Some of the most common questions I get are questions about Multi-Campus Strategy. They ask, “What’s your advice?”
My advice may surprise you. I know this, because everybody who I talk to seems surprised when I give it.
There are few things that I am equipped to talk about as much as this. Here are a few reasons why…
1. I currently serve in an effective and incredible organization with 3 Campuses (really churches) and 2 coming online in 2011.
2. I sat on the leadership team of our 3rd Campus, Browns Bridge Community Church, as the Family Ministry Director for a year as we started up.
3. I currently serve as the Campus Director at North Point for Middle School as well as the Multi-Campus Director of Middle School.
4. I have scars all over me as we struggled to work out just how this thing works. This stuff ain’t easy!
5. Finally, and most importantly, I’ve made more mistakes with this stuff than you can imagine!
That is why people are surprised when my answer to their question about them going multi-campus usually is
“Don’t”
Don’t get me wrong. It can be a great strategy. It just really isn’t for everybody….it really isn’t for most.
Before I drop the bomb on them, I usually ask what I ask after every question about a new strategy or program. I ask “Why?” If there is a pause (meaning that they really don’t have a clear answer), I’ve already decided my advice. Here are reasons that don’t constitute good reasons to go multi-campus:
We just thought the church would do great over there.
Awesome news…have you considered helping to plant a separate church like yours over there?
Everybody is doing it.
Ahh…the classic case of “steeple envy.”
It’s cheaper than building a new building.
Nope…no way. Not in the long run.
We just need to reach more people.
So…there are no unchurched people in your current area?
Another church, that’s not going to make it, told us we could take it over.
And the only problems you will inherit are some power bills?
It may make total sense to go multi-campus… Just don’t rush in!
The first question you have to answer well is …. “Why?”
Then…
Are you financially capable? Are you a healthy enough organization to take on tons of complexity? Are you doing a good enough job implementing your vision at one campus that you need to and can move on?
If you can answer those questions and still feel like it’s the right thing, then pray…pray…pray. Then seek…seek…seek Godly and wise counsel.
Then, I’m guessing, most of us should get back to work focusing on our church.
What do you think?
P.S. – I’m not telling you our “why?” on purpose… Go get your own “Why?”! If you don’t have your own… “Don’t”
Very though-provoking. The idea of multi-campus is in the backs of our minds here, but waaaayy down the road. I’m not sure we could answer the “why” question, though. Thanks for sharing sage advice.
thanks for reading Randy. You have a great blog btw.
Thanks, bro!
Hi Shef,
Thanks for the insights. Am currently doing D.Min. studies and saw some interesting approaches to multi-campus churches in August. Would that many would ask the “why” and be more serious about it.
I was just hired at a church in BC. They’ve been planning on going multi-site for awhile now. They’re (we’re) going to open in 2011. I’ll be the student ministries pastor. Thanks for your blog!
Awesome James…Congrats on the new job. thanks for reading. Welcome aboard.