Church of God and Multisite Campuses
Although the circuit riding Methodist preacher of the 1800s was the forerunner of the idea of multisite campuses for local churches, the practice of having a central church that meets at more than one location was slow to develop.
The North Cleveland Church of God had established 26 chapels and worship sites under the auspices of its central church by 1974. The Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta, multisite operation became probably the best known such arrangement in the denomination, and multiple others have developed more recently. Multisite churches are the fastest growing phenomenon in the church world and are presently responsible for the establishment of most new worshiping congregations.
In 1990, only 10 such operations were known; by 1998, that number had grown to 100. A 2006 listing by Leadership Network of all the known multisite churches showed 1,500. By 2010, the number had mushroomed to 5,000, and the latest list available, from 2012, shows a few more than 8,000.
These churches have a central church campus and ministry and one or more satellite locations. The outlying locations have a worship service, with the sermon often preached by the senior pastor and relayed by video or streaming, and an onsite pastor, worship leader, and set of activities and ministries. The vast majority show growth averaging 14 percent, as well as increased lay participation, since they adopted a multisite model.
Church of God congregations that wish to adopt a multisite operation are encouraged to do so and are asked to follow the ensuing guidelines:
Communication. A senior pastor desiring to begin a multisite campus should dialogue with the overseer under whom he or she serves, sharing the vision and plans that will guide the development of the sites and discussing the geographical area in which ministry is envisioned.
Credentials. Campus pastors (those who will lead and coordinate satellite locations) should be credentialed ministers where possible.
Correction. Any ministerial disciplinary matter involving a pastor serving under the senior pastor should be dealt with by the pastor and the state/regional overseer under whom they serve.
Covenant. Finances of multisite campuses should be under the oversight of the senior pastor and the local church, and the normal Church of God financial operation should be followed. Because the model offers growth potential at a much lower cost and effort than the establishment of free-standing new churches, the Church of God actively promotes the continuing development of multisite local churches.
(Source: First Monday, May, 2015)
