Gospel communities on mission are sending agencies into new neighborhoods, cities, and nations. To be clear, it is not that gospel communities grow in numbers and need to split, or that communities have a pyramid-like growth chart. Multiplication is a function a gospel work and empowerment of the Spirit.
New communities are sent out of existing gospel communities because the gospel is advancing and sending us into new parts of the world. The gospel will propel people in your own community to leave your community to start a new work in another part of the city, another city altogether, or even another country and culture entirely. Sending is a function of gospel growth and maturity.
Sending, or multiplication, is one of the sexier parts of gospel communities on mission for many people as they envision a rapid expansion of the church throughout the globe. The truth is, it isn’t sexy but difficult on almost every level. It takes energy, emotion, and relationship.
Ultimately, it means some of your dearest friends and those you have invested in the most leave you for something else. The only reason you would do any of it is a trust that the gospel is worth it, that Jesus has asked us to and obedience is reward.
For all it’s hardship, the sending of new communities is an incredible apologetic for the gospel to others. My wife and I have multiplied four gospel communities out of our neighborhood. Each time, our neighbors got to observe as we sent friends to start new communities, serving new neighborhoods, and speaking the gospel in new ways.
I am regularly asked by neighbors about those we sent and why. A neighbor asked me recently about a couple we sent out to India, “So they went to India to share the good news? That’s such a good thing.” I responded, “Yes, it’s completely worth it.” (And this neighbor is not a Christian!) Sending new people out means an increase of gospel demonstration and proclamation opportunities. Keep reading
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