Multisite Churches Face Leadership Challenges Amid Growth

A new national report details the rapid expansion of multisite churches and the strain it places on leadership pipelines.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Religion — General

Gouache-painted illustration of a single large steeple above multiple smaller nested arches, representing the growth of multisite church organizations. — A new national report finds that multisite churches serving 5 million Americans struggle to maintain leadership pipelines amid rapid expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A recently released report highlights the significant growth of multisite churches, which now serve approximately 5 million Americans every weekend. Despite reaching nearly 10% of Protestant churchgoers across the country, these institutions are struggling to develop sufficient leadership to sustain their rapid expansion.

Why it matters

The model of operating multiple locations under one board and budget has become a major force in American religion. However, the reliance on rapid scaling is currently outpacing the development of trained leaders to manage these disparate campuses effectively.

The report documents over 1,800 multisite churches operating at 6,000 locations across every state except Wyoming. The median first-year cost to launch a new campus is $1,250 per person, with mergers and new builds each accounting for 27% of property acquisitions.

The details

Multisite churches operate under a singular board and financial structure to expand their reach across diverse geographies. While 92% of pastors now share pulpit responsibilities with other teachers at least 10 times per year, about 8% of these churches have been forced to close one or more of their locations.

The Multisite Revealed National Report was released on October 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

This growth tracks with the Multisite Revealed National Report, which marks a departure from the traditional model of singular, independent church buildings. The movement reflects a broader shift toward centralized administration and brand-focused expansion within the American religious landscape.

For regular attendees, this model often means access to consistent teaching and shared resources across multiple neighborhood locations. However, parishioners may notice shifts in leadership and pastoral availability as churches navigate the challenges of rapid scaling and campus sustainability.

The takeaway

The multisite model offers churches a path to scale rapidly but requires a robust leadership pipeline to avoid potential campus closures. Congregations should prioritize internal training to ensure that the quality of ministry remains stable as the number of locations increases.