Why Northstar is going to multi-site.

“Our beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.” – Job 8:7

Let me proactively answer some of the typical questions that are asked when churches transition to multiple sites.

So…how do I make a decision as to where to go to church? Well, unlike McDonalds where you may have the choice of five or six sites in your area, more than likely there will be just one Northstar church location within relatively close proximity. My answer to the question is to encourage you and your family to attend the location where you are most likely to fully engage. For me, full engagement involves connecting in a Northstar Group, serving in some capacity, giving to the church, and inviting your friends and neighbors to come. I believe that attending a campus in or around your community allows you to engage more successfully and impact your community more effectively.

Do I need to commit to one or can I float between two sites around my house? Again, I do not think floating will be that easy or even advisable. But, having said that, I do believe it is important to choose a campus and commit to attend there. By committing to one campus, you can truly get involved in and feel a part of that church community, engage in Northstar groups, and be a part of what is happening there. In the end, choosing a campus benefits you and the campus to which you commit.

I am attending and serving at our present location. If I choose to attend another campus would I be breaking my commitment where I am currently serving? Before I answer that, let me say one thing. Rhe transition to 25 sites is a vision at this point and if it comes to fruition, it will take the next 12 years to accomplish. The answer is we completely need for members who are transitioning from one campus to another to leave and begin serving elsewhere. In fact, for the new location to be successful, we need those who have been serving at Panama City to come and serve at the new location once it opens. That will include staff as well.

What services or programs do you intend to offer when a new location opens? We plan on offering all the programs from Sunday services, to children’s programs to Northstar Groups. It may not happen day one. We expect to add every program as attendance and financial support increases and we see needs develop.

How is membership at the new location handled? It will be the same as joining Northstar today. However, I would recommend that you move your membership to whatever location you are attending. We will develop a process to move memberships to the right location once we actually have a new location.

Are you pastor of every location, Marty? I will be the lead pastor regardless of the number of locations, but my feeling at this point, and this is all subject to change, that we will want a pastor at each location when the ministry needs of the new location warrant a dedicated pastor.

How often will you visit? We are a ways from having this problem, but obviously I cannot commit to how often I will physically speak at each church. There are technical requirements that will determine where I speak from. However, we will be one church with multiple campuses, and each campus will be a high priority for me and everyone on staff. I would like to speak in person at each location as often as is practical.