My friend Brad Watson has recently written a series of helpful articles on the craft of multiplication. It is a craft, it takes effort and work and is not an automatic or automated process.

He begins with 5 ways to create a multiplying culture

1. Start with thriving communities that make disciples
2. Expect to participate & send globally
3. Praying, worshipping & fasting is the fuel for sending
4. Prepare & plan to send your best
5. The community gives itself. It is never the same.

Then he takes a look at the arithmetic of multiplication with a few helpful equations

1.  Equipped leaders + committed community + common mission = new communities
2. Community + mission – new leaders = crowd management
3. New leaders + mission – community = lone ranger
4. New leaders + community – mission = pyramid scheme

Then finally he takes a look at the how of multiplication

1. Share the burden & joy of sending
2. Pray: depend on the Spirit to send
3. Process: celebrate & grieve the Gospel movement together
4. Participate: have a sending event
5. Make a plan
6. Engage in mutual support

Brad Watson is the author of Sent Together and has an upcoming booklet called Multiply Together.

Photo by kendoman26