The Eternal Father Who Never Fails

A Love Beyond Compare

Have you ever paused to watch a child you adore—playing, laughing, or simply resting? That same unwavering, affectionate gaze is how God looks upon us, His children. Unlike earthly fathers, who can falter or even disappear, God’s love is eternal, perfect, and unshakable. Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus, our Savior, as the Everlasting Father. This is not about confusing the roles within the Trinity, but about showing us how the Messiah tenderly leads, protects, and provides as a perfect father would.

In a world where fatherlessness is a growing crisis, this truth is a balm for the soul. Whether our earthly father was absent, imperfect, or loving, Jesus offers something no human can: the steadfast love of a Father who will never leave us.

The Father Who Sees and Provides

Psalm 103 paints a picture of this Everlasting Father’s character. God is righteous and just, but He is also compassionate and merciful. He sees the depths of our weakness and yet does not turn away. Like a father lifting a child from a pit, He rescues us from the darkest moments of life and crowns us with His steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:4).

His love doesn’t depend on our performance. Even when we stumble, He remains faithful. His mercy is greater than our failures, and His patience is unmatched. While the world offers fleeting satisfaction, our Everlasting Father satisfies our deepest longings.

He Holds Eternity in His Hands

What does it mean for Jesus to be Everlasting? It means that He holds eternity itself—He reigns supreme over time, over creation, and over every storm we face. Eternity is not just a concept for the future; it is a reality He created and sustains. Jesus, the Everlasting Father, is both the cause of eternity and the One who invites us into it.

When we look at our current struggles—broken relationships, health crises, or overwhelming worry—they seem enormous. But in the hands of our Everlasting Father, they are but small specks. He is the sovereign King who stepped into time to save us, trading His heavenly throne for a manger and a cross.

A Love That Changes Everything

If we truly grasp the love of our Everlasting Father, it transforms us. When we trust that He cares for us, it changes how we walk through life. Fear fades. Peace grows. Hope endures. The Messiah who came to wipe away every tear will one day fulfill His promise to make all things new.

No matter what fatherly example you had on earth, the love of Jesus is perfect. He is the Father who lifts us, restores us, and shelters us in His unending care. And for those who long for a deeper relationship with Him, He promises: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

This Advent, remember: we serve an Everlasting Father—a King who loves endlessly and holds eternity in His hands. Trust Him. Rest in Him. He will never fail you.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Mighty King T.U.T.

As we continue on in this Christmas season, we continue to unpack the name of God that we find in Isa. 9:6, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This week, I’m beyond excited that we get to focus on a MIGHTY GOD…because I no doubt believe it’s more than necessary. Disclaimer: more strays may be caught through the reading of this blog. Just sayin…

The Power Beyond Comprehension

The prophet Isaiah paints a breathtaking portrait of God in using the word might. This Hebrew term found here, "gibbor," portrays strength, bravery, and valor—qualities of a warrior who leads battles and wins decisively. This word isn’t just limited to brute force however; encompassing influence, wisdom, and authority. This is the God who commands the sun to stand still, splits seas, and silences storms. When we understand that God's might operates on every plane—physical, spiritual, and relational—it redefines our confidence. He is not a distant deity; He is the ultimate warrior, fighting for us in battles seen and unseen.

Now, the Hebrew word used for God here, "El" is a little different and is about to take us on a bit of a trip…buckle up. It is used to denote God with capital G…or just a god with a lower case g, though it still emphasizes might and power. It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in reference to the one true God of Israel, highlighting His strength and sovereignty. It’s also used in the “compounded” names for God, such as "El Shaddai" (God Almighty) or "El Elyon" (God Most High). But in some contexts, it just refers to gods in a general sense or to mighty individuals. Where this gets twisted for Christians (aside from the fact that we have multiple names for God like Elohim, Yahweh…I’ll stop there) is the fact that, in the ancient Near Eastern context, "El" was a common term for deity and was used in various cultures. The Canaanites used the name El for their chief deity as an example. But, again, to confirm, yes. In the Hebrew Bible, "El" is used to affirm the power, supremacy and uniqueness, the distinguishing of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all other gods; underscoring their monotheistic belief in one all-powerful God who is distinct from the polytheistic traditions of surrounding nations. So, with all this understanding and importance, what’s the issue and what on earth the mighty king T.U.T.?

The Subtle Drift of Misunderstanding

I’m happy to answer. Here lies the mighty King T.U.T., aka The Ugly Truth- we often underestimate God's might, reducing Him to a mere reflection of ourselves. In our human tendencies, we deify people and humanize God, shaping Him into what feels convenient or manageable. Not to mention when “He” fails (which he doesn’t fyi) we deem Him weak and incapable. Why would we make a being so impotent our Lord? How could we call someone like that a “Mighty God?”

But this distortion is not new, and we have ancient Israel to that for it. Recall how they melted gold to create a calf when Moses delayed in the book of Exodus at , and today, we do the same in subtler ways, fashioning God into idols of comfort, prosperity, or personal preference. But God is unshakably mighty. He does not conform to our limitations. It’s not our job to fit God into our lives; it’s to realign our hearts with His unparalleled strength and purpose.

Just Who is a Mighty God?

So I think we need a refresh/reset. For many, I don’t doubt that we’ve never taken the chance to define, to describe what and who God really is. I believe this would shift perspectives and give us a space to exalt the one, true, and mighty God. For this reason, I’m doing us a favor. I’m giving us a definition to start with and work off of. Adam Clarke, British Methodist theologian of the 1700s and 1800s, expressed that God is the following:

God is the eternal, independent, and self-existent Being; the Being whose purposes and actions spring from himself, without foreign motive or influence; he who is absolute in dominion; the most pure, the most simple, the most spiritual of all essences; infinitely perfect; and eternally self-sufficient, needing nothing that he has made; illimitable in his immensity, inconceivable in his mode of existence, and indescribable in his essence; known fully only by himself, because an infinite mind can only be fully comprehended by itself. In a word, a Being who, from his infinite wisdom, cannot err or be deceived, and from his infinite goodness, can do nothing but what is eternally just, and right, and kind.

I think that every believer would say this is sufficient.

The Mighty God in Action

God's might is not just a theological concept; it is manifest in His actions. Yes, I’m being a little hypocritical because we always suggest reveling in who God is, but every now and then we should take a moment and focus on what God does. He fights for us, wielding omnipotence to overcome forces that seek to destroy. He provides for us, omniscient, knowing our needs before we do, and equips us with wisdom, omnisapient, to navigate life's challenges. He is omnipresent, ensuring we are never alone, and His omnibenevolence is a love so profound it covers every sin. When we truly grasp these facets of His nature, our faith deepens. He is not just our Savior but our Lord, worthy of obedience and reverence. The recognition of this transforms not only our understanding of God but also our daily lives.

Responding to a Mighty God

So how do we respond to such overwhelming might? It begins with surrender. A mighty God requires a posture of humility, acknowledging His authority and letting Him lead. This isn’t a call to perfection but to a life of "long obedience in the same direction." Obedience is not a burden by any means; it is a natural response to His love and power. The more we dwell in His presence, the more our hearts are captivated by Him, and the less appealing sin becomes. This is why it’s so important to remember the phrase “Seek ye first…” Matt. 6:33 This is the sanctifying work of His Spirit. And in this journey, no failure is too great for His grace. The mightiest act of God is His love—a love that pursues, forgives, heals, and restores.

