Helen Kelly

House Church

Uncategorized

From Corrections Officer to Shepherd

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When the Church’s Schedule Didn’t Work… He Gathered His Own

When ordinary believers encounter God, extraordinary things happen. Recently, we witnessed that truth unfold in the life of a middle-aged corrections officer whose work schedule kept him from attending Sunday services for nearly six months.

For many, that kind of schedule would quietly create distance — from church, from community, perhaps even from spiritual rhythms. But for this man, the absence stirred something deeper.

Instead of saying, “I guess we just can’t go,” he told his wife, “We’re going to have church at home.”

And they did.

About six weeks ago (possibly longer), he began leading his family in worship in their own home. No platform. No program. Just obedience.

He stepped into spiritual leadership not because he felt qualified, but because he felt called. His work environment may have kept him from gathering on Sundays, but it did not keep him from shepherding his household.

Recently, he attended an Encounter gathering connected to CDN. There, he heard language and teaching that affirmed what God had already begun stirring in him — that the Church is not confined to a building, and that spiritual leadership starts wherever we are.

What he had started in isolation was suddenly validated in community.

From Validation to Invitation

The most compelling part of this story isn’t just that he led his family — it’s that he didn’t stop there.

Now, he’s inviting friends to join them.

What began as a faithful response to a challenging schedule is becoming something more: a gathering. A community. Perhaps even the early formation of a new expression of church.

Why This Matters

This story reminds us that church planting doesn’t always begin with a launch team and a public service.

Sometimes it begins in a living room.
With a tired corrections officer.
With a simple decision:
“We’re going to have church at home.”

And from that obedience, God builds.

Prayer Request

Please pray that the fire and passion God has ignited will not dissipate. Pray that as this man continues to grow his congregation, he will be strengthened, encouraged, and surrounded by wise counsel.

When believers step out in faith, even in small and unseen ways, the Kingdom advances.

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Cathedrals

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Kenyan Cathedrals and Cross-Continental Collaboration

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A Strategic Invitation from Kenyan Leadership

The invitation came from Bishop John Okinda, Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA), a network representing more than 6,500 churches throughout Kenya. Months earlier, Bishop John and his wife, Rev. Pamela Okinda, attended an Encounter while visiting a partner church in Pennsylvania. During that weekend, Bishop John recognized something he had been searching for. He later described the CDN model as a “missing key” in PEFA’s vision to plant 1,000 churches and reach 1 million people in the next three years.
 

Rather than attending for inspiration alone, Bishop John invited a CDN training team to Nairobi with a specific purpose: to equip his leaders to carry the Encounter rhythm throughout the denomination.

Collaboration Across Continents

A unique team of trainers came together for the event, representing three continents. What stood out immediately was not Western strategy being exported, but African leadership recognizing a tool and inviting global partners into collaboration.

Over two days of teaching, worship, and discussion, more than 100 PEFA leaders engaged deeply with the ideas presented. Many shared openly about their current church planting process, which often requires waiting for funding, buildings, and formal approval before beginning. Several pastors described being on hold for years while resources were secured.
 
The CDN philosophy introduced a different starting point: you don’t have to be a bishop. You don’t have to have a building. You don’t have to wait. You can begin with people.
 

Personal Moments that Signaled Change

For some, this was a significant shift. One pastor who had been waiting two years to plant realized during conversation that he could begin meeting in a rented community space immediately. Another older pastor stood during a call to church planting and shared, “I thought God was done with me, but now I have a fire in my spirit again.”
 

When Bishop John invited those who felt called to plant a church to stand, roughly half the room rose to their feet.

From Cathedrals to Training Centers

During the Encounter, Bishop John shared how PEFA’s 89 largest churches—known as cathedrals—could serve as future training centers. Each would identify a trainer and an administrator to help facilitate Encounters and support emerging church planters locally. Rather than relying solely on centralized structures, these churches could become hubs that empower grassroots multiplication across the country.

Leaders in the room began mapping out ideas, discussing outreach to university campuses, villages without churches, and communities they had not yet reached. There was a noticeable sense that long-held assumptions about what is required to begin might be reconsidered.

