Growing Church Trend:
Multisite Expansion
We deal with a lot of vibrant, growing churches in our
business, and they’re certainly not all alike. But one thing we know for sure:
Many churches are choosing a similar way to expand these days.
Multisite expansion is an increasing trend among the
nation’s fastest growing churches. Several of our clients in Colorado have chosen
this direction.
In fact, most of the churches on Outreach Magazine’s 2013
list of the 100 fastest growing are multisite. Of the 100 largest churches in
the country, only 12 have single campuses. The “fastest growing” list reflects
a closer split, with 42 churches reporting a single campus.
“Some once believed this move to grow via multiple campuses
was a temporary trend, but it appears to be a trend
that's here to stay,” said LifeWay researcher Ed Stetzer in an analysis
of the results.
“While it was once the domain of only the largest churches,
we now see smaller churches deploying the same methodology. What's interesting
to me is the number of churches that utilize a multisite methodology and are
also committed to church planting.”
Multiple campuses offer benefits that other approaches such
as adding a service, building an addition or renovating existing space may not.
They may provide increased programming flexibility and allow churches to serve
wider populations and demographics. They may allow church leadership to avoid zoning
challenges and the conflict that sometimes accompanies those.
Of course, multiple sites may also mean more of certain
logistical challenges, and often require hiring more staff or working existing
staff harder. And churches seeking a second campus must find an acceptable
space to buy or rent, or find an affordable lot on which to build.
Church planting may be another viable option, as well as
expanding onsite or adding another service. So how to choose?
A church must decide for itself, based on a number of
considerations such as vision and direction, budget, programming goals,
location, congregation demographics and the real estate market whether going
multisite is a wise move.
When it comes to expansion decisions, churches may want to
consider their roles in their communities. Would a multisite approach detract
from or refocus the programs or services the church offers? Do local businesses
rely on church traffic? Would adding another service clog traffic too much? Would
trying to expand onsite create goodwill or conflict with the surrounding
community? What costs, zoning regulations and other restrictions come with each
option?
These are just some of the questions that the leadership of
a church poised to expand should probably ask, and each situation is different.
But if this is you, feel free to contact us. We’ve had lots of experience in
this arena, and we’ll help you explore relevant issues and determine the best
way forward for your unique church story.
To hear our ideas about your future expansion or redevelopment
project, please contact Scott McLean at 303-534-3344 (x 103) or at scott@developco.com.
