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Healthy church multiplication is more than opening new doors or expanding physical spaces—it’s about carrying the mission and DNA of the church into communities that need a gospel-centered presence. It’s a process rooted in intentionality, prayer, and a deep understanding of what it means to engage people where they are. Multiplication isn’t about replicating programs or structures; it’s about creating thriving communities that reflect the heart of the church while meeting the unique needs of their neighborhoods.

At Brentwood Baptist, this vision has been central to our mission since the beginning. When our first campus launched in 2010, it marked the start of an intentional journey to bring the whole gospel to whole communities, fueled by a calling to go anywhere, anytime, with anybody. Over the years, this approach has shaped a network of diverse campuses, each uniquely designed to serve its local context while remaining deeply connected to the shared mission of the whole church.

Through this journey, we’ve learned valuable lessons about what makes a campus healthy and effective. It’s not just about where we go but how we go—carrying the DNA of the church, finding the right leaders, addressing real gospel needs, and trusting God’s provision for the practical challenges along the way.

Here’s what we’ve identified as the four essential values for multiplying campuses:

1. People Who Share the DNA

A campus is only as strong as its people, which is why every campus begins with a group of individuals who embody the core values of Brentwood Baptist. These people share a commitment to the gospel, discipleship, and serving their neighbors. This alignment ensures that each campus reflects the same mission and vision while having the freedom to adapt to its specific community needs.

Historically, “Brentwood Baptist Church” referred to the congregation at 7777 Concord Road. Today, it represents one church across multiple campuses, each bearing a unique name that reflects its community. This naming reinforces the shared DNA and mission while respecting the distinct identities of each campus.

2. A Shepherd with Contextual Vision

Every campus thrives under the leadership of a pastor who understands both the DNA of Brentwood Baptist and the cultural context of their community. This shepherd plays a vital role in adapting unchanging gospel truths to meet the unique needs of their area, ensuring ministry remains relevant and impactful.

For example, The Church at Avenue South has a different community context than The Church at Nolensville. While Avenue South serves an urban Nashville population where people often walk to church, Nolensville ministers to families in a suburban setting. Contextual leadership allows each campus to engage its neighbors effectively.

3. An Under-Gospel Community

Even in areas with churches on every corner, there’s often a need for a gospel-centered church that actively makes disciples and serves the community. Brentwood Baptist’s campuses intentionally seek out these under-gospel communities, bringing life-giving ministry to areas that lack healthy, active churches.

This approach aligns with the Great Commission’s call to go and make disciples. Whether it’s a growing suburb or a revitalized urban neighborhood, our campuses bring a focused gospel presence where it’s needed most.

4. A Functional Space

Practical needs matter, and finding the right gathering space is often one of the biggest challenges in launching a campus. Whether it’s a school, a repurposed church building, or even an indoor soccer facility, having a functional space is essential for ministry to thrive.

For example, The Church at Station Hill launched in a local school before securing a permanent facility. Similarly, The Church at Avenue South found its home in a building sold by another church that wanted to ensure a gospel presence remained in the neighborhood. These stories remind us that God’s provision often exceeds our expectations.

A Model Rooted in Mission

Our multi-campus model allows each location to contextualize ministry while staying unified under a shared governance structure and mission. This model has enabled Brentwood Baptist to grow as a multisite, multicultural congregation that now includes campuses like the Church at Harpeth Heights, the Church at Lockeland Springs, the Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church, and more.

Advancing the Mission with Intentionality

Healthy church multiplication requires a deliberate approach, balancing speed with sustainability. As Senior Pastor Jay Strother shared on Episode 1 of the Elevate podcast, “We love the mission, but only like the method.” This mindset ensures that while our methods adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the mission remains unwavering.

These four elements—aligned people, contextual leadership, an under-gospel community, and a functional space—provide a roadmap for advancing church multiplication. Together, they allow us to expand our reach while staying rooted in our DNA and mission.

Learn More and Join the Conversation

Want to learn more about creating healthy campuses or growing your church’s mission? Join us at the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025. It’s a one-day event designed to inspire, equip, and connect church leaders. Register now or subscribe for more updates and resources on church multiplication and tools for the whole church staff at elevatechurchconference.com.