A Beginning, Not Yet a Result

It is too soon to measure the impact of those conversations. This Encounter took place only weeks ago, but something important happened in Nairobi: leaders began to imagine what church planting might look like if the barriers were lowered and everyday believers were empowered to start where they are.

Plans are already forming for a follow-up cohort to support those who will help establish these training centers. The prayer now is not primarily for more outside trainers to come, but for Kenyan leaders to carry this forward within their own context.
 

Prayer Requests:

  • For PEFA as they explore incorporating the CDN model across their churches
  • For clarity and courage as leaders consider new approaches to church planting
  • For the establishment of training centers within the cathedrals
  • For workers to arise from within Kenya to lead this effort
What happened in Nairobi was not the end of a story. It was the beginning of leaders asking new questions about how churches can start—and who gets to start them.
 

More Info & Thank You!

Eric, one of the trainers in Nairobi, wrote about his experience there. Be sure to check it out here! We also want to share a special thank you to the training team: Ruth, Eric, Zoe and Francis. Let it rain! 
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Alabama

Uncategorized

From Church Plant to Planting Church

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The first-ever Encounter in Alabama was held in Florence on November 21–22, hosted by a former church plant that is now seeking to become a multiplying church. Although the congregation didn’t fully know what to expect, they entered the weekend eager for God to speak and ready to follow wherever the Holy Spirit might lead.

He did not disappoint.

God Moves Through Listening People

Throughout the Encounter, the Spirit stirred the hearts of men and women across the church. What unfolded wasn’t the product of strategic planning or committee work—it was the organic, unmistakable movement of God among people who were willing to listen.

A Church Courageous Enough to Obey

Several powerful callings emerged:

  • A prayer ministry began to take shape as individuals sensed God inviting them to intercede faithfully for their community.

  • A ministry to widows was born when participants recognized the unmet grief and loneliness among widowed women and felt compelled to respond.

  • A potential partnership with a local school emerged as leaders were prompted to consider how they could serve families, students, and staff more intentionally.

None of this was pre-planned. Each initiative surfaced through prayer and the Spirit’s prompting—clear signs that God was enlarging the church’s vision for mission and multiplication.

Obedience Always Requires a Step Beyond Comfort

For many involved, the challenge wasn’t hearing God. It was obeying Him. Starting something new—especially ministries that require emotional investment or ongoing commitment—can feel daunting. But the Encounter helped participants see that multiplication doesn’t begin with perfection; it begins with obedience.

This is the tension every church faces as it grows beyond its current boundaries: Will we remain comfortable, or will we follow the Spirit into the unknown?

A Teachable Moment for Every Church

This story offers a powerful reminder: Encounters don’t simply create inspiration—they activate mission.

Real multiplication happens when everyday believers take the next faithful step God places in front of them. In Florence, that meant prayer, care for widows, and a new vision for serving a local school. For another church, the steps may look different—but the principle is the same.

When a community listens to God together, the seeds of multiplication begin to take root.

This Could Be You

Want to see this kind of Spirit-led movement in your own church or network?
Consider hosting an Encounter or joining an upcoming one.
When God speaks, new stories begin.

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Back to Basics

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Back to Basics

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In a world that often rushes past the fundamentals in pursuit of the next big thing, a recent Encounter gathering became a powerful reminder that sometimes the most radical move forward is to return to the beginning.

The Presence That Changes Everything

Fifteen people gathered, and what unfolded was more than teaching or training—it was an encounter with the presence of the Lord Himself. The leader sensed in their spirit a clear prompting: it was time to return to the basics, to strip away the complexity and rediscover the essence of why we do what we do.

At the heart of it all stands Jesus Christ, the one who calls us. Not programs. Not methods. Just Jesus—and His call on our lives.

Slowing Down to Speed Up

In a culture addicted to speed and efficiency, this gathering took a countercultural approach. They moved step by step, lesson by lesson, creating space for God to minister. They refused to rush the process, trusting that what the Holy Spirit wanted to birth required time, attention, and receptivity.

