Joe Park Discusses The Unstuck Group’s Quarterly Report on Multisite Churches

 Summary 

This report by The Unstuck Group examines trends in multisite churches across the U.S., utilizing data from over 100 participating congregations. Key insights reveal that successful multisite campuses often launch with larger initial sizes, averaging 483 attendees compared to 142 for those in decline. The report underscores the necessity of deliberate planning and the pitfalls of hasty expansion. Notably, thriving multisite churches demonstrate higher volunteer engagement, with a 9:1 attendee-to-leader ratio, optimize staffing budgets to about 52% of the total budget, and effectively use video teaching for consistent message delivery. The report aims to offer insights and best practices for churches contemplating or currently executing a multisite strategy, advocating for a structured approach to ensure sustainable growth and outreach. 

Multisite Church Trends Discussed 

• Multisite churches are growing. The average in-person attendance of the multisite churches surveyed increased by 15% over the previous 12 months. The average weekly attendance for the last 12 months increased from 2,522 people to 2,892. 

• Multisite churches are reaching people. The average church in the survey baptized 219 people in the last 12 months, which is 8% of this year's average in-person attendance. 

• Healthy multisite campuses launch new locations with more people than declining or failed campus launches. Churches that have sustained a healthy, growing campus long-term started with an average attendance of 483 at launch compared to 142 in attendance at campuses in decline or that have closed. 

• Multisite churches have healthier staffing levels than single-location churches. Multisite churches surveyed employ one full-time equivalent (FTE) staff person for every 71 attendees. By comparison, the average church employs one FTE staff person for every 60 attendees. The Unstuck Group recommends one FTE for every 75 people in attendance. 

• Multisite churches are investing more than half of their ministry budget into ministry staff. The average staff budget is 52% of the overall ministry budget. The Unstuck Group recommends that churches try to keep staffing budgets between 45% and 55% of the overall budget. 

• Most multisite church staff are on campus teams rather than central teams. The survey indicated that churches have about 66% of their staff members in campus roles for all locations and 34% of their staff in central ministry roles. The Unstuck Group recommends a two-to-one allocation between campus and central ministry roles. 

• Multisite churches are committed to multiplication. Forty-four percent (44%) of the churches surveyed are also involved in church planting outside of their multisite strategy. Over 40% of the churches surveyed indicated that they anticipate launching another campus in the next 12 months. 

• Multisite churches tend to prefer using video teaching as the primary method for message delivery across locations. Two-thirds of churches that completed the survey use video teaching as the primary method for message delivery across locations. Of the churches surveyed, 42% deliver teaching primarily through video (with rare exceptions) and 24% use a combination of video and in-person teaching. Only 27% of churches use a teaching model where the campus pastors are the primary teachers at their locations. 

• Multisite churches with identical locations grow almost twice as fast as churches with more autonomy. One key factor contributing to the rapid growth of multisite churches is the ability to replicate a proven model across multiple locations. This includes having identical locations with similar programs, systems, and teaching methods. By having a consistent approach across campuses, multisite churches are able to maintain a strong brand identity and attract new members more easily. 

• Multisite churches that eventually closed campuses were four times more likely to have used a model where the campus pastor was the primary teacher. The role of a campus pastor goes beyond just teaching. They are also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their location, including managing staff, budgeting, and building relationships with members. This requires strong leadership skills and the ability to delegate tasks effectively. Without proper support from a larger leadership team or network, it can be overwhelming for a single individual to handle all these responsibilities alone. 

A healthy multisite strategy takes time and intentionality. Churches should launch campuses where they are already reaching people and should build their Core Team first and then build their campus staff team based on the expectation of twice that size. 

Key Observations: Multisite Church Growth 

• Churches should carefully plan their multisite strategy for success. Rushing into a multisite model without preparation and a dedicated launch team can hinder momentum. Launching campuses in areas where they already have a presence is recommended, as it naturally transfers the church's culture. Prioritizing a strong Core Team and planning campus staff for double the anticipated attendance is crucial. 

