Better Together

The multi-site movement, normally associated with larger churches, also creates an option for small and mid-sized churches. Where two (or more) sister churches are located in relative proximity, people and resources can be combined and interfused to create one stronger church in several locations.

For a plateaued or declining church open to essential change, transition to a church of two sites can be a path to revitalization. For a stronger church willing to sacrifice, nurture relationships, and practice sensitivity, a multi-site meld can expand ministry.

Barnabas Initiatives and Evangelical Seminary (Myerstown, Pa.) are collaborating to offer a one-day workshop to assist churches exploring a church-meld strategy for optimum health, growth, and kingdom impact.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 16, at Manheim Mennonite Church, 201 West High Street, Manheim (Pa.). The cost is $35/person. Lunch will be provided. For more information and/or to register, go to the events page of the Evangelical Seminary website.

Ryan Brown, lead pastor at New Life Community (BIC) Church, will tell the story of blending New Life in Carlisle with Mt. Holly Springs BIC, a sister church six miles way. Doug Sider, the bishop at the time, and lay members from the leadership teams of both churches will contribute snapshot perspectives--to complete a 360 overview of the meld process.

A break-out time will allow participants from churches considering a meld to talk together about the potential application of insights gained and lessons learned at New Life Community.