The result? Something beautiful emerged. Participants weren’t just learning principles about church planting—they were experiencing the Holy Spirit’s call firsthand. God was summoning His children to the work He had prepared for them, and they were responding not out of obligation but out of genuine encounter.

Supporting the Called

As someone actively supporting church planters and hosting Encounters in their own church, the leader understands that sustainable ministry flows from intimacy with Jesus. From the very beginning, they’ve been intentional about keeping the focus clear: the vision isn’t ultimately about buildings, programs, or even numbers. It’s about responding to the One who calls.

This Encounter reflected that priority. By returning to the essence—by centering everything on Christ and creating space for His Spirit to move—participants weren’t just equipped with information. They were marked by transformation.

An Ongoing Journey

The fifteen attendees who participated in this gathering are now carriers of something precious: a fresh encounter with God’s presence and a renewed clarity about their calling. As they move forward, the challenge will be to maintain that essence, to keep Jesus at the center even when the work gets hard and the distractions multiply.

Prayer Requests

Pray for the 15 participants as they continue to process what God spoke and revealed during this Encounter. Ask the Lord to deepen their roots in Him and to keep their hearts tender to His voice as they step into the work He’s prepared.

Pray for continued discernment as this leader hosts future Encounters—that they would remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and never rush past what God wants to do in people’s hearts.

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Mancelona

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Dreams Taking Root: Mancelona Gen Zers Thinking Outside the Box

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Location: Mancelona, Michigan, USA
Event Type: Encounter

Something powerful stirred in Mancelona, Michigan this fall. Thirty participants gathered for an Encounter event, and what unfolded was a beautiful picture of the Kingdom breaking through in fresh, unexpected ways.

A Diverse Group, A Unified Response

The gathering drew a remarkable cross-section of believers, including a vibrant group of teenagers whose passion and vision proved they’re not just the future of the church—they’re powerfully present in it today. As the participants engaged with what God was stirring in their hearts, most felt called to birth something entirely new in their communities.

One moment particularly stands out: a young woman caught a vision for a mobile church that would bring the gospel directly into disadvantaged areas. Rather than waiting for people to come to a building, she envisioned the church going to where people are—meeting needs, sharing hope, and building relationships on their turf.

Conceiving and Nurturing

The team, working alongside Mark Cryderman, understands that an Encounter is just the beginning. These Spirit-breathed visions are like newborns—full of potential but requiring careful nurturing to survive and thrive. That’s why they’re already planning a follow-up Encounter for March, creating space to check in on these churches conceived in heaven and provide the support needed to see them fully realized.

The timeline for these new expressions of church and ministry varies. Some participants are ready to move forward in the coming months, while others are sensing a 2026 launch. Each timeline is unique, reflecting the specific preparation and groundwork God is doing in different contexts.

The Road Ahead

As these dreamers return to their everyday lives, the challenge shifts from inspiration to implementation. Vision can fade when met with the resistance of routine and the weight of obstacles. That’s why prayer is so vital right now.

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray that God would keep the dreams fresh. In the weeks and months ahead, ask the Lord to fan into flame what He ignited in Mancelona—that these visions wouldn't grow dim but would burn brighter as participants take their next faithful steps.
God is on the move in Mancelona, and we can't wait to see how these seeds of vision grow into a harvest of Kingdom fruit. If you'd like to learn more about hosting an Encounter in your area or supporting what's happening in Michigan, reach out to us today.
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Three Months in Europe

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Three Years of European Mission Advancement in Three Months

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Today’s blog is brought to you by Bethany Pulice, wife and missionary companion to Chris, one of our co-founders here at CDN.  They just arrived back home stateside after an incredible, whirlwind-of-a-trip across Europe, all in the name of kingdom expansion. Here’s what she has to share about the transformative experience…

“Dry bones are rattling in Europe!

Chris Pulice and his family recently completed a ten-week mission advancement campaign in Europe where their goal was to do “three years’ work in three months.” In that timeframe and with that goal, twelve countries were visited in order to lead six Encounters, five vision casting events, four prayer revivals, and multiple preaching opportunities. People came to Christ, new churches have already gathered, European trainers have been raised up, and dozens of training centers and churches have been conceived. 

