Greater Orlando Baptist Association The Multiplying Church

“What would it take to enhance our capacity to plant more churches?”

The Multiplying Church “What would it take to reach our city with the gospel and advance the Kingdom of God in our midst?”

Multiplication “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

Definition “A multiplying church is a community of Christ followers who abandon themselves to live out the Great Commission through the multiplication of disciples, small groups, leaders, and churches.”

Multiplication Make Disciples Form Small Groups Identify Leaders

The Multiplying Church Common Characteristics Found in Multiplying Churches

Characteristics They are driven by a vision to reach their city with the gospel, not necessarily to grow a large church. “As He (Jesus) approached and saw the city, He wept over it…” Luke 19:41

Characteristics They are driven by a vision to reach their city with the gospel, not necessarily to grow a large church. They embrace the values of Jesus and the Kingdom. They develop partnerships and collaborate with others. Relationships are the “avenues” for effective ministry. They operate within simpler schedules

Characteristics Christ is the vine, not the church Then Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” Mark 16:15

Characteristics Christ is the vine, not the church The gospel of Jesus Christ, and not the church, is the defining message of the multiplying church. (John 12:32) Our problem in North America may be that the structures that give us support could be consuming our resources, energy and our people – and at times, the actual work that the systems and structures are there to support may be taking a back seat.

Characteristics The making of disciples is not one of many purposes for the church… it is the purpose. “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19

Characteristics Disciple Making is the Primary Purpose of the Church “Disciple” is clearly defined and the stages of development are communicated. They understand that disciples are made by someone and not by something. They create relational connections & environments that foster growth and development. They understand that disciples are typically made by walking them through a process.

Growth through stages

Disciple making process Reproduc tion

Characteristics They believe that multiplication, and therefore movements, are dependent upon the development of leaders. “And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of the ministry.” Eph. 4:11-12

Characteristics They believe that multiplication, and therefore movements, are dependent upon the development of leaders. They believe that the best environment for identifying and developing leaders are apprenticeships in small groups. Leaders in the church seek to recognize emerging leaders and then, to engage them in an intentional development system.

Participant in Residency Program Multiplier of Small Groups & Organizational Leaders (12-24 Months) Small Group Leader Small Group Apprentice Relational Disciple Maker (6-18 Months) (Lifeti me) Maturing Follower of Christ Being Discipled By Another Disciple Participant in Pastor’s Cohort (9-24 Months) Church-Based Leader Development Process

Characteristics They believe that community and life-giving relationships are the keys to growth and development. “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house… And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” Acts 2:44-47

Characteristics Community and life-giving relationships are the keys to growth and development. Community is the best context for disciple making, conducting missions, and developing leaders. A small group needs to maintain balance in three areas: Communion with God, Community with believers & living out God’s commission.

Relational space

Essentials for kingdom living

Transitions From programs to process From something to someone From individualism to community From church growth to Kingdom growth From students to apprentices From knowledge to obedience From maturity to reproduction

Transitions From conversion to reproduction From “in here” to “out there” From dividing groups to growing leaders From church to Jesus From recruiting to recognizing From competency to character From crowded to simple

Greater Orlando Baptist Association Dr. Tom Cheyney Mark Weible

Greater Orlando Baptist Association The Multiplying Church