• Financial management is key to supporting multisite growth, yet only 34% of churches felt confident in their financial management's support for expansion. Establishing a culture of generosity that aligns with the main campus is vital, including transparent communication about financial expectations. The Core Team should embrace this culture from the start, setting the tone for giving and financial stewardship. 

• Maintaining consistency appears crucial for growth. Identical multisite locations, mirroring the original, experience double the growth rate compared to more autonomous campuses. Campuses led by a campus pastor as the primary teacher were four times more likely to close compared to those using video teaching from the main pastor, which were healthier. The use of video teaching is recommended. 

• Leadership is vital for multisite growth. Churches with strong volunteer leadership strategies tend to grow more. For example, a church with one volunteer leader for every four attendees grew by 33% annually. Multisite churches show healthier staffing levels, indicating more efficient resource use. 

• Multisite churches have a leadership span of one volunteer leader for every nine attendees, showing higher leadership engagement. This dedication to leadership development, with 56% of churches having formal programs, boosts volunteer engagement and growth. The increase in volunteer engagement after launching a new location, reported by 93% of churches, highlights multisite strategies' positive impact. 

• The data highlights the importance of strategic planning for multisite growth. Churches investing in leadership, replicating successful models, and establishing a generous culture are more likely to sustain growth and effectively reach new communities. This discussion highlights trends and factors in multisite church growth, emphasizing the need for careful planning, sufficient launch size, leadership development, and consistent experiences to maximize multisite potential. 

Multisite Staffing: Trends and Recommendations 

The data offers valuable insights into staffing trends and recommendations for multisite churches, highlighting the importance of strategic staffing for church health and growth. 

• Multisite churches generally have healthier staffing levels than single-location churches. They employ one full-time equivalent (FTE) staff for every 71 attendees, while the average for all churches is one FTE for every 60 attendees. This implies that multisite churches might use staff resources more efficiently. The Unstuck Group recommends a ratio of one FTE for every 75 attendees, indicating that multisite churches are closer to this benchmark. 

• Multisite churches allocate a significant portion of their budget to staffing, averaging 52% for salaries and benefits. The Unstuck Group advises keeping staffing budgets between 45% and 55% of the total budget, showing that multisite churches are within this range. Specific salary details are not provided; consultation with specialists like The Church Lawyers is recommended for compensation guidance. 

• It's crucial to balance staff between campus-specific roles and central ministry teams. Data shows 66% of multisite church staff serve in campus roles, while 34% are on central ministry teams supporting all locations. This aligns with The Unstuck Group's 2:1 ratio recommendation, ensuring support for individual locations and shared resources across the network. 

• Central ministry teams usually form as a church prepares for its third location, with an average of about 2.25 campuses. As networks grow, the need for central support becomes clearer. These teams provide resources, training, and guidance to individual campuses, ensuring a cohesive strategy. 

• While specific roles in multisite staffing aren't detailed, enough staff and volunteer leaders are essential for core ministries, especially at new campus launches. This likely includes roles in worship, children's ministry, small groups, and outreach, with variations based on each campus's needs. 

• Strategic staffing is vital for a multisite church's success. Maintaining healthy staffing levels, wisely budgeting, and balancing central and campus-specific roles are key to supporting growth, effective ministry, and a unified experience across locations. 

Volunteer Engagement in Multisite Churches 

Multisite strategies place an intentional emphasis on volunteer engagement and highlight its importance for overall church growth and effectiveness. 

• Multisite churches excel in engaging volunteers, showing higher involvement levels compared to single-site churches. This is evident in the lower attendee-to-volunteer leader ratio in multisite settings (9:1) versus the average across all churches (17:1). This suggests the multisite model may foster better volunteer participation due to increased leadership opportunities and a stronger sense of community. 

• A key finding is that volunteer engagement increases significantly after launching a new multisite location. An impressive 93% of churches reported higher volunteer involvement post-launch, both at new and original campuses, indicating a ripple effect throughout the network. The excitement of a new launch likely inspires members to get involved and welcome newcomers, fostering a culture of service. 

