Many evangelical churches today are embracing multi-campus models as an effective strategy for growth. Multi-campus churches have the potential to be phenomenal, but they can also silently fracture your team if not approached cautiously. Today, we'll explore the complexities of multi-site ministry and how to sustain a healthy church staff across all locations.
The dream of multi-site models dwells on unity, but in reality, each campus can often turn into its own silo. Miscommunication, diluted culture, and staff feeling like they are scattered across different planets can become deafening issues. Calls for unity become lost amidst the clatter, frustrating staff and confusing roles.
Expanding into multiple campuses can bring staffing pain points to the forefront. Staff may feel exhausted from constant growth and pivoting, leading to feelings of being unseen or unsupported, particularly at smaller campuses. In addition, rush decisions can lead to unclear reporting lines, role confusion, and potential for conflict. As the system grows, the risk of individuals feeling small intensifies.
How can we ensure we maintain our culture across different campuses? Key to achieving this is the use of centralized communication while empowering local execution. Clarity in roles, chains of command, and decision-making processes is vital. Each campus must feel championed equally, and the focus should be on building collaboration within the church staff, fostering feelings of connection rather than control.
If you find your multi-campus model straining your team, it's time to rethink your strategy. The aim is not necessarily to dismantle your multi-site approach, but to reconsider the means of execution. If the current plan is breaking the staff, doubling down or expanding isn't the solution, the strategy is.
To build a healthy multi-campus team, ensure everyone feels part of the team, even if not in the same location. The model is not the challenge here, implementing it effectively is.
Be open to questions and discussion about your multi-site setup. What's your biggest staff issue in a multi-site arrangement? Your answers and experiences can spark potential topics for future content, leading to shared learning and growth.
For more insights on leading multi-campus churches effectively, I invite you to listen to today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode to learn more.