I used to be fairly skeptical of multi-site. Now, however, I see how it can be used as an intermediate strategy towards church planting, particularly when the sites are all pretty regionally located. And of course, if the preacher actually shows up live at each site, this can be a good way to expand the church into areas in which there is little strong church presence. (There are potential bad aspects of multi-site, but I won't deal with those here.)
One of Mars Hill's multi-site plants started with16 baptisms at their first worship service. It is hard not to take note of this, particularly with our fellowship's emphasis upon baptism. This makes me wonder what is happening here. The Reformed tradition places a strong emphasis upon conversion preaching. Is this just due to uniquely gifted preaching?
Is it that the church plants have toiled the soil prior to the worship day? If so, why are our plants not experiencing 16 baptisms on "opening day"?
I have long said that people today are too far away from God for most people who have never heard the gospel to instantly respond to one sermon. They have to be studied with, led to faith, experience community, etc. This has been my experience and research.
I just wonder what is going here, and if any you--including church planting types--have ideas on this. This phenomenon seems to run counter all other evangelistic and cultural trends.
What do you think of multi-site and these baptisms in the Mars Hill (reformed) church plants?
Great video. Love the spirit with which these guys discussed this issue. I gained some new insights into the value of multi-site churches and the nature of preaching. Thanks for sharing this one.
"Father in the name of Jesus Christ restore mobility back too her life restore ordor back and finally This will make a Differance in her hold life Give her you father for my sister Kishinev Davis and my sister tanksley Dovie. Amen"
