Multi-site church is simply one church gathering in multiple locations for the traditional weekend service. Before we delve into details of how we are organizing ourselves you need to know one very important truth. There is only one Church (notice the capital C in Church). This Church is bigger than Bethel. It’s bigger than the Tri-Cities. It wouldn’t fit in any coliseum or stadium anywhere. This Church consists of all followers of Jesus who have ever lived or who ever will live (from Adam to Abraham, from King David to Dave Bechtel). And Bethel is a part of this Church. If you are following Jesus, then you are are part of this Church. So, really, when we say multi-site church, we’re only talking about how Bethel is organizing itself relative to the people of Southeastern Washington. OK, enough on perspective.

In it’s most technical form, multi-site church describes a way of doing the traditional church things (preaching, music, fellowship) using some non-traditional methods (preaching via video) as well as some old-fashioned methods (gathering in homes to share a meal). Really, the big difference between multi-site and traditional church is that with multi-site church the sermon is delivered in person at one location and on a video screen at all other locations. The differences pretty much end there (aside from physical location, of course).

So, let’s consider a few of the similarities between sites (or campuses as we like to call them). Each campus has a live music leaders. Each campus has children’s ministry. Each campus also has small groups of people meeting during the week. Each campus is called Bethel and follows Bethel’s doctrines and covenant of membership.

Wonder why we are organizing ourselves as a multi-site church? Here is one reason (perhaps we will explore other reasons in later blog posts):

It’s a way of making disciples. We increase our light shining capabilities by meeting in a new physical location. For our culture, “setting up shop” in a new physical location is a natural and relevant way to introduce more people to the Gospel of Jesus. And, not only are people introduced to the Gospel of Jesus, but we afford new opportunities of spiritual growth for existing followers of Jesus. As a new campus is birthed, it is a new body that needs its members to serve one another in order for the body to grow in health. By teaching people to follow Jesus and to serve one another we are making disciples.

So, that is what multi-site church is and one reason why we (Bethel) do it that way.