Leadership Network

MAY 24, 2005

Inside the Multi-Site Revolution

According to our research, at least 1,000 churches across North America could currently be described as multi-site. They become multi-site by extending themselves to more than one location -- some across town, some across the state, and some literally around the world. As a result of additional service times, larger buildings, multiple venues and locations, churches are seeing exponential growth. The approach of taking one church to multiple sites is the beginning of a revolution in how church is done in North America and around the world.

Greg Ligon of Leadership Network recently spent time with several multi-site pioneers to gather insights into this growing movement.


Dave Ferguson Community Christian Church Naperville, IL	Larry Osborne North Coast Church Vista, CA	Geoff Surratt Seacoast Church Charleston, SC	Jim Tomberlin Willow Creek Community Church Chicago, IL

Greg: How big is multi-site in your estimation? Where is it headed?

Dave: It is a very big deal! Previously, we had two options for accomplishing the mission of Jesus -- church growth or church planting. Multi-site is now a third option.

Jim: Multi-site churches are definitely a movement that will become as mainstream in the next five years as the use of video screens did in sanctuaries in the 90's.

Larry: It's hardly a passing fad. I believe it's the future for mega-churches. Along with eliminating

the need for ever bigger buildings, it allows a regional church to take the church to the people rather than asking them to drive in from farther and farther distances. They have all the advantages of a neighborhood church with the backing and programs of a regional church.

Geoff: I think it is the revolution that can turn the tide of evangelism in America. Multi-site is the opportunity to move beyond competition between churches and create an environment of collaboration among churches. The momentum that is being achieved by multi-site churches will impact churches in every city in America.

	**The Futurist Draws from The Millennium Matrix** The May-June 2005 issue of The Futurist adapts material from M. Rex Miller's 2004 look at communications, religion and business. The brief article includes a graphic presentation of communication shifts from oral to print to broadcast and now digital.
	Did You Know? The top 10 U.S. cities with the largest Asian population are New York City, Los Angeles, San Jose, CA, San Francisco, Honolulu, San Diego, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, and Fremont, CA. (Diversity magazine)

	NewSong Looks at Leadership NewSong Irvine's Leadership Conference, June 10-11, 2005, unpacks "the Soul of a Leader" with Henry Cloud and John Townsend.
	Ginghamsburg Helps Create God-Experiences Worship planners and pastors are invited to gather in Ohio June 24-25, 2005, to discover strategic insights for working in teams, overcoming obstacles in worship design and more.
	Willow Creek Offers Multi-Site Forum August 10 One church. Multiple locations. You'll hear from leaders of these new models for church growth.
	Jesus in the Margins Author/pastor Rick McKinley "unpacks the gospel" for those outside the reach of traditional churches. Birthed out of the ministry of Imago Dei Community Church, Jesus in the Margins offers stories of finding God in the places we ignore.

Bob Buford Receives 2005 Christian Management Award
The founder and chairman of Leadership Network, recently received the CMA's 2005 Christian Management Award.

Sign Up for Buford Newsletter
Bob Buford is now offering a periodic newsletter of insights into "converting the latent energy in American Christianity into active energy." You can sign up to receive the e-publication at ACTIVEenergy.net.

Church Planting Resources, 2005 Edition Available Now
Leadership Network has scoured the Internet, researched publishers, and interviewed successful church planters to bring readers the comprehensive guide Church Planting Resources.

Leadership Network Offers Multi-Site Conference
Plan to be in Naperville, IL, October 24-25, 2005.

Church Communication Network Presents
Reggie McNeal, author of The Present Future, overviews "Disciplines of Greatness: Six Disciplines That Transform Good Leaders into Great Leaders," Thursday, July 14 (8:30 a.m. Pacific, 9:30 a.m. Mountain, 10:30 a.m. Central, 11:30 a.m. Eastern).

For more great learning, check out CCN's archives!

Missed Something?
Click here for available back issues of Advance or its predecessors Explorer and Into Action.

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