Multi-Site Church Road Trip Q&A
I have been on staff at LifeChurch.tv for four years and it’s the only church that I’ve ever worked for. As it pertains to ministry and a multi-site church, multi-site is all that I have ever known. Multi-Site being “One Church With Multiple Campuses in Multiple Locations.”
When the folks over at Zondervan and the authors asked me to be a part of the book “Multi-Site Church Road Trip’s” blogging tour I was quick to oblige. This book is definitely an insightful read, especially for those who are in a multi-site church environment or part of a church that is considering going multi-site.
Below are three questions that I was able to ak the authors and their responses to the questions. After reading through the Q&A please jump in and join the discussion.
My Question: 1.) Share your thoughts on whether or not the majority of multi-site churches are launching and planting new campuses because it’s “Sensible” or because it’s “Sexy”?
Their Response: We have no doubt that some are exploring multi-site because it’s the “in” thing. The same thing happened over the history of the church with everything that eventually took off — from Sunday school to organs. If it’s from God, he’ll bless it and it will grow. If it was done just to jump on a bandwagon, it will fade away soon enough. We have seen too many examples where multi-site is reaching people, making disciples and saving lots of money. In these situations, we’re convinced it’s the real deal.
My Question: 2.) In your opinion, what percentage of the Campus Pastors that you interacted on the Multi-Site road-trip have the skills, leadership and ability to be a senior pastor?
Their Response: Today’s senior pastor is actually several roles in one person — teacher/preacher, leader/visionary, and pastor/shepherd. In multi-sites churches, there’s a place for someone who has some but not all of those gifts.
The campus pastor fit is a crucial one for multi-site to work. It tends to fail if they’re a great emcee, but not contagious with the church’s vision. It tends to fail if they don’t have good people skills. And it tends to fail if they have a strong need to preach. Typically if someone, as you say, has “the skills, leadership and ability to be a senior pastor,” they tend not to find the campus pastor role very fulfilling if their gift mix includes a strong teaching component.
My Question: 3.) What seems to be the most critical component for a multi-site campus to have a healthy effective relationship with the central offices or central organization?
Their Response: Communication — constant, clear and two-way — are essential for a healthy, effective relationship with the central support team. Everyone has to feel they play an important role in helping the other succeed, and that they’re all going the same direction — and that it’s directly aligned with the church’s overall vision.
Share your thoughts on any of the above Questions or Answers.
For further dialog and to see who the other bloggers are for this books blogging tour, visit the authors’ blog www.multisiteroadtrip.com.
