Reviewed by: Hope Bolinger, a professional writing major at Taylor University.

Introduction

Title: MultiChurch: Exploring the Future of MultiSite

Author:  Brad House and Gregg Allison

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: 017

Format: Print book

Length: 240 pages

OVERVIEW

The few-decades-old phenomenon of multi-site churches—churches with multiple locations or venues—has benefited communities and millions of attendees. However, this business model causes congregations to hit a few snags, such as too much centralized authority and convoluted financial practices. Those in the throng of a dying multi-site may find themselves burnt out and unclear as to where to go next as given in the example of Sojourn Church in Louisville that started strong and then floundered due to poor management and lack of vision.  One solution is now suggested in the concept of MultiChurch, the next step in the megachurch evolution. This model allows localized churches to exercise independence while working interdependently with other congregations in the area—with fewer political hitches.

Coupled with experience of a trial-and-error MultiChurch, the authors provide thorough expertise on what will hurt or harm such a church in transition. Nevertheless, the book falters in a couple of aspects. First, although it chastises other authors for adopting business-aimed approaches for churches, it implements the very same tactic for several of the chapters—especially in LandMarks, MultiOrg, and MultiPolity. Furthermore, whenever the authors are not defending the purpose of a multi-site organism (the arguments consume nearly half the book before the writers move on to the logistics of MultiChurch), the writing reads as very dry and hard to digest for anyone with minimal business, financial, and political expertise.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

3 stars

Suggested Audience

Churches ready to expand into multiple sites who want to give more power to the local authorities, as opposed to a more centralized controlling unit.

Christian Impact

The church has evolved since its roots and requires us to grow and change with it. House and Allison believe MultiChurch is the next stage in this metamorphosis. Churches resistant to transition may find themselves dying as an organism within the next couple of decades.

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