Bruce Frank

This past Sunday we had the joy of launching Biltmore Baptist East – our first additional campus as we jump into the multi-site model. While the praying, planning and preparation had been going on for over a year, this past Sunday was the date circled in red on the calendar.

We were not sure what to expect but were incredibly happy when the room was completely full before the 11:00 service began. I was proud of our people as they gave up their seats for our first time guests. All in all, 987 people were at our East launch, with over 6,300 total at both campuses. The vast majority at the East launch were from the Eastern communities we were trying to reach with the launch. Although we are new to the multi-site model, here are five quick things I like about the strategy.

1. It takes the church to the people, rather than asking them to drive long distances to the church. When our East small groups launch in a few weeks, they will be in homes in that area. As my friend J.D. Greear says, “Stay where you are; serve where you live; be the church in your community.”

2. It helps focus on the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations beginning in your backyard of “Jerusalem.” (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8)

3. It can help change your community with the gospel. (Acts 5:42, Matthew 21:10)

4. It is a lot less expensive than building a bigger building and often more successful than a church plant. (90% success rate of multi-site)

5. It raises up new leaders. Four out of five multi-sites report an increase in lay leadership development. Sending out leaders – we sent 170 from our Arden campus to East Camps to be a volunteer army. It was also cool to se e the rapid leadership development of the three pastors who have been preparing for the launch and are now out at East.

Just a few thoughts. Below are a couple of pictures from East. Thanks for the prayers, and can’t wait till this Sunday!

Bruce