WHAT IS A MULTISITE CHURCH?
This idea can best be defined in the simple phrase: ONE CHURCH, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.
A multisite church is a church that while being one unified; identified local church body, holds its gatherings at more than one locations. Our desire is to see Mount Ararat begin meet in different locations and venues both in our local community and perhaps; even regionally.
WHY MULTI-SITE?
Multisite is a calling that allows for a church to expand its mission and impact by multiplying its ability to reach the community. As of right now, we are pressed to increase our reach on our current campus. Space limitations in our worship center, parking lots, children and preschool facilities, and student areas are hindering our ability to grow. Becoming a multisite church is a strategy to help remedy these restrictions.
Multisite also allows us to multiply our vision and strategy. We believe that God has called Mount Ararat to a specific strategy for how we are to reach, minister to, and lead others to grow. We operate from a specific vision: To Make Disciples. This is the goal that drives all we do. Our strategy for how we carry this out is best expressed through the following statement: We desire to connect people to God, to one another, and to the world through serving. These three connections are the vehicle for us to live out and grow in our relationship with Jesus. We work hard to create three compelling environments where people can experience these connections: Worship, Small Groups, and Serving opportunities. Multisite allows an opportunity for this vision and strategy to be carried out and multiplied.
WHAT DOES A MULTISITE CHURCH LOOK LIKE?
While there are many different approaches to being a multisite church, here are some elements that we envision being a part of our strategy:
1. Live Worship at Each Campus
2. Video Sermons supplemented by occasional live sermons taught at each campus.
3. Each campus hosted and led by a Campus Pastor
4. Vibrant Preschool and Children’s Ministry Environments
5. Full Connection and Next Step Ministry Environments and Teams
Other ministry programs and opportunities could also be birthed at different campuses based upon opportunity and need.
I grew up going to a church that rented schools, the YMCA, even the Moose Lodge for services!! I believe that the Holy Spirit is present whenever and where-ever His people are gathered! Count me in on helping to make the vision of a multisite church a reality – Yeah God!!
I attended Calvary Chapel in San Diego. When it grew too large to fit in the movie theater –3 services, they just put out a request that people please start attending a service which Calvary Chapel set up in 12 different locations around San Diego. Thus 12 more Calvary Chapels churches took root. People of the congregation were most willing to go…….Actually God tells us to go into all the world. Just think about how many more people may be reached because of the visions Mt. A has.
So excited for you all taking your adventure into multi-site! Based on this post, you got it going on & are ready to take the church to the people.
Willy
I used to think I could never attend Church at Mount Ararat unless I was in the actual Church. Because I bought a house and moved out to Spotyslvania I am praying that you all will have a multi-site that is some where close to me especially as the price of gas creaps up to the $4.00 a gallon mark. So I say go for it and pray for a site some place perhaps in downtown Fredericksburg.
I have listened to McLean Bible Church in Fairfax/McLean on the radio and watched them grow into a multi-site church. I don’t know the details but assume it has been successful. I like the idea that we are going to worship at North Stafford to reach out to another community close by as a “pilot”. I don’t know if that is the intent but it will be interesting to see how it works, I think it will be well attended. An advantage to becoming multi-site is to have smaller groups to fellowship with and be accountable to. The video screens seem like a great preparation in this direction too. God Bless your endeavors! I hope our family can help somehow.