Multiplication is a Biblical principle. From the very beginning, God commanded us to be fruitful “and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Marriage is for multiplication: “And why did he make them one? He was seeking godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15). The work of Jesus on this earth multiplied to His disciples and then to the rest of the world. It is fruitfulness, success, and obedience. In preparing people for multiplication, the sound Biblical basis, empowered by the Holy Spirit, dispels the thought of it being a “bright idea,” a “small group concept,” or even a threat to relationships.
On a practical level, some of the following can help the culture of the church change to embrace and even move expectantly towards multiplication:
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Sowing the vision for multiplication at the birth of the small group.
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Using testimonies, in the Celebration, of small groups that have multiplied.
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Celebrating a multiplication both at small group and Celebration.
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Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.
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Coaches focusing on raising up interns and relating to them, not just the small group leader.
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Creating a culture of expectation among the leaders that can spread to the rest of the church.
Healthy multiplication breeds healthy multiplication. Multiplication on an individual basis through evangelism and discipleship, multiplication on a family level through children discipled by their parents, multiplication on a small group level as leaders are raised up and members look forward to the day of celebration. Jesus came with the command to “GO and make disciples. A small group that “Goes – multiplies and Grows!”
Daphne Kirk