• There is a link between volunteer leadership and church growth, noting that churches with strong volunteer strategies tend to grow faster. One example is a church with 33% annual growth and a volunteer leader for every four attendees, highlighting the importance of volunteer leadership in expansion. 

• Intentional leadership development is crucial for boosting volunteer engagement, with 56% of surveyed multisite churches having formal programs to increase ministry leaders. This proactive approach helps build a strong pool of qualified volunteer leaders, enhancing the church’s ability to engage its members in various ministries. 

• While specific strategies weren't detailed, the data suggests the multisite model offers inherent advantages. With multiple locations and a wide range of ministries, there are diverse opportunities for volunteers to serve based on interests and skills. This, along with a focus on leadership and a culture valuing volunteer contribution, likely contributes to high engagement levels in multisite churches. 

By actively cultivating a culture of service, investing in leadership development, and leveraging the inherent advantages of the multisite model, these churches effectively harness the power of volunteerism to drive growth, expand their reach, and create thriving communities of faith. 

Actionable Steps for Leaders Navigating Multisite Church Growth 

Step One: Prioritize Strategic Staffing and Volunteer Engagement 

• Assess current staffing levels and budget allocation: Compare your church's staffing ratio and budget allocation for staffing to the benchmarks provided in the sources. Determine if your church is appropriately staffed and if your budget aligns with the recommended guidelines (one FTE per 71 attendees and 45-55% of the overall budget for staffing). 

• Evaluate the balance between campus-specific and central ministry roles: Analyze your staffing structure to ensure you have the right balance between campus-focused staff and those serving in central support roles. The sources recommend a 2:1 ratio. If your church is approaching the launch of a third campus, proactively plan for the formation of central ministry teams to provide consistent support and resources across all locations. 

• Implement a robust volunteer leadership development strategy: Prioritize equipping and empowering volunteers to take on leadership roles within the church. Develop a formal program that provides training, resources, and mentorship opportunities for potential leaders. 

• Actively cultivate a culture of service and recognize volunteer contributions: Encourage and celebrate volunteerism throughout your church. Implement systems for recognizing and appreciating volunteers, fostering a sense of belonging and value within the community. 

Step Two: Approach Multisite Launches with Intentionality 

• Invest in building a strong core team before launching a new campus: Rather than rushing into a launch, focus on assembling a dedicated core team of individuals who live in the target community and are passionate about the new location. Remember, the initial launch attendance is typically double the size of the core team, so a larger core team sets the stage for a stronger launch. 

• Ensure sufficient resources are available to support a larger launch: Avoid launching too small. Prepare financially and logistically to support an initial attendance that reflects a healthy and sustainable campus. A larger launch helps prevent an inward focus and enables you to replicate the experience of the sending campus more effectively. 

• Consider using video teaching as the primary message delivery method for new campuses: The sources highlight that multisite churches with identical locations using video teaching grow almost twice as fast as those with more campus autonomy and different teaching models. Video teaching provides consistency and allows for a more centralized approach to curriculum development and delivery. 

Step Three: Embrace a Culture of Generosity and Financial Stewardship 

• Assess your church's financial management practices and their alignment with multisite growth: Evaluate whether your current financial practices can effectively support the expansion of your church through multisite launches. Consider seeking guidance from organizations like Horizons Stewardship to improve your church’s financial strategy for multisite success. 

• Cultivate a culture of generosity across all campuses: Communicate a clear and consistent message about the importance of financial stewardship, ensuring that giving practices and expectations are aligned across all locations. Empower campus leaders to champion generosity within their communities and model a spirit of giving. 

How Horizons Can Help 

Horizons Stewardship can help by providing expert guidance and innovative strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of your church. With a focus on growing disciples and funding ministry, we work closely with clients to develop comprehensive, integrated funding plans that align with your mission and goals. We want to help you develop a generosity playbook that empowers you to maximize your impact and ensure a sustainable future.