Multi-Site Exposed Conference

Mars Hill Church, Seattle, WA April 14-15

Here are some quotes that caught my attention in the conference. These are not comprehensive notes, just thoughts that took my fancy. 

Insights from Multi-Site Masters

We try to separate influence and control between the campuses. Some things we direct, other things we suggest. We try to distinguish between the core issues that have to be at each campus and those that are optional. Jamie Munson, Lead Pastor Mars Hill

The video campuses are full and  have twice the giving level of the live campus. His observation: the ones at the video campuses are in it for the cause and those at the main site for the show. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

We tried creating a teaching pastor at each site, but the cold, dark reality is that rarely you will get a teaching team that is equal. Either there is unequal skill or personality styles that are hard for people to relate to. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

The failure rate of church planting is high. We support church planting with 10 per cent of our budget. But multi-site is a new form of church planting not just an overflow room. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

Larger multi-site churches are becoming of themselves a new kind of denomination and network to better share resources.  With technology I think it is possible to have a church of millions. 3,500 churches die and close in America. Wouldn't it be better for those to become campuses rather than to cease operation all together? Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church

Multi-site campuses allows people to be better cared for. The bigger we get the better we care for people because we are able to specialise and develop. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

Avoid using the label, "Main Campus" or "Home Campus" because that gives the impression that one site is the main deal and the rest aren't. To have an organic church there must be a sense that all are significant and all contribute to the whole. Dave Browning, Lead Pastor Christ the King Community Church

The four leadership roles that are essential to launch a site include:

Campus pastor

Worship leader

Small groups minister

Children's ministry

Greg Ligon, Leadership Network

The name recognition of larger branded churches that multi-site helps in the trust factor in inviting others. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

Communication on the internet is instant, constant, global and permanent. Think of the implications of this for the gospel. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

Every campus has its own elder board. Membership is with the local campus. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill

Can there be an online church? When we rightly define the church, no. They are getting word, but no relational community, church discipline, or baptism.  It is great, however, that they hear the message. Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill