Different Types of Churches: The Multisite model
In the next episode of the podcast series Church Expressions NEXT by Exponential, the hosts Carrie Williams and Bill Couchenour interview Christy Gibas, Lead Pastor of The Table Church and a multisite church planter. When asked to define multisite ministry, she noted that it is simply reproducing your ministry model in another location.
To start, Gibas shares her personal story. Her life was transformed in a small group: when she would come in “smelling like last night’s party,” the women would love and care for her in the midst of it. Eventually, she not only gave her life to the Lord, but she felt that pull into vocational ministry. While listening to her recounting, something that stood out to me was the length of time between a call to ministry and planting.
Lessons from Gibas
Pivot.
Reiterated several times in the conversation was the importance of embracing pivots or change. She noted that pivots often lead to impactful change for the mission. She also named what we all know: Not everyone loves change. They went through a time of changing their entity name. Of course, there was pushback, but the resolve and conviction for the change were firm. The “why” was clear. It isn’t so much about not changing for the sake of change or being challenging, but instead about doing so boldly when change is needed, while extending grace to people who might have a challenge with it.
Small Groups.
Groups are a tool for reaching the lost, not an assimilation tactic or even about closing the back door. The Table Church uses disciple-making tools that teach people to study the Bible and to hear God directly. Given her own story, Gibas is particularly passionate about small-group ministry because it contributed to her own journey to know Jesus.
Have a Tribe.
Gibas emphasized the importance of having a Strategy Tribe. Of course, she noted, having your Theological Tribe in order matters. This is likely your yearly meeting! The Strategy Tribe is about having a team of people who can guide you along the next steps for planting new works. That is what we are all about here at Evangelical Friends Church Planting. We are your Strategy Tribe. Email us to schedule a virtual coffee chat to explore what God might be leading you to.
Spirit Led.
Listen to what God is telling you to do. Be obedient to God even if it looks different from everyone else. No doubt, as you read this, you know this in your core, but the reminder to be bold as God directs is always an encouragement.
Encouragement
Gibas gives us some good points of encouragement if considering a multisite model. Be one church from the start. By its nature, multisite ministry challenges leaders to think beyond a single zip code. Make decisions with conviction, especially from the start. Embrace the ones who love the mission more than the position. Resist the temptation to stay comfortable. Change isn’t the goal, but if it means more lost people encounter Jesus, then change might be necessary.
The multisite model may not be right for every church, but for you and your church, it might be your next faithful step. Multiplication rarely happens overnight. It unfolds through obedience, preparation, trusted community, and a willingness to pivot when God leads. Whether multisite is your next step or simply informs your imagination, the invitation remains the same: listen closely, hold the mission tightly, and trust God with the outcome.
That is how churches are planted for the sake of the gospel.
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