Ways of Being a Multisite Congregation
Part of Congregational Life Cycles
There are many ways for congregations to partner and share resources and/or staff. Find the model that works best for your community!
- Branch and Campus (sometimes called “satellite”) models
- Yoked congregations, committed to shared staff and shared programming.
- In partnership models, an existing congregation partners with or creates a distinct covenanted community.
- Merged or Networked models seek to create “one church in multiple locations.” These sites share everything! -their staff, programming, budget, by-laws, board, and most importantly, their mission.
Comparing Multisite Motivations and Cultures
| Motivated by… | Bound by… | Hoping for… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | Helping | Shared Resources | Revitalization |
| Campus | Reaching out | Shared Staff, Program & Mission | Expanded Reach |
| Yoked | Sharing | Shared Staff & Program | Impact |
| Partner | Helping | Shared Money & Space | Innovation |
| Merger | Stronger Together | Shared Identity | Expanded Reach |