one had expressed a longing for the intimacy with Christ they had when they were held by the Taliban.

Why do we spend so much of our time and energy on our safety and security, especially considering security is actually more imagined than real? Do we miss out on intimacy with God when we hold tightly to money, status and prestige? Do we miss out on fellowship with God when we hold on to comfort? Am I willing to hold my comfort and security with an open hand to do what I believe God is calling me to do?

- Shane Clairborne said, “To pray for tomorrow's daily bread is a violation of the Lord's prayer." That reminded me of what I heard Dr. Tom Nees say a week earlier, “Accumulated and hoarded wealth in the presence of need is sin.” How much is too much? Have I really made myself aware of the needs around me and around the world and sincerely asked God, “What would you have me do?” Am I courageous enough to believe that ALL I have is not mine but God’s?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)