Agde, France

Chris was asked to lead an all day CDN training with the leadership of a church in Agde, France and preach at their church on Sunday. As a result, strong ties have been formed which pave the way for future work. 

Stockholm, Sweden

After leaving Agde, Chris led an Encounter in Stockholm, Sweden where three churches were conceived. This is just the beginning of a move of God in the region, as the Holy Spirit is working through the Congolese and African diaspora living there. A number of Gen Z shared a calling to reach out to their young Swedish friends and gather in creative spaces and places. 

Preston, England

Chris then left for the FMC Annual Conference in Preston, England where he built great kingdom partnerships and new Encounters are being planned in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Manchester as a result.

Cornwall, England

After Annual Conference, Chris returned “home” for a week in Cornwall where he spent time with local ministry leaders, hearing their hearts for church planting throughout the region. Miraculously, a leader from west Cornwall and a leader from east Cornwall both received twin visions for church planting without knowing the other had an identical vision. God is at work! 

Drewstown, Republic of Ireland & Lisburn, Northern Ireland

A week’s respite complete, the Pulice family braved the Irish Sea to help co-lead some College of Prayer Revival Services (College of Prayer is a strategic CDN partner). International FM leaders and CDN partners from Spain, Belgium, and Hungry were also in attendance and met with Chris to plan for CDN’s rollout across Europe.  The Lord moved in mighty ways in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Praises rose from his people, words of knowledge were released, and the country was forever changed. 

Paris, France

While the family stayed safe and sound tucked in the Republic of Ireland, Chris jumped over to Paris, France to lead an Encounter. Manu de Maleprade, a French church planter doing ministry in Pittsburgh, PA, brought a team from the U.S. to help co-lead. There were supplies for only thirty but there were over seventy people in attendance, many of whom were in their twenties or younger. The plans for churches and ministry were powerful, from a nursing student feeling called to begin a ministry in the hospital, to a young musician feeling called to write music and, through that medium, spread the love of Christ on the streets of Paris and beyond. The anointing and commissioning time at the end was the longest Chris and Manu had ever been a part of, taking TWO HOURS because the Lord was speaking and moving so much!   

Giurgiu, Romania

The family returned to Cornwall and Chris headed to Giurgiu, Romania. At this Encounter, there was a mix of Romanians, English, Gypsies, Bulgarians, Jordanians, and Americans in attendance – the nations for Jesus! Dozens of churches were conceived. A young, Romanian man who worked for the military police, who had never been at a church prior, gave his life to Jesus. Chris’ Uber driver was connected with a local church. On the night of the Encounter, a new church was born in a neighborhood through a person of peace named Ariel. This is what CDN is all about!

Sicily, Italy 

After this beautiful time in Romania, Chris went on a last minute, relationship building trip to Sicily, Italy (yes, the motherland!) for a quick day trip. While there, he was able to make inroads and, as a result, an Encounter in Italy is now on the books for October! 

Budapest, Hungary 

After Romania, Chris was off again; this time to Budapest, Hungary. Zsuzsi Mecséri-McNamara, a leader from Set Free Hungry (an organization which ministers to trafficked children), had this to say about the Encounter: “We explored what it looks like to plant churches or faith communities in unconventional places – cafés, homes, workplaces, shelters – wherever people already gather – and how to bring the presence of Jesus into those spaces in natural, relational ways.” 

Glasgow, Scotland

In the final two weeks in Europe, Chris led an Encounter in Glasgow, Scotland and another in Brussels, Belgium. There was a smaller group for the Encounter in Glasgow, but no shortage of vision. Pastor Luiz, a Brazilian missionary who leads Story Church, had a vision of starting similar, cafe based churches throughout the country. However, he also feels called to expand into Namibia, Kenya, Peru, Brazil, and the U.S. Two new Scottish believers also had great vision for churches throughout Glasgow.