God’s might isn’t distant or theoretical. It is personal, powerful, and transformative. Let this truth reshape how we see Him, ourselves, and the world around us. Our Mighty God is worthy of our trust, our worship, and our lives.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

Multiply Abroad: Making Space for the Gospel in South Asia

Nestled on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is famously known as “God’s Own Country.” This stunning state is adorned with lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and vibrant cultures, making it a visual feast for the senses. Over the past two decades, Kerala has also seen a significant influx of migrant workers from northern India, drawn to its thriving industries—from tea and rubber plantations to pineapple groves—where they can earn more than in their home states. This migration has positioned Kerala as a key trade hub and vacation destination in South India.

However, the journey isn’t all smooth sailing. The political landscape here is fraught with challenges, including unrest, persecution, and corruption. Despite these hurdles, Kerala boasts a rich Christian heritage, believed to be one of the first regions visited by Saint Thomas two millennia ago. This historical significance makes the church’s mission here not only vital and safer, but also deeply rooted in tradition.

Dani Abraham, a Multiply Catalyst and founder and leader of Grace on a Thousand Hills, a  discipleship and church planting organization in Rwanda.

Dani Abraham, a pastor and teacher based in Kerala, has committed himself to establishing The Equipping Center, a discipleship training center to equip leaders who will multiply disciples, train new leaders, and plant churches across Kerala.

The Equipping Center provides a place where missionaries, pastors, and leaders can find rest, renewal, and training before returning to their communities. Through initiatives like garment production for migrant workers, the center generates income to support its operations and expand its reach. These ventures are not just economic but also missional, serving as platforms to share the gospel while addressing community needs. The integration of hosting the “Christian Training Network”, a hybrid Bible college, further enhances its impact, providing leaders with accessible, high-quality theological education.

The Approach to Raising Up Leaders in India

India’s population of 1.4 billion people represents an incredible diversity of faiths and cultures. Predominantly Hindu, with Islam as the second-largest religion, India’s religious pluralism requires a thoughtful and contextualized approach to sharing the Gospel. Church planting here is not just about starting churches; it’s about raising up leaders who will empower others to share the message of Christ.

To address these challenges and position Kerala as a hub for Gospel movements, Dani spearheaded the establishment of The Equipping Center. This center serves as a sanctuary for new believers, missionaries, and church planters. Here, leaders receive support, revitalization, and high-quality training before returning to their communities equipped to make a lasting impact. The training center reflects Dani’s holistic approach to leadership development. Combining intellectual, emotional, personal, and spiritual growth, the center empowers individuals to thrive in their mission fields. Its curriculum includes the “Four Fields” church planting method, which draws on Jesus’ movements in Scripture, equipping leaders to develop biblically sound and contextually relevant strategies.

How You Can Help: Pray with Us

Please join us in praying for Rwanda during this time of uncertainty. Pray for wisdom for church leaders like Bonnie, that they would have discernment on how to lead their congregations. Pray for favor with local authorities and for provision to meet these new regulations. Most importantly, pray that the gospel would continue to spread, and that this season of difficulty would lead to a stronger, more resilient church in Rwanda. Join our team at Multiply in praying for these specific areas:

• Pray for the work in Kerala: Pray for Dani, the training center, and the leaders being equipped to spread the Gospel across India. Pray for protection, wisdom, and for hearts to be open.

• Support The Equipping Center: Partner with us financially to help complete construction at the training center and sustain the education programs utilized to train leaders.

• Spread Awareness: Share Dani’s story with your community to encourage prayer and support for the work in Kerala.

By partnering with leaders like Dani, we are investing in a future where disciples, leaders, and churches multiply across South Asia, bringing hope and transformation to communities still waiting to hear the Gospel. Together, we can be part of this movement—fulfilling God’s call to make disciples of all nations.

— The [multiply] team

Multiply Abroad: Reaching Indigenous Peoples in Mexico

Mexico is home to a vibrant mosaic of indigenous communities that make up a significant portion of the nation’s cultural identity. These communities, while rich in tradition and resilience, represent some of the least-reached people groups in the Americas. At Multiply, our mission is to equip local leaders and establish churches that bring the Gospel to these underserved populations. Pastor Eduardo Herrera Perez, a respected leader and church planter, stands at the forefront of this mission, embodying a commitment to both spiritual and practical transformation.

Eduardo Herrera Perez, a Multiply Catalyst and leader of Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel, a church that serves as a hub for spiritual growth, discipleship, and community outreach.

the peoples of mexico: A landscape of diversity

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), over 11.8 million people—9.4% of Mexico’s population—identify as indigenous. These communities are astonishingly diverse, comprising 68 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous, rooted in 11 linguistic families. Groups like the Nahua, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, and Otomi represent the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico, each maintaining their own languages, customs, and traditions.

Many of these communities have ancestral religions that combine pre-Columbian spiritual beliefs with elements of Roman Catholicism introduced during the colonial period. Practices often include reverence for natural elements, ancestral spirits, and regional deities. While these traditions reflect the cultural depth of indigenous communities, they also present unique challenges for evangelical outreach.

reaching the cultures within a culture through ministry

In Cuautla, Mexico, Pastor Eduardo Herrera Perez has dedicated his life to overcoming these challenges, reaching underserved populations, and cultivating faith-based communities. His calling to ministry emerged early, driven by a passion to see lives transformed by the Gospel.

Eduardo is the founder of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel (IBE), a thriving church that has become a cornerstone of evangelical faith in Cuautla and the surrounding regions. IBE serves as more than just a place of worship—it is a movement, dedicated to discipleship, outreach, and community transformation. Under Eduardo’s leadership, the church cares for vulnerable populations, including widows, orphans, and individuals with disabilities. Through food distribution programs, counseling services, and practical initiatives, IBE demonstrates Christ’s love in action. Eduardo and his team at IBE play a vital role in advancing the mission to reach Mexico’s indigenous peoples. This center equips leaders with biblical training, discipleship tools, and ministry strategies to plant churches and share the Gospel effectively. By raising up indigenous leaders who understand the languages and customs of their people, the training center overcomes cultural and linguistic barriers that might hinder outreach.

Leaders trained at the center return to their communities prepared to serve, plant churches, and multiply disciples. This approach fosters trust within indigenous populations and ensures that the Gospel is communicated in a way that resonates deeply with their cultural context.

While the work is impactful, challenges persist. Geographic isolation, poverty, and cultural barriers can make outreach difficult. Economic hardships in many indigenous communities limit access to resources, while strong ancestral traditions and Catholic influence often create resistance to evangelical efforts. However, IBE’s culturally sensitive approach and commitment to relationship-building have helped bridge divides, opening doors for the Gospel.

How You Can Help: Pray with Us

Please join us in praying for Rwanda during this time of uncertainty. Pray for wisdom for church leaders like Bonnie, that they would have discernment on how to lead their congregations. Pray for favor with local authorities and for provision to meet these new regulations. Most importantly, pray that the gospel would continue to spread, and that this season of difficulty would lead to a stronger, more resilient church in Rwanda. Join our team at Multiply in praying for these specific areas:

• Pray for the Church in Mexico: Lift up Pastor Eduardo, his team, and the leaders being trained to bring the Gospel to their communities.

• Support Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel: Consider ways to financially support our partners and their training center, funding training, outreach programs, and other ministry efforts through IBE.

• Spread Awareness: Share this story with your community to encourage prayer and support for the work in Mexico.

The story of IBE reminds us of the power of faithful leadership and the transformative impact of the Gospel. By equipping leaders to multiply disciples and plant churches, we are helping to reach Mexico’s indigenous peoples with the hope and love of Christ. Together, we can be part of a legacy rooted in faith, bringing light to communities yearning for hope and renewal.

