5 Steps to Assess Church Readiness for Multiplication

Multiplication is not just a strategy—it’s a movement of God. It’s the natural outflow of a church that is spiritually healthy, mission-minded, and open-handed with its people. For pastors and leaders longing to see new life in their communities through church planting or revitalization, the question is not just “Can we multiply?” but “Are we ready?”

Multiplication isn’t about having all the answers or being in the perfect position—it’s about aligning with God’s vision, investing in people, and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead. Before stepping into multiplication, here are five key areas to assess.

Step 1: Look at the Spiritual Health of Your Church

Multiplication doesn’t start with a strategy—it starts with a people surrendered to Jesus. Healthy churches multiply healthy churches, and the best measure of readiness is your church’s spiritual vitality.

Ask yourself:

• Are our people growing as disciples and leading others to Christ?
• Is disciple-making a culture in our church, not just a program?
• Do we see and serve the needs of our local community?
• Is there unity and buy-in for multiplication, or do we have internal challenges to address first?

Multiplication isn’t about numbers—it’s about obedience to the Great Commission. A spiritually vibrant, mission-driven church will naturally multiply in God’s time.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Leadership Pipeline

Multiplication rises and falls on leadership development. If we send out leaders without raising up new ones, we don’t multiply—we deplete.

Ask yourself:

• Do we have mature, trained leaders ready to go?
• Are we actively discipling and equipping new leaders?
• If we send out a group, will there be enough leadership depth to sustain our church?

A multiplying church is always preparing leaders, not just reacting to needs. When leaders are trained, called, and supported, multiplication is not a risk—it’s a blessing.

Step 3: Discern Where God Is Moving in Your Community

Multiplication isn’t about picking a random place on the map—it’s about joining God where He is already at work.

Ask yourself:

• Is our region growing or changing in ways that create new mission opportunities?
• Are there people groups, neighborhoods, or communities that are unreached?
• Do we understand the spiritual and cultural needs of the area?

A church that ignores its changing surroundings will eventually decline. But one that sees its city through God’s eyes will step boldly into mission.

A demographic study can help, but the best way to discern multiplication is to walk the streets, meet people, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the needs.

Step 4: Develop a Clear but Flexible Strategy

Vision without a plan is just a dream. But a plan without the Spirit is just a program. Multiplication requires both.

Ask yourself:

• How will we keep our current church spiritually and structurally healthy while multiplying?
• How will the new church plant or revitalization engage its local context?
• Have we allowed enough time (12-24 months) for preparation before launching?

A multiplication movement is not about speed—it’s about longevity. Taking time to build healthy rhythms, solid leadership, and a Spirit-led plan will lead to lasting fruit.

Step 5: Seek the Lord’s Confirmation and Walk Together

Multiplication is not a solo journey. It’s not just about good leadership—it’s about Holy Spirit guidance and Kingdom collaboration.

Ask yourself:

• Have we spent time in prayer and fasting to seek God’s direction?
• Have trusted mentors and leaders affirmed this step?
• Are we partnering with like-minded churches to gain wisdom, support, and resources?

No church is called to multiply alone. Whether through coaching, partnerships, or networks, multiplying churches lean on each other to see the Kingdom expand.

Are you ready to multiply?

Multiplication isn’t about perfection—it’s about obedience. If your church is thriving spiritually, investing in leaders, and discerning the Spirit’s leading, then the next step isn’t figuring everything out—it’s taking a step of faith.

The process will be messy, stretching, and full of challenges—but if it’s God’s vision, it will be worth it.

If your church is considering multiplication, don’t do it alone. Connect with church multiplication leaders who can walk alongside you, provide resources, and help discern your next steps.

Let’s multiply healthy churches—together.

Fady Al-Hagal serves as the Multiplication Minister at Brentwood Baptist Church, leading efforts to plant and revitalize churches across Middle Tennessee and beyond. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, Fady’s passion for multiplication is rooted in his own Damascus Road calling—a deep conviction that the gospel must reach every nation, tribe, and tongue.

His journey brought him to the United States, where he pursued ministry and leadership development, equipping churches to multiply disciples and build Kingdom-minded communities. As the founder of the International Leadership Coalition (ILC), Fady is dedicated to raising up global leaders, restoring hope to displaced people, and strengthening churches to reach the nations—both locally and globally. With decades of experience in church planting, revitalization, and international missions, he has worked to bridge cultures, equip leaders, and ignite gospel movements in diverse communities.

If you’re interested in learning more about being a multiplication partner with Brentwood Baptist, email Fady at falhagal@brentwoodbaptist.com.

For a deeper conversation on creating a culture of church multiplication, listen to Episode 4 of the Elevate Podcast Multiply Your Impact: Creating a Culture of Church Growth, where Fady joins Wade Owens to share practical steps and biblical wisdom for churches preparing to multiply. Listen now!