Brussels, Belgium

About 25 people were in attendance at the Encounter in Brussels, three of whom had been baptized by Lucien Behar, a close family friend of both Chris and Bethany and a missionary to Belgium over thirty years’ prior. These three shared vision for church planting throughout the country. 

Chris marveled at how the kingdom of God brings people together. He truly is a master weaver – delighting in every happenstance and crossing of paths.

Lucien’s work and legacy is a testament to the power of seed planting – small beginnings birthed in a spirit of obedience. This missionary faithfully ministered in Belgium over thirty years ago and now his work has begun bearing fruit. Those three people whom he baptized will now start their own churches which will impact dozens, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of lives.

Looking back causes us to wonder – what seeds have been planted? How will God use Project E37? How will He use Church Development Network? How will He use the church in YOUR heart?

What seeds have you planted? What seeds do you have yet to plant? What will bear fruit in thirty years’ time?

Faithfully sow and the Lord of the harvest will do the rest. 

As taught in most CDN Encounters: We can count the seeds in the apple, but you can’t count the apples in the seed.

It’s only the beginning.”

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Your contributions will help provide resources needed to establish Training Centers, host Encounters across the globe and continue in the relentless pursuit of obedient disciples.
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Holy Spirit Rains in Budapest!

Uncategorized

Holy Spirit Rains in Budapest!

We are re-sharing the contents of this blog with permission from Zsuzsa Mecséri-McNamara, Set Free Movement Hungary coordinator.  The Set Free Movement has a vision to see the vulnerable protected, captives set free, and the oppressed experience hope and healing as neighborhoods are transformed. Here’s what they have to say about a recent Hungarian Encounter: 

“We recently had the opportunity to attend the CDN Encounter in Budapest, and we’re deeply grateful for the experience. It was more than just a training, it was a time of worship, prayer, learning, and meaningful conversations with people passionate about sharing Christ in new and creative ways.

One of the key takeaways for us was a renewed understanding of how to form effective, Christ-centered communities that go beyond the traditional model of church. We explored what it looks like to plant churches or faith communities in unconventional places – cafés, homes, workplaces, shelters – wherever people already gather – and how to bring the presence of Jesus into those spaces in natural, relational ways.

Encounter equipped us with practical tools and five strategic principles for starting and multiplying these communities. We were especially encouraged by the emphasis on listening to the Holy Spirit, starting small, building authentic relationships, and being bold in sharing the Gospel in everyday life.

What stood out most was how naturally this connects with the mission of the Set Free Movement. Our work in prevention and restoration often leads us into vulnerable and broken places, where people are longing for safety, healing, and hope. The vision of planting faith communities in such spaces is both challenging and exciting. It reminded us that freedom is not just about escape from something, but movement toward a community of love, purpose, and belonging.

🙏 Please pray with us that the seeds planted during these two days will take root. Pray for clarity, boldness, and creativity as we seek God’s guidance on how to integrate these ideas into our Set Free efforts across Hungary and beyond.

If you’re passionate about missions, discipleship, or reaching people in creative and meaningful ways, we encourage you to check out the Church Development Network: 🌐 https://churchdevelopment.network“

We are so grateful that that The Set Free Movement got to experience the Holy Spirit at work in such a powerful, transformative way! 

Curious about the Set Free Movement?

Click here


Curious about hosting an Encounter of your own?
Email chris.pulice@churchdevelopment.network

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Your contributions will help provide resources for future Encounters, worldwide, as we continue a relentless pursuit of obedient disciples.
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Called in Columbus

Uncategorized

Answering the Call in Columbus

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This January, Columbus, Ohio became the site of a powerful movement of God’s Spirit. The Church Planters Meeting drew more than 24 attendees who came together with hearts open to God’s leading.

What makes this story particularly noteworthy is how God worked during their time together. According to Pastor Mendoza, who serves as a mentor and coordinator in Columbus, along with Mark Hirst, many participants experienced a clear calling from God during the meeting—a divine confirmation of their mission to plant new churches.

While specific details of these callings remain private to those who experienced them, the collective response represents a significant moment for church multiplication efforts in the Columbus area. Each person who heard and responded to God’s call potentially represents a future congregation that will reach people with the gospel.