— The [multiply] team

He is Our BETTER HELP

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!! The time in which we reflect on the iteration of Jesus that is 8lbs 6oz. The version that we know as “Baby Jesus.” I love this time of year, the emphasis we place on celebrating the coming of the King in this meek and mild state. I have a theory…hear me out. I believe that the reason we get to celebrate as a baby is because every time we witness a “reveal” of sorts with God in the Old Testament we also witness an aftermath of His people freakin’ out and running for their lives. So it would only make sense that He swings the pendulum and offers a version of Himself that is indeed very meek, very mild…very demur, very mindful. 8lbs 6oz so obviously very cutesy. I digress.

This year we’ve decided, in celebrating the birth of the Savior, that we wanted to look at and unpack all of the names that are given of the coming in Isa. 9:6: 
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace

And I get the honor of unpacking the first. Before we dive in though I do feel the need to give a Spirit led disclaimer: Pretty much everyone is catching strays on this one, myself included.*

*catching strays- a good, Christian definition for this code switch is being strongly convicted by the Holy Spirit. They will probably hurt, but it is for our best in the end so amen to it. Anyway, Let’s dive in.

The Miracle of “Wonderful” Counsel

Isaiah 9:6 paints a vivid picture of a coming Messiah, calling Him the "Wonderful Counselor." The word "wonderful," derived from the Hebrew pele, describes something extraordinary, beyond human comprehension. This is not mere advice or good intentions—this is divine wisdom that surpasses all understanding. In ancient Israel, wonders were acts that displayed God’s presence and power. This same miraculous power is embodied in the counsel of Jesus. His wisdom is unparalleled, not just a guide for life’s challenges but a transformative force. He doesn’t simply point the way; He walks with us, offering counsel that heals, restores, and redeems. The word counselor,the Hebrew verb "yaats," primarily means to advise or counsel. In ancient Israel, counsel was highly valued, especially in leadership and governance. Kings, prophets, elders often sought advice to make informed decisions; the hopes that such information will be wise and godly. The role of a counselor was significant, as it could influence the direction of a nation…the outcome of a situation for good or bad. That’s why wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel and the dangers of ignoring it.

Trust Issues with the Divine

One of the greatest barriers to receiving the counsel of Jesus is misplaced trust. As John Calvin observed, “...Everyone flatters himself and carries a kingdom in his breast.” Translation: we often build kingdoms in our hearts, relying on our own wisdom. Last time I checked this was also called pride and according to about six passages in the book of Proverbs it don’t end well. Ahh, or how about we seek the guidance of others over God as well? Whether it’s a self-made philosophy or the latest trending advice from those who are deemed “successful” in society (realizing there is a major difference between being successful and being an actual Kingdom success…I’ll leave that alone for now), these substitutes leave us spiritually malnourished. Scripture reminds us, however, that Jesus offers not just better help but the best help. He is the embodiment of wisdom itself, the one who knows our needs intimately and supplies according to His riches.

Yet, too often, we fall into the trap of modern “Rehoboams,” dismissing God’s wisdom for shallow alternatives. In 2 Chron. 10 we see him, having come into power as king after the death of his father (maybe you’ve heard of him. Solomon?), immediately needing to make a decision on what to do with his new people and how to treat them. He has the opportunity to discuss his options with two different groups: 1. The “wise counsel” that was his father’s advisors (btw, don’t miss that. Solomon, the wisesssst man in the Old Testament, felt the need to have advisors. Just putting that out there :-) ) and 2. The advice of his friends that he grew up with that he now considers his “advisors.” I’ll spare the additional details. Rehoboam goes with the advice of his friends and not the wise advisors and the consequences are most crucial; the downfall of the entire United Kingdom of Israel.

His father handled things differently. He not only had wise counsel, but he also had conversation and communication, communion with the wise Counselor. In 1 Kings 3, we see him having a dialogue with God and, when asked specifically for what he wants on account of his faithfulness, he simply says “...Give me an understanding heart, give me wisdom, so I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who alone can govern this great people of yours!” 3:9. And for this, God not only gave him the wisdom he asked for, but He also gave him what he didn’t; riches, fame, and honor throughout the world! Why would we want anything other than what God has in store for us? Or let me ask that in a very disrespectful way: Why would you want to impress your friends who can ultimately do nothing for you and potentially make your situation worse? Much worse. Like…destruction of the kingdom worse. I’ll stop there.

A Kingdom Perspective

Leading me to this ultimate point. Jesus’ counsel is not just personal—it’s Kingdom-focused. His teachings invite us to see life through an eternal lens, as He preached, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). This isn’t a distant hope but a present reality. Living with a Kingdom mindset means aligning our daily lives with eternal truths, seeking not comfort but purpose. Solomon’s humility in seeking God’s wisdom exemplifies this, as he prayed for an understanding heart to govern well. Jesus challenges us to do the same—to trust Him fully, prioritize His Kingdom, and let His counsel shape our decisions, actions, and attitudes. But we have to be willing to trust Him enough to know His counsel isn’t just our better help. It is our best help!

Living the Counsel

The true measure of honoring the Wonderful Counselor lies in how we live out His teachings. To celebrate His wisdom is to embrace the discomfort of trust and obedience. It’s choosing to love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and pursue righteousness over convenience. His counsel often defies logic but always leads to life. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Trusting Jesus may stretch us, and that’s okay. Because He’s not here for our comfort. He’s here for His Kingdom, but it is in this stretching that we grow. The journey isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it, for His counsel brings not only guidance but also eternal peace and joy. Not to mention, whatever that discomfort is probably the very place He’s designed for you, and assigned for you. Be obedient. Stay the course. Trust the process. Trust God. Get in His Word and receive the counsel of the Word made flesh. Trust in the counsel of Jesus. The one who, in His wise counsel, demonstrates His sovereignty, has delivered His people, and affirms His new covenant with them in His blood that atones, His blood that cleanses, His blood that saves, heals, and restores.

In every season, but especially during Advent, let us turn our hearts to the Wonderful Counselor. Let us listen, trust, and live according to His wisdom, remembering that His guidance is not just good—it’s miraculous. Kingdom.

Act Accordingly.

One Love,
JRNB

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

Multiply Abroad: Navigating Church CLosures in Rwanda

In 2024, the Rwandan government made headlines with a renewed wave of church closures, a policy aimed at regulating religious institutions to meet stringent building and safety standards. While the government’s intent is to protect the public, these closures have left many congregations and church planters in limbo, including our partner, Bonnie Lakoney, and the team at Grace on a Thousand Hills, who are on the ground planting churches and training pastors.

Boniface Lakoney (Bonnie), a Multiply Catalyst and founder and leader of Grace on a Thousand Hills, a  discipleship and church planting organization in Rwanda.

For Bonnie and the leaders at Grace on a Thousand Hills, this has presented significant challenges. Churches are often the heart of a community—places where people not only worship but find discipleship, fellowship, and spiritual guidance. The government’s increased regulations on infrastructure, such as requirements for proper ventilation, soundproofing, and sanitation, mean that many small, rural churches, which may not have the resources to upgrade their buildings, are forced to shut their doors.

