Multisite Churches - by Dustin Slaton (Paperback)

About the Book

"The multisite church model has been consistently challenged, deeming it unbiblical and incompatible with God's design for the local church, but does Scripture support this claim? The multisite church movement pushes against these assumptions. In Multisite Churches, pastor and church vitalist Dustin Slaton posits that congregational polity is compatible with the multisite model, dismantling critiques of the model with both urgency and care for the local church's future. At a time when church fostering and church adoption is predicted to increase significantly, the multisite church model is a solution that can support the adoption of churches" -- back cover.

Book Synopsis

Are multisite churches a healthy model for corporate worship?
The multisite church model has been consistently challenged by those who deem it unbiblical and incompatible with God's design for the local church, but does Scripture support this claim? In Multisite Churches, pastor and church vitalist Dustin Slaton posits that congregational polity is compatible with the multisite model, dismantling critiques with both urgency and care for the local church's future. At a time when church fostering and church adoption are predicted to increase significantly, the multisite church model is a solution that can support the adoption of churches.
Bringing in personal experience and erudite research, Slaton heuristically demonstrates a methodological approach of ecclesiology with a theological framework for the multisite model, fairly addressing both critics and supporters. Faithful to the biblical examples provided, he evaluates the marks of a healthy church and how they can be applied to the multisite model. Attributes include, but are not limited to:

• Preaching and Teaching
• Leadership and Discipleship
• Baptism and the Lord's Supper
• Stewardship Accountability
• Church Membership
• Evangelism and Missions

Multisite Churches is a resource for biblical ecclesiology with wide-ranging benefits for both clergy and congregant. Those prayerfully discerning whether they can transition to a multisite church in a biblical way and those who are interested in the topic will benefit from the guidance and insight provided in this timely resource.

Review Quotes

"Biblically astute and theologically rich, Dustin Slaton answers what I've wondered for years: 'What are the differences in leading a multisite church compared to leading an established church?' With incredibly helpful insights and next steps, Slaton unfolds the unique aspects of leading a multisite church chapter by chapter and page by page. If you are a disciple of ministry, this book is for you."--Jonathan Smith "Director of Church Health Strategy, Texas Baptists, Dallas, TX" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Dustin Slaton's well-written and fair approach meets a real need for a good theological basis for multisite churches. It's a good read!"--Keith Evans "Pastor to Pastors, Resonate Church, Pullman, WA" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"If you are considering a multisite approach to church or generally thinking through the ongoing discussion, I cannot commend Dustin Slaton's book, Multisite Churches, highly enough. You'll find his work biblically faithful, theologically rich, and practically helpful. Slaton writes with a scholar's mind and a pastor's heart, making his work one of the leading voices in understanding multisite churches. Read this book, study it, put it to use in your church; you'll be blessed by doing so."--Travis S. Kerns "Associational Mission Strategist, Three Rivers Baptist Association, Taylors, SC" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Multisite Churches is an essential tool for churches and pastors seeking direction and planning for multisite ministries. Dustin Slaton does an excellent job sharing both the rich biblical and historical foundation to the theology and philosophy of the multisite concept. Further, Multisite Churches offers a clearly defined approach and guidebook for starting a multisite ministry. If your team is considering what a multisite ministry may look like in your church, this is a valuable resource that you cannot do without."--Kirk Wooldridge "Certified Church Consultant, Executive Director of Williamson Baptist Association, Georgetown, TX" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

A comprehensive and well researched study. Whether you are pro, con, indifferent, or uninformed, you should definitely consult this excellent work by Dustin Slaton to better understand the multisite church movement.--Daniel L. Akin "President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

Dustin has written a masterclass on the history, theology, governance, and practices of the modern-day multisite church movement. Filled with research-based conclusions and interesting case studies, Multisite Churches is an incredibly rich resource for anyone wanting to better understand the benefits--and even the critiques--of a healthy multisite church strategy. How I wish we had this book twenty years ago!"--Kadi Cole "Multisite Consultant and Leadership Coach, Author of Developing Female Leaders" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

I'm so thankful that someone finally wrote a book to address the concerns and criticisms of the multisite church model. Dustin Slaton's insightful Multisite Churches: Biblical Foundations and Practical Answers is the definitive book making the biblical case for the legitimacy of the multisite church model historically, theologically, and ecclesiastically--Jim Tomberlin "Pastor and Church Consultant, Author of Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)

In Multisite Churches: Biblical Foundations and Practical Answers, Dustin Slaton provides the latest research on multisite congregations. Although I remain an ardent supporter of single-site, single-service churches, I can tell you that Slaton's arguments theologically and biblically engage multisite critics' arguments in a very healthy way.--Matt Queen "Professor and L. R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism ("Chair of Fire"), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX" (8/28/2023 12:00:00 AM)