Pastor Mendoza’s leadership spans continents, as he coordinates church planting efforts both in Ohio and in Ecuador, South America. We covered some of his work there in an earlier post.  This cross-cultural perspective brings unique insights to the training and mentoring process, allowing participants to see how church planting principles work across different contexts.

As these newly called planters begin their journeys, Pastor Mendoza requests prayer specifically for protection over each member involved in this work. The spiritual nature of church planting often involves challenges and opposition, making prayer shields essential for those stepping out in faith.

The Columbus gathering demonstrates that God continues to call ordinary people to the extraordinary work of building His church. Each “yes” to this calling represents potential transformation for families, neighborhoods, and communities.

Are you feeling God’s call to church planting? Connect with a CDN mentor in your region by emailing us to explore next steps in your journey.

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Ecuador

Uncategorized

God on the Move in Ecuador

A remarkable story of church multiplication is unfolding in the region of Provincia del Guayas in Ecuador, South America. Under the stewardship of Pastor Javier Mendoza, who serves as both mentor and coordinator for CDN in Ecuador, the local Encounter Team has been diligently working to expand God’s kingdom throughout Durán, Guayaquil, and beyond.

In the last year alone, their efforts have resulted in more than 35 new church plantings—a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of local leaders. What began in Durán has now spread, with Encounter workshops being conducted in various sectors outside the province, reaching into other regions of Ecuador.

Pastor Mendoza and his team are strategically organizing church planter workshops by zone, creating a systematic approach to training and equipping new leaders. This methodology allows them to contextualize training while maintaining the core principles that have proven effective across CDN. The multiplication effect is evident as these workshops are now being led in locations far beyond their starting point. Each new church plant becomes not just a gathering of believers, but potentially a future launching pad for additional ministry expansion.

As with any frontline ministry work, spiritual opposition is real. The team has requested prayer specifically for their protection as they travel to different provinces and work in new territories.

This story from South America reminds us that God’s commission is truly global, with faithful men and women responding to His call in communities large and small. While language and cultural contexts may differ, the mission remains the same—making disciples who make disciples.

How can you support global church planting? Consider partnering through prayer or giving.

Access Launchpad Prayer Here
Donate Here

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Lessons Learned

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Multiplying Leaders, Multiplying Churches: Lessons Learned

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In the heart of winter, something remarkable unfolded at our CDN Training Center Bradford, Pennsylvania. On January 17-18, 2025, their Encounter weekend became a catalyst for Kingdom multiplication, exemplifying our relentless pursuit of obedient disciples.

 

Fourteen dedicated individuals gathered for intensive training led by six trainers—including two new trainers stepping into leadership roles. The results? Two new churches conceived and four existing Microchurch leaders inspired to multiply their ministries.

 

Lesson 1: Multiplication on Multiple Fronts 

When we see multiplication happening simultaneously across multiple fronts, we transition from simple addition to potentially exponential multiplication—exactly the kind of movement Jesus commissioned us to build. This represents the potential beginning of exponential growth in our movement. As these four planters return to multiply their Microchurches, they create multiple streams of discipleship that can reach far beyond what addition-based growth allows.

 

Lesson 2: The Power of Multiple Trainers 

Involving six trainers rather than limiting leadership to two or three can demonstrate strategic wisdom. Expanded leadership:

  • Increases trainer buy-in to the mission
  • Solidifies teaching content in their minds and hearts
  • Allows for deeper internalization and future adaptation
  • Equips capable leaders to expand into other regions

This approach creates a multiplication effect for training capacity, enabling multipliers to reach more communities with qualified trainers who are fully aligned with our mission of relentless pursuit of obedient disciples. As these newly inspired church planters and freshly equipped trainers return to their communities, they carry both the vision and practical tools to fulfill Christ’s commission.

We praise God for His faithfulness in building His church through ordinary people who say “yes” to His calling!
 
What’s your multiplication story? Share how God is working through your church plant by visiting The Harvest Collective here.
 
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