Church Planting in the Face of Government Opposition

For a church planter like Bonnie, the government regulations have created some difficulties in ministry. Not only is he focused on spreading the gospel and training new leaders, he and his wife Solange are now navigating a regulatory environment that makes it increasingly hard to gather believers. The closures disrupt the discipleship process and make it harder for new believers to grow in their faith through consistent teaching and fellowship. In many cases, churches are left without a physical place to meet, pushing congregations underground or into informal, outdoor gatherings, which can be dangerous and subject to further restrictions. For an organization like Grace on a Thousand Hills, which focuses on planting sustainable, multiplying churches, this situation is deeply frustrating. Church plants often begin in modest spaces with limited resources, and meeting the government’s new criteria feels like an impossible hurdle. Many pastors trained by Bonnie are now working tirelessly to find alternative ways to gather and minister to their communities—whether through home churches, small group discipleship, or even leveraging technology where possible.

However, the closures have also given rise to opportunities for creativity and perseverance. Bonnie and his team are working on innovative ways to train pastors and leaders who can adapt to these difficult circumstances, ensuring that the work of the gospel continues despite the challenges. They are shifting focus toward decentralized, smaller gatherings that can operate within the government’s guidelines, ensuring that the church remains a light in the community.

How You Can Help: Pray with Us

Please join us in praying for Rwanda during this time of uncertainty. Pray for wisdom for church leaders like Bonnie, that they would have discernment on how to lead their congregations. Pray for favor with local authorities and for provision to meet these new regulations. Most importantly, pray that the gospel would continue to spread, and that this season of difficulty would lead to a stronger, more resilient church in Rwanda. Join our team at Multiply in praying for these specific areas:

• Pray for the Church in Rwanda: Lift up leaders like Bonnie Lakoney as they navigate these closures.

• Support Grace on a Thousand Hills: Consider partnering with us to resource pastors and church planters in Rwanda as they adapt to these new challenges.

• Spread Awareness: Share this story with your community to encourage prayer and support for the work in Rwanda.

Despite the difficulties, we believe that God’s church cannot be silenced. The mission to plant churches and train pastors will continue, even in the face of opposition, because we trust in a God who is bigger than any obstacle.

— The [multiply] team

The Role of Partnership and Prayer in Church Planting

One of the most powerful ways to support church planting is through prayer. As we continue our journey through church planting in other regions, we’re reminded that every new church plant begins with prayer and partnership. At the heart of every successful church plant is a partnership—between local leaders, sending churches, and supporters like you. But even more essential is the power of prayer. Prayer must be the foundation of everything we do when it comes to building communities of faith, and our prayers are not just words — they are acts of worship that fuel the mission and bring God’s kingdom closer to earth. While God calls us to go and make disciples, He also calls us to support those who are already doing the work. Our partners in Rwanda, South Asia, and Mexico are local leaders who understand the unique needs of their communities. Through prayer and support, we can help them overcome challenges and reach new heights in their ministry.

The importance of prayer in every community

Prayer opens doors, breaks down barriers, and prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel.

For those called to “go,” stepping into new cultural contexts to plant a church requires unwavering faith and an incredible amount of prayer. Local pastors and missionaries face obstacles ranging from language barriers to cultural differences and logistical challenges. Your prayers open doors for them, break down barriers, and prepare the hearts of those who will hear the gospel message. In Rwanda, for example, pastors regularly gather with new believers who are learning how to grow in faith and plant seeds of hope in their own communities. Their work is strengthened by knowing that a community of believers around the world is lifting them up in prayer.

Our partners in South Asia have also seen the power of prayer in action. Despite many challenges, church leaders continue to reach new areas, building up local communities and discipling new believers. Through partnerships with other churches and organizations, we have seen how resources, encouragement, and prayer can transform a single church plant into a vibrant community of faith that inspires others to multiply.

In Mexico, prayer and partnership have empowered pastors to address both spiritual and practical needs. As they share the gospel, they’re also able to serve their communities by addressing issues like education and family support—meeting people where they are and reflecting Christ’s love in action. This holistic approach to ministry has been made possible through ongoing partnerships and committed prayer support.

The Biblical Value of partnership

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) reminds us that reaching the world with the gospel is not a task to be taken on alone. Jesus intended for His followers to work together, uniting in purpose and empowering each other to make His name known. This spirit of partnership is evident in our international mission, where our local church planting partners collaborate with supporters worldwide to bring the message of Christ to their communities.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Whether you are able to give financially, commit to regular prayer, or share about the work God is doing, your involvement makes an impact. Remember, the Great Commission is a calling for all believers, and each of us plays a role in bringing His message of hope to the world. We’re excited to see how God will continue to use partnerships and prayer to expand His kingdom. Let’s unite in lifting up our brothers and sisters in Rwanda, South Asia, and Mexico, supporting the work being done, and remembering that God’s mission is best accomplished when His people come together in faith and purpose.

— The [multiply] team

The Global Vision For Church Planting

At [Multiply], we believe that church planting is one of the most effective ways to fulfill this mission. By multiplying churches, we create spaces where new worshipers can emerge, communities can be transformed, and the gospel can spread. Our global work is driven by the belief that God desires to bring joy-filled worshipers from every nation into His kingdom.

Our vision goes beyond simply establishing new churches. It’s about raising up local leaders who understand the unique needs of their communities. These leaders become catalysts for change, leading movements that go far beyond the initial church plant. They embody the call to make disciples of all nations, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

As we journey through what it looks like to spread the gospel worldwide, we invite you to walk with us, learn more about our global mission, and discover how you can play a part in it. Together, let’s work towards making His glory known throughout the earth, fulfilling God’s desire to bring the gospel to places where it has yet to be spread.

The mission: To bring worship worldwide

God’s mission to spread His glory across the nations is at the heart of everything we do. From the beginning, God’s purpose has been clear: He desires worshipers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This vision shapes our work and drives our efforts to plant churches in communities worldwide.

In Genesis 12:1-3, God called Abraham to go and be a blessing to all nations. This foundational call reveals God’s commitment to creating a community of people dedicated to knowing and worshiping Him. Through Abraham, God declared His intention to reach the nations, and that same calling extends to us today. As followers of Christ, we are invited to share the message of Jesus with others and participate in God’s mission to make His glory known across the earth.

Theologian John Piper has said that “missions exist because worship does not.” His words are a reminder to us at [Multiply] that we are called to bring the gospel . This is the purpose of church planting: creating communities where new worshipers of Jesus can emerge, thrive, and multiply. By planting churches in regions like Rwanda, South Asia, and Mexico, we seek to bring the hope of the gospel to places that need it most. Every new church planted becomes a space for worship, discipleship, and transformation.

The Weight of Weariness: The Inside

At [Multiply], we aim to cultivate sustainable movements that multiply leaders, disciples, and churches. We believe that the power of the gospel has the potential to transform not just individuals but entire communities. Our approach to church planting includes raising up local leaders who understand the cultural context of their communities, enabling these movements to grow in a way that resonates deeply within their unique settings. We have church leaders working tirelessly to bring hope to communities through discipleship. Our leaders face unique cultural and social challenges as they share the gospel, but we are seeing families and communities being reached with practical support and the love of Christ. Each region reflects the hear of God for the nations and the way that He uses the local church to bring lasting change.

We invite you to join us in praying for our church planting partners and the communities they serve. We believe that every follower of Christ has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. Whether through prayer, financial support, or volunteering, your participation makes a difference in advancing God’s kingdom. Together, let’s answer the call to bring people into the joyous purpose for which they were created. Join us as we work to make God’s glory known among the nations and build communities that worship God!

