Growing Fellowship Using the Multisite Model

Writer / Janelle Morrison One of the area’s largest churches, Traders Point Christian Church (TPCC) Northwest, has expanded its reach to the north side and has launched a multisite in Carmel. They are adding multiple locations throughout the Indianapolis area, so that people can worship in their community, invite their friends to church and use their gifts to serve the local church. The church, whose average weekly attendance is comprised of more than 5,000 adults and children combined, recognized a need to establish roots in the city of Carmel. Approximately 900 attendees were present at the launch of Traders Point Christian Church (TPCC) North campus services that are being held at the Creekside Middle School. “We’re using their auditorium and a couple of other spaces within the school, and it’s working out incredibly well as our first multisite campus,” Erica Thomas, TPCC’s Communications Director said. “Our hope would be that if someone lives near the TPCC North campus, that would become their church home where they serve, invite friends and neighbors and worship. This promotes digging roots and worshipping in the community in which they live, as opposed to driving out of their community to worship.” For those who are familiar with the services and programs offered at TPCC Northwest, located in Whitestown, they can expect a similar experience when they attend the north campus. TPCC North has live worship, excellent age-level ministries for kids and students, life groups and opportunities to serve. Their north campus and any additional future multisite locations will start out with these core ministries: weekend worship services, age-level ministries, life groups and local outreach. The sermons will primarily be delivered via streamed video with live preaching on occasion. The Kids Ministry will be offered for kids, birth through grade 6, and will provide the same small- and large-group environment that their members have come to expect at TPCC Northwest. TPCC North has dedicated staff members, continuously working to oversee and develop volunteer leaders. On Sunday evenings, TPCC North students will meet at Creekside Middle School and drive together to the Catalyst student ministry program at TPCC Northwest where they will be plugged into life groups specific to the north location. Special Needs Ministry is a core part of the TPCC DNA as a church. There will be a special needs room at TPCC North, similar to what they have at their northwest campus. “We’re one church in multiple locations,” Thomas explained. “The teaching is the same at our venues and is made possible with streamed video. On the ground, engaging with people in the community is our pastor for TPCC North Greg Anderson. He is shepherding people in that community and is available to meet and pray with them.” TPCC’s Content Director Anne Wilson spoke about how the new north campus may encourage people in the area who may be looking for a place to worship to attend their services. “We feel that the introduction of our north campus is a great opportunity to invite people who may be looking for a church home or haven’t attended a church service in a long time. We welcome anyone who would like to attend our services and learn more about what TPCC offers to our communities.” Garcia concluded, "What we hear from our members and guests about the TPCC experience is that they feel the warmth and sense of family when they come to our campuses. We have such a diverse fellowship, and people are accepted for who they are when they walk through our doors. That creates an authentic community and is a big part of who we are as a church. “The teaching at our church is not only biblically-based, which is key to sharing the Gospel effectively, but it is compelling and engaging, making the way that we study Scripture practical for our people. For those that enjoy the TPCC experience and DNA and want to help to grow it in the Carmel community, our TPCC North campus is a great option and opportunity.” For more information on TPCC Northwest and TPCC North campuses, services and programs, visit tpcc.org.