What to think of multi-site campuses?

Doubtless, you're familiar with a trend in church growth. Instead of planting new churches, churches are instead opening up another "campus," where those who assemble typically watch the preaching done at the main campus via live feed or rebroadcast.

What should we think of the practice?

There are obviously reasons to do it that way. For example, you can keep control over the doctrine and practice over the new group. You have name recognition that will draw a crowd.

But, aren't there drawbacks as well?

Why not take the 6 greatest preachers in a denomination and offer to broadcast them into each church, instead of having some 2nd rate pastor labor through sermon construction amid his other duties?

Seriously, can you imagine how much time would be available if a pastor didn't have to preach that Sunday morning sermon?

What is lost in that approach? You could say you lose the ability for the pastor to really shepherd those people, but I've long since held that's going to be the case in a mega church anyway, where the pastors/elders are not really able to effectively shepherd the masses.

Of course, in the typical mega church the folks are already watching the preacher on a screen, so does it matter if it's live or if he's really in the building?

Anyone have firsthand experience in the multisite church? Your thoughts? What were the pros? the cons?

Personally, I'm not a fan of the multisite church idea, but the more I think about it, the more I come to realize it's really the mega church approach that I don't like, not just the multisite approach.

Here's a Christianity Today link to various responses to the following question:
"Should Multisite Campuses Be Church Plants Instead?"

Church Planting Boot Camp @ DTS, May 14-18, 8-5pm

For those still in the Dallas area:
DTS is offering a special course through the Pastoral Ministries Department during the 1st Summer session. It is called Church Planting Boot Camp and the course will be taught by Dr. Bob Rowley. I'm sure a one-week course is not very convienent for those who have already graduated but I thought I'd provide the information anyway. Here is some info. about Dr. Rowley.

From EFCA Texas-Oklahome District website:
"Dr. Bob Rowley graduated with a Th.M. degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1982. He and his wife, JoAnn, then moved to Laredo, Texas where God used them to plant Grace Bible EFC.
Over the years, Bob and JoAnn have served as Urban Intercultural missionaries with the EFCA, and Bob served several years on the district board, and five years as the district Director of Church Planting before becoming the District Superintendent. Bob has been involved in about thirty church plants over the years.
On June 14, 2004, Bob was unanimously elected District Superintendent for the EFCA – Texas District. He resigned from the staff of Grace Bible Church on December 31, 2004 and began giving full-time to the EFCA – Texas District. In February of 2005 the district became the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma district. Bob and JoAnn live in San Antonio, Texas.
Bob serves on the EFCA National Church Planting Team and is the EFCA national trainer for coaching. Bob completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Dallas Theological Seminary in May of 2005. His research and dissertation wrestled with the question of what is required to successfully coach church planters. He was the recipient of the John G. Mitchell award given to a student in the Doctor of Ministry program who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and effectiveness in ministry. In the past he has also received the EFCA Church Planting District of the Year award and the UIM Bridging Award for bridging cultures."

Free Dallas-area Church Planting Conference

A buddy of mine just told me about a free church planting conference in the Dallas area. Here's the details for anyone who is interested.

FREE Dallas Area Launch Conference - March 29, 2007

THE HALF-DAY LAUNCH CONFERENCE with Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas, The Journey Church (NYC) and authors of Launch: Starting A New Church From Scratch (Regal Jan 07)

During this half-day event, Nelson and Kerrick will walk you through the key lessons of launching a new church from scratch. Ideal for church planters, pastors and church leaders planning to start a new church or anyone looking for the latest insight into church planting success.

Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:00am - 1:00pm

Hosted at: Lake Pointe Church 701 E Interstate 30 Rockwall, TX 75087

FREE with RSVP! (or $35 at the door) To reserve your spot, simply add this item to your cart and check out.

Questions? Contact Lauren @ 212.730.8300 x212 or lauren@nyjourney.com.

About the Seminar Leader
In 2002, Nelson Searcy started the The Journey Church of the City in New York, NY. The congregation has grown from a handful of people to over 1000. The Journey is an innovative, multicultural church in Manhattan and is one of the fastest growing churches in the Northeast. An experienced strategist and church growth expert, Nelson serves as a regular consultant to churches across America seeking to break growth barriers. He previously served as the Director of The Purpose Driven Community at Saddleback Church.