— The [multiply] team

I’m Working a Double Shift

Years ago, I worked as a server at TGIFriday’s and, if I’m being honest, that still may be my most favorite job of all time (currently in my call and purpose now folks. We can relax :-D). In the job title as you see, it taught me how to serve and I did that very well. The rest of the job was hard work, but it was fun, I made some lifelong friends out of some of the people I served, and most importantly it showed me the importance of serving others. For this, I am forever grateful. What I was not grateful for, however, was any time I had to work a “swing shift” or a double shift. They were long and gruesome so I happily avoided them at all costs. But there were other special shifts I wanted to work called to-go shifts. This is where you worked a normal number of tables during a regular shift, about three or four, and I would also take any to-go orders as well. It was the “easiest” way to get additional money for one shift. Sometimes it was kinda slow, maybe one to-go along with my tables. And sometimes…no. Maybe 14 to-gos with my tables. These nights were never fun. These nights felt like I was working a double shift all at once.

I appreciate these experiences now. They’ve prepared me for handling the high yield situations of life, and they’ve helped me to identify a very crucial point believers need to understand about the life we live and the opposition we face from the enemy and just from life “lif’in.” And when I look at Nehemiah chapter four, I see the perfect scenario in which all of this plays out.

Facing Resistance: The Outside

In life, any work with great purpose is bound to encounter opposition. Nehemiah’s story of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem exemplifies this truth. His people faced mockery, threats, and disbelief on the outside from their enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah. Both of them were excluded from being able to rebuild the wall and didn’t take that well. When they found out it was Neh (as I will now affectionately call him) who was gifted the assignment that didn’t sit well with them and they made sure to make it known how they felt. They tried to intimidate Neh and his people, as well as schmooze those in power to be able weasel their way into positions where they could usurp the power and control in the situation.

The Weight of Weariness: The Inside

If that wasn’t enough…it’s one thing to have to deal with an opponent on the outside. But then there’s the people. As they’re working on the wall, they grow weary. Fatigue settled in, and doubt began to creep among them. They voiced concerns that the task was too big, the rubble too much to handle. The fear of outside attack became a crippling element for them, hindering their ability to focus on what needed to be done to complete the wall. This feeling of exhaustion is something we all know too well—whether we’re pursuing a dream, serving our community, or simply trying to maintain faith through personal struggles. Outside influences are the worst, but I’m convinced that nothing is worst that our own voices in our head, staying with us constantly. When they encourage it’s empowering! When they discourage they are our worst enemy. Yet, Nehemiah teaches us to keep our eyes on the purpose behind the work. Even when we feel overwhelmed by the “rubble” of life, the key is to press forward with faith. God does not call us to tasks we cannot complete. When we are tired, He provides strength, and when we are uncertain, He offers clarity. We don’t need certainty when we have confidence in the abilities He gives us.

Armed for the Fight

To deal with the constant threats, Nehemiah made sure that half of his workers were always prepared to defend while the others continued to build. Each person had a sword by their side, ready to fight off any attack. This is an important lesson for us today. We are called to build something meaningful—whether it’s relationships, ministries, or careers—but we must be prepared for opposition, both external and internal. Being armed for the fight doesn’t just mean physical preparation; it means spiritual readiness. It involves prayer, wisdom, and a deep trust in God’s protection. By staying vigilant and relying on God, we can overcome whatever seeks to disrupt our progress.

Finishing Strong

What stands out most in Nehemiah’s story is that despite the many setbacks and obstacles, the people completed the wall, and in spite of the fears of the people they were able to do so in less time and with HALF the men v. 16. They worked from sunrise to sunset, day after day, refusing to give in to fear or discouragement. This reminds us that finishing strong is often less about skill and more about perseverance. When opposition grows fierce, when doubt takes root, and when exhaustion looms, we must remember the promise Nehemiah held onto: God fights for us. And when we continue the work with that assurance, we will find that what once seemed impossible can be finished in less time than we ever imagined.

God equips His people to not only start the work but to finish it well. When you’re building something of worth, remember that the opposition you face is just a reminder that the work matters. With God’s help, you will overcome it and see the completion of what He has called you to do.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

Rebuilding Through Persistence and Faithfulness

A Vision for Restoration

Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was a response to a calling for restoration. He saw the destruction of his homeland and felt a burden from God to restore what was once there. This desire wasn’t born out of selfish ambition but from a deep conviction to bring glory to God. Nehemiah recognized the importance of turning back to God in times of brokenness and sought His guidance through prayer and repentance.

For us today, restoration often begins when we acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness. It may not be the result of one massive failure, but rather a series of small decisions that lead us away from God. However, just like Nehemiah, the path to restoration starts with one decision: to return to God. His mercies are new every day, and He is faithful to restore those who come back to Him.

The Power of Community

Nehemiah’s vision was too large for him to accomplish alone. He understood the importance of community and leadership. The rebuilding of the wall wasn’t the task of one man; it was the combined effort of many people, each responsible for different sections of the wall. Leaders rose up, and alongside their teams, they worked to rebuild Jerusalem. This collective effort not only restored the city physically but also united the people in a common purpose.

In the same way, our lives require the support of others. Whether in personal growth, faith, or any aspect of life, we are not meant to do it alone. When we work together, share the burden, and encourage one another, we can achieve much more than we ever could by ourselves. God uses communities to bring about restoration, and each person’s contribution is vital.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary

Rebuilding a wall might not sound exciting or glamorous, but it was necessary. Much of the work God calls us to do can feel mundane or repetitive, yet it is in these seemingly ordinary tasks that He often brings about transformation. The daily discipline of prayer, reading Scripture, and practicing obedience may not provide instant results, but over time, these small acts lead to lasting change.

Just as athletes or musicians improve through persistent practice, so too do believers grow through faithful obedience. It is not the grand moments that define our walk with God, but the steady, consistent steps taken in faith. Though it may feel boring at times, God is using these moments to build something beautiful, even when we don’t see immediate progress.

Long Obedience

The restoration process is not a straight line. It is filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. But much like the walls of Jerusalem, our lives are being rebuilt brick by brick. God doesn’t rush the process but works patiently, allowing each part of our life to be restored in His perfect timing. We may experience times of brokenness, but He is faithful to bring healing and renewal.

As we continue to follow Christ, the growth may feel slow, but over time, we will see the transformation He is accomplishing in us. It’s a journey of long obedience, where God’s grace is at work even in the most mundane moments. Just like the wall was rebuilt through persistence and dedication, our lives are being restored as we walk with Him in faithfulness.

— Louis fischer

Multiply Church Planting Resident

Favor for the Work

Broken for the Right Reasons

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves overwhelmed by personal challenges, sadness, or fear. But how often do we pause to consider the things that break God’s heart? Nehemiah’s story teaches us about focusing on God’s concerns rather than our own. His sadness wasn’t about his own situation but the suffering of his people, and this perspective is something we should strive for. When we realign our hearts with God’s priorities, we begin to see beyond ourselves. Nehemiah’s brokenness led him to prayer and action—a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to be deeply concerned about the things that matter most to God.

Boldness Born from Prayer

When Nehemiah approached the king to ask for help, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had spent months in prayer, seeking guidance and courage. His boldness didn’t come from self-confidence but from a deep reliance on God. In that critical moment, Nehemiah prayed again—this time, a quick, desperate prayer asking for favor. This teaches us the importance of constant communication with God. It reminds us that even when we face big challenges, the foundation of our courage must be prayer and preparation. Nehemiah’s boldness was rooted in his trust in God and faithful followership, which empowered him to take risks and act on behalf of his people.

Don’t Miss the Hand of God

As Nehemiah carried out his plans to rebuild the wall, he didn’t shy away from asking for help. He requested letters of safe passage and resources to complete the work. While some may view such requests as presumptuous, Nehemiah recognized that God’s favor was upon him. His confidence was not in his own abilities but in God’s provision. How often do we miss the hand of God moving in our own lives because we’re too focused on our limitations or fears? Nehemiah’s story challenges us to be aware of God’s favor, to boldly ask for what we need, and to trust that God is already at work in our plans.

