The number one way to increase the capacity of any local church is to look at the church through the eyes of church multiplication.
Imagine for a moment the difference in vision between church growth and church multiplication.
Church growth thinks about
- a way to get more people into the local church
- a way to increase the budget of a local church
- a way to increase the number of people who will follow a particular vision
- a way to increase the platform and influence of a few people
Church multiplication thinks about
- a way to empower people beyond a brand
- a way to populate society with capable believers and churches with different gifts, talents, and abilities that might outpace an individual
- a way to advance a kingdom
Here is what I am learning. If I make the goal of my church only growth, I begin limiting its potential. If I make the goal of my church, multiplication, I unleash a torrent of leadership that creates momentum which makes a difference in society.
The multiplication mindset changes my approach to church organization, leadership development, and methods. Here is an example.
Let’s say for example I am gifted as a good bible teacher. I am good at delivering sermons and classes that people love. I could be limited by the idea that I must be the only one who teaches Sunday mornings, classes, and leadership development. I might be tempted to believe our church exists because of my ability to communicate. I might even find another who communicates in a way that I like and give them a platform. In that, I have limited the potential of our church to develop good teachers based on my personal preferences.
If I recognize on the other hand the ability that God places in several people to teach, I open up the door of potential to new churches, new styles, new classes, and new leaders. In the first case, I think church growth, in the second I am thinking church multiplication.
In order to embrace multiplication, I must embrace the following as a leader
- A humility to realize that the church is not about me, my style, my preferences, or my platform.
- A desire for others to outpace my performance
- A love for the kingdom of God
- Trust in God’s provision
- The desire not to control but to build up and release
Questions I need to consider.
- Do I celebrate new churches in my neighbourhood?
- Do I celebrate new leaders with new ideas, unlike mine?
- Do I think about multiplication or accumulation?