Opposition Will Come

When we set out to do God’s work, opposition is inevitable. Nehemiah faced resistance from those who didn’t want to see Jerusalem restored. Yet, he pressed on, knowing that the work was not about him but about God’s mission. Opposition often comes from unexpected places—sometimes even from those we thought would support us. Nehemiah teaches us that while opposition is guaranteed, so is God’s faithfulness. We must continue to trust in His plan, knowing that the work we are called to do is for His glory, not ours. The God of heaven will grant us favor for the work if we remain faithful to the mission He has given us.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Rebuilding for a Greater Purpose

The Call of a People

From the very beginning, God has been calling a people to Himself. In the days of Nehemiah, those people were in trouble. The walls of safety were broken. The call of Nehemiah was clear: to restore and rebuild what had been broken. The physical city walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, but this was more than just a structural failure. The destruction symbolized the brokenness of God’s people, both physically and spiritually. Just as Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls, we are called today to rebuild what has been shattered in our lives and communities. But this rebuilding isn’t merely for safety—it’s for God’s glory, to establish a people set apart for His purpose.

A Heart of Compassion

When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s plight, he didn’t remain indifferent. His heart broke for the people of God, and he immediately turned to prayer and fasting. His response wasn’t just about the city; it was about the condition of his people. How often do we hear about the suffering of others and feel that stirring in our hearts? Like Nehemiah, we are called to respond with compassion, to stand in the gap for those who are hurting, and to seek God’s will. Prayer becomes our first move, not a last resort. It’s in those moments of genuine intercession that God begins to shape us into the people He’s called us to be.

The Power of Prayer and Confession

Nehemiah’s prayer is a model of faith, humility, and dependence on God. He begins with praise, acknowledging God’s greatness, and then moves into confession. He confesses not just his own sins, but the sins of the people. This is a powerful reminder for Christians as God’s New Covenant people. We are not just individuals in our faith journey—we are part of a larger body. Corporate confession, as uncomfortable as it may be, brings healing and restoration. It acknowledges that we all fall short and are in need of God’s mercy. By owning our sins and the collective sins of the Church, we position ourselves to experience the grace of God in deeper ways.

Boldness Rooted in Faith

Nehemiah didn’t stop at prayer. His faith led him to take bold action. He asked God for favor as he prepared to approach the king with a dangerous request: to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His boldness wasn’t rooted in his own abilities, but in his trust in God’s promises. When we truly understand who God is and the promises He’s made, we can approach Him with confidence. Our prayers can reflect this boldness, as we trust that God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.

Rebuilding, whether in our own lives or in the world around us, begins with prayer, compassion, confession, and bold faith. Until Christ returns, God is still calling a people to Himself. The question remains: are we ready to respond and go?

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Partnerships

Because Multiply is a resource or accelerator organization, most of the work we do is through partnering. We partner with indigenous church leaders in areas the world-over and with individuals and churches who have a heart for supporting those indigenous churches.

But at Multiply, we don’t believe in a fundamental division between our donors and the indigenous church leaders we partner with around the world. While we may at different times play different roles, we are all a part of one vision and one calling and working towards one goal together. This idea is why we refer to ourselves as a family instead of a network or affiliation. Ultimately, we all desire to see the name of Jesus glorified in every corner of the world.

While many international missions organizations worry about the potential messiness that can occur when donors are directly connected with resource recipients, we are fighting for deep connection between family of church congregants and leaders. One reason for this is because our model encourages everyone to be on a pathway to being a mature believer. Our resources for helping people grow in their faith and become better followers, leaders, and church multipliers are freely available to everyone in local and international churches. If you are a donor to Multiply you likely care enough about the Kingdom of God to also want to work on your spiritual life. What’s more is that the Multiply programs don’t just lead donors to be followers, leaders, and an active part of growing churches but also expect the family churches to move from under-resourced churches to donors themselves. To build bridges between Mission Partners and Resource Partners, Multiply actively works to host events and trips that bring the two together. We believe that all of our partners can grow from interactions with one-another, especially our international partners. This will, of course, result in even more new churches reaching the lost!

All these things being true, it can be helpful to have consistent language for identifying who is playing what role and any particular time. The following language helps us to do just that.

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Mission Partners

Mission Partners are members of the Family of Churches who are currently receiving help from Multiply. They are under-resourced. These are churches or organizations that are being helped with the funds given by our generous donors. At any time it may be a rural church in Africa or a Norfolk resident in the beginning stages of their church plant. Whatever stage they may be in, these Mission Partners are on the receiving end. They are busy building capacities by implementing the 3F System so that they can grow and multiply to a self-sustaining and giving capacity. Mission Partners are developed in or adopted into the Family of Churches through assessment, action plans, and applying those plans to their context.

Assess

Before being adopted into the family of churches and becoming a Mission Partner, planters and pastors are vetted extensively. Since Multiply is responsible for stewarding the funds donated from our Resource Partners we must ensure that they are the right fit for our shared goals. To this end, each potential family member is assessed in three categories: Followership, Leadership, and Multiplication. 

From the beginning of the growth process, we want to know that what is being multiplied is rooted in healthy followership of Jesus. Applicants will be assessed on their knowledge, understanding, and experience in following and leading others to follow Christ. We want to know that multipliers have a system for developing followers and that they themselves are healthy followers. 

Similarly, the leadership assessment ensures the planter or pastor candidate has a process in place for developing leaders. If they do not, [Multiply] will give access to our development pathway, designed to move leaders from leading self, to leading others, leading leaders, and leading organizations. Developing leaders who follow Jesus well and know how to develop new leaders sets the stage for multiplying followers, leaders, and churches. 

The multiplication assessment allows candidates and [Multiply] staff to align on their plans to multiply. Assessment for multiplication helps identify the needs of leaders and churches who are ready to plant new churches or send out leaders to a new context to shepherd and develop new followers and leaders. Leaders who are identified through assessment as “multipliers” not only have a plan in place for developing interns, residents, and planters/pastors, but they may also be catalysts for new [Multiply] hubs and network expansion.

Action

After assessment in Followership, Leadership, and Multiplication, candidates are given an action plan tailored to their context in each category. This action plan will identify areas of growth where the candidate needs improvement as a follower, leader, or multiplier. The action plan may have resources to study, comprehension exams to complete or simple alignment tools to help ensure an ongoing healthy partnership. Each partner who is ready to work with [Multiply] will be assigned a coach who will walk with them through the application of their action plan. 

Application

The application plan for each follower, leader, or church will vary by context. Simple Churches are largely concentrated in an international setting and will apply the action plan to their environments based on level of knowledge, understanding, and experience appropriate to their context. Like the other church models, Dura Churches will apply their action plan to develop multipliers through coaching and implementation strategies unique to [Multiply]. Prevailing model churches will be able to leverage their action plans to help their people multiply followers, leaders, and churches. Beginning with followership, our leaders develop into multipliers in any context.

Resource Partners

Resource Partners are valued members of the Multiply Family of Churches that love the Church and the mission of God and want to financially support gospel multiplication with followers, leaders, and churches throughout the nations. Resources can be gifted in a variety of ways: cash, stocks, cryptocurrency, etc. as well as in-kind through donations of cars, boats, and real estate. Planned giving options will be available in the future. Resource Partners can be individuals, churches, or organizations such as charitable foundations. Multiply and all of its work is supported 100% by donations.

These donations typically come in two (2) forms. The first is an individual donor. These are the people, mostly congregants in Family Churches, who give over and above their local church tithing to support the work of multiplying followers, leaders, and churches. The second is Family Church Donors. These are churches that have moved past the under-resourced designation. Each year we ask these churches to make a pledge to cover the full cost of the services that Multiply Central provides to them. They donate the money to Multiply in these amounts. A church that can’t cover their Ministry Capacity pledge is considered under-resourced and will be supported until such time that they become a Resource Partner themselves.   

Multiply has two programs for our resource partners.

The first is called The Harvest. The Harvest is Multiply’s global, recurring, giving community. It is composed of generous, passionate, and determined people from all around the world. Members of this community make weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly commitments to Multiply to be used as needed by the organization. These donations are absolutely crucial to the success of Multiply because they allow us to find and execute on new opportunities for church multiplication. They also give Multiply the stability to do strategic planning for vision execution on a yearly basis.

The Harvest is based on the Gospel of Matthew 9:35-38: 

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

There is an incredible need for help from Multiply in the Global Church. The Lord has opened up tremendous opportunities and gifted us with the vision and tools to meet this incredible need. We see Multiply Harvesters as the people Jesus is speaking about in Matthew 9. They see the opportunity, that the harvest is ready and plentiful and they are determined to empower those who are reaping it for the Lord.     

Those who join The Harvest get a free T-shirt made especially for Harvest Members. They also receive regular newsletters updating them on how their funds are being used. There is no limit on how much or how little one can give through The Harvest. Every dollar is appreciated, significant, and impactful.

The second program is called Progress Giving. Progress Giving is when donated funds are allocated for specific followers, leaders, or churches on the 3F pathway. At the Resource Partner’s request, their gift will be used to multiply ongoing or future initiatives. Typically, this means a specific initiative within a church, in a specific location that is actively executing the 3F System. Resource Partners who give in this way receive several updates on the specific pathway to which they allocated funds. These updates will allow Resource Partners to follow along the pathway with the Mission Partner as they build a culture of followership, develop those followers into leaders and help those leaders multiply churches!  Project Giving is available to anyone who gives at least $500 in a single gift.  

Whether you’re a Mission Partner seeking to transform a church into all God intended it to be or you’re a Resource Partner denying yourself a dinner out one time a month to make room in your budget to be a member of The Harvest, we want you to know that you’re part of the family and together we can multiply! 

— the [multiply] team

Training: Our 3F System

INTRODUCTION

If in one sense, Ministry Capacity and centralized staff and services represents the backbone of Multiply, then Mission Capacity and the 3F Training System is the heart of the Multiply organization.

The 3F System (3FS) is a time-tested, proven approach. While it draws on many different training tools from around the world, the Multiply 3F Training System is totally unique to Multiply, Inc. 

We believe that the vision for the system was providentially developed so we could help under-resourced churches in a global context.

What is the 3F System? 

The 3F System is a collection of procedures, principles, and content that when implemented into a church or church plant results in healthy multiplication. The 3F System has three (3) main pathways: Followership, Leadership, and Multiplication. It derives its name from the three identifiers it reinforces inside of a church culture: Family, Followers, and Fields. Everything is done in the context of the Global Family of Churches. Support in all forms is showered on those churches working through the 3F process to guard from all forms of attack: physical, financial, and spiritual. While followership is a distinct phase of the 3F process it is foundational and reinforced throughout the entire process. We believe healthy followers of Jesus are both the start and end result of new or revitalized churches. It’s important to keep in mind that the common DNA of the Global Family of Churches is disciple-making that leads to multiplication. We all want to enter new fields. It is a wonderful thing for a local church to be vibrant and thriving and we are all for it! For us, at Multiply, and those that join us, this means that churches are reaching into new fields by the end of the process.

Followership

The first pathway of the 3F System is Followership. Mission Capacity partnership must start here. Why? Because if a church does not have a healthy culture of followership development, then the healthy foundation needed for multiplication has not been formed. Before we can worry about equipping leaders or multiplying churches we must make sure that the great commission is being fulfilled through the local church in a biblical way. So, the first phase of the 3F system helps everyone in the congregation (laity and leadership both) learn to be great followers of Jesus with their local leadership. Generally, great followers show deference for leadership, zeal or excitement, and mission ownership.

Leadership

The second pathway of the 3F System is Leadership. As the name suggests this phase is all about nurturing and developing leadership giftings inside the culture of followership that is already thriving. With potential leaders identified, the 3F System empowers local churches to nurture these leaders into volunteers, program leaders, teachers, deacons, elders, pastors, planters, and missionaries. While we use specific language to describe leaders in a ministry context, there is freedom to contextualize this language for each church. Our tools and resources are available to 3F partners and we consult with each one to ensure a healthy customized installation of the system.

Multiplication

When healthy followership and leadership have been cultivated in the local church, a previously under-resourced church now has a thriving congregation of equipped followers and empowered leaders. The leaders have been nurtured from within the community with a foundation of followership to produce new healthy leaders prepared to multiply new churches. Like the rest of the 3F pathways, this multiplication doesn’t happen overnight. It is crucial at the point of sending that great care is taken to do it well. For leaders who have been integral to the local community preparing to multiply, systems in that sending context must produce health, so that which is multiplied is also healthy. Head, heart, and hands assessments of leaders, pastors, and planters will allow us to ensure that multipliers are healthy followers of Jesus.

Conclusion

Different churches can successfully work through the 3F System at different speeds but on average it takes 2 years to grow from follower to leader to multiplier in the Dura Church model. Prevailing model churches can take even more time to help followers grow through the process. If it sounds like this is a significant undertaking for an under-resourced local church that’s because it is! But remember two things: 1) the 3F Training System (Mission Capacity) is just one-half of the overall partnership that a local church has with Multiply. The second half, Ministry Capacity, is concurrently developed to create the room for the 3F System to be the focus of development for the church at the appropriate time. 2) The 3F Training System comes in multiple forms that adapt to the church-model being employed at the local level whether it’s a prevailing model church or dura church.

— the [multiply] team

How We Help

HOW DOES [MULTIPLY] WORK TO BEST SUPPORT YOU?

The mission of the [Multiply] Family of Churches is to equip the churches in the family to multiply followers, leaders and churches. The way [Multiply] equips the churches is by building their capacity for mission and ministry. By “capacity building” we mean assisting in such a way that the church has the ability to “produce” healthier ministry and mission in their context. 

Each church model has varying levels of need. Some prevailing model churches have larger administrative needs, like financial, human resource, media, marketing, and legal services. [Multiply] assisting with these needs increases a church’s capacity to do ministry. When these churches need assistance in the areas of follower/leader development, internship/residency programs, international missions, church planting processes, and coaching, [Multiply] helps them increase capacity for mission.

Simple and Dura model churches typically have less administrative needs, but may require assistance with legal processes, marketing, and database management to organize people within the church. This increases their ministry capacity. In order to increase their mission capacity, simple churches within the [Multiply] family benefit from followership resources and training to multiply leaders and new churches.

We help partners become multipliers. Our partners are church planters, established churches, and donors who have a passion for growth and development. 

• Our resource partners (donors) love the church and the mission of God and want to fund gospel multiplication in followers, leaders, and churches throughout the nations. 

• Our mission partners are pastors and planters are the workers in the field multiplying followers, leaders, and churches.

You can be a multiplier by donating to, or leveraging our capacity building system.

— the [multiply] team

Our Values & Discintives

What kind of organization is multiply ?

Christian nonprofits are typically divided into two categories. Implementers and Accelerators.

Implementers are the organizations that are directly involved in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. Examples of these organizations are local churches and missionary groups. 

Accelerators are organizations that are involved in resourcing church multiplication through prayer, training, tools, community development, research, finances, marketing, networking, and other means. Examples of these organizations include: church planting networks, charitable foundations, and national alliances. Accelerators help Implementers.

In this scheme, Multiply would best fit into the category of Accelerators. Our mandate is to equip - or resource - churches with the systems and training they need to become multipliers. We don’t do any of the mission work ourselves. We help followers of Jesus in the church, church leaders, and church plants do mission work. 

While Multiply best fits into the category of Accelerator, it should be noted that we see Multiply as a major evolution from what an accelerator or resource organization has been in the past. Accelerators typically only offer hands off help. They do things like hold events, coach, train, or send money but don’t jump into the fray with the ministry they are helping. Multiply goes a step further. 

We get deeply involved in three ways: Family, Capacity, and Systems. These are what we value and distinguish us from other resource organizations.

family

Multiply breaks from typical accelerators by partnering as a family. Churches inside church planting networks or missionary groups typically have loose affiliation with one another. At Multiply we insist on knowing and caring for one-another in a familial way. If one of us suffers we all suffer. If one of us succeeds we all succeed. We are truly in this together. This is true of how our Resource Partners are treated as well. Anyone who donates to Multiply is part of the family and deserves the transparency, information, and care due them.

capacity

Multiply’s devotion to their local church partners is shown in its offering of capacity services. This offering makes Multiply a truly unique organization. As a ministry built by experienced missiologists and pastors we understand the limitations of typical church leaders. For a church to become a  multiplying entity they must grow in capacity. Put simply, if church leaders are spending all of their time doing graphic design work, fighting legal battles, or fighting through bookkeeping frustrations they will never find the time and space to multiply followers, leaders, and churches. To create this capacity, Multiply offers a suite of services to under-resourced churches so they can finally focus on the activities that God has called them to.

Systems

Multiply is an organization that developed from the mission field. It was started by pastors and missiologists who could see how the world was changing and how local churches needed help to face those changes. By overcoming their own challenges in multiplying followers, disciples, and churches, these church leaders developed a system that could help others do the same. Because of this, Multiply has developed a hands-on approach that is unparalleled in the ministry world. Unlike many parachurch ministries that only provide training, coaching, or a curriculum, Multiply supplies an entire system for multiplication along with the corresponding assessment of the partner, action plans to be implemented, and the ensuing application and accountability for working the system.  

What MULTIPLY Is Not

Multiply is not a denomination. We do not exercise authority over any church. Our role is simply to help and resource local churches.

Multiply is not a charitable foundation. Like any organization, Multiply uses funds to help accomplish its mission. Sometimes, funds are even shared with member churches. However, raising and sharing funds is not Mutliply’s mandate. Any funds shared are only for family members and only to be used in the furthering of the Multiply mission and vision.

Multiply is not a church. Multiply facilitates interaction between churches but is not a church itself. All of the work that Multiply does is to assist local churches.

— the [multiply] team

Our Mission

What is the multiply mission?

At Multiply, we are on a mission to equip our family of churches to multiply followers, leaders and churches!

It is our sincere hope that one day we will live in a world where every church is equipped to grow and multiply. But, of course, that is not the case today. 

Very few churches will multiply their efforts to reach new people and areas. So it’s no wonder…

• Few churches today have trained leadership or a way of developing new leaders to start new ministries. 

• To make things harder, in most unchurched and under-resourced parts of the world the population is growing so fast that even the existing churches are struggling to adapt. 

• Millions of churches around the world are operating in scarcity while 99% of western missions funds go to already reached areas.

We need every church to be multiplying, but these struggling churches need our help! This is why at Multiply, we are working to deliver systems and services that give churches the capacity to multiply followers, leaders, and churches - especially those who are under-resourced.

Few ministries today are directly addressing the problem that is stopping churches from multiplying. Churches in under-resourced areas don’t have the capacity to focus on biblical activities that are at the heart of church ministry. This may be because of: government regulation, lack of finances, persecution, cultural pressures, no leadership development…but it has them stuck.

Multiply comes alongside these churches and offers two (2) things: 

1. Support services that give the local church capacity to focus on the things that matter most to the health of their church and community. Most under-resourced churches are stuck in a pattern of burnout and constantly feel overwhelmed, overloaded, and out of capacity to consider growth. To break this cycle/culture Multiply comes alongside indigenous churches to carry some of the burden for them. We use industry best-practices and time-tested processes to relieve the burden of graphic design, legal issues, bookkeeping, financial considerations, sermon research, teaching schedule design, and marketing. Whether temporary or permanent, this reprieve gives local church leadership the much needed rest and space to re-imagine their God-given call to make disciples of all nations. 

With this newfound Ministry Capacity (as we refer to it) the local church and its leadership now have the margin, energy, and ability to work with Multiply on #2.

2. Systems that build followers, leaders, and churches. Through coaching, training, and mentoring the Multiply staff delivers a comprehensive plan to local churches that ensures three (3) things:

a.) Followers of Jesus are equipped to become better followers who develop others

b.) Leaders are cultivated from the harvest of followers

c.) Churches are planted and/or infused with new healthy leaders from the harvest

We call this Mission Capacity because it greatly increases the ability of under-resourced local churches to reach people far from God and plant new churches.

— the [multiply] team

Our Vision

A multiply Church in Every Under-Resourced Area of the World.

The founding vision of [Multiply] was to see a family of 40 churches multiplying followers, leaders, and churches together in Hampton Roads, Virginia by 2030. We still believe this is what God has called us to and we are working hard to reach this goal for our region!

Over the past few years God started to bring other visionary leaders to [Multiply] who had similar visions for reaching their own context. The first of these areas were India, Mexico, and Rwanda.

In light of these providential opportunities the [Multiply] Board of Directors began to prayerfully consider the role of [Multiply] in helping these indigenous organizations reach their goals. 

What resulted was an expansion of the original vision set for the Hampton Roads region alone.

Now, we believe God wants to use us to bring a healthy, reproducing, [Multiply] Family Church into every under-resourced area of the world. 

We will start by doing this in Hampton Roads by becoming a local family of 40 churches. But we won’t stop there! We will continue to partner with local churches and leaders all around the world who are interested in learning how to multiply followers, leaders, and churches in their region. We will target under-resourced areas within those regions to help churches multiply followers of Jesus. By doing this, we believe we will play a significant part in the Great Commission and ensure that followers of Jesus are maturing and multiplying everywhere there is need. 

why a multiply church?

A [Multiply] Church is a church with Ministry Capacity and Mission Capacity that is using the 3F System to multiply followers, leaders and more churches. It has a pathway for multiplication that is anchored in a culture of followership where people learn how to be followers of Jesus with their local leadership. It has a development program that trains followers to be small group leaders, volunteers, team leads, deacons, elders, church planters and more. 

A [Multiply] Church has the ability to reproduce itself as a new church expression without jeopardizing its own sustainability. Because of this, one [Multiply] Church connected to the global [Multiply] family has everything it needs to see the under-resourced in their region reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It multiplies followers as a family in every field (3F).

what is an “under-resourced area”?

An under-resourced area is any collection of neighborhood, community, town, county, or village of the world where churches need assistance becoming self-sustaining, self-sufficient, and multiplying. The area may be under-resourced economically, spiritually, emotionally, educationally, or systemically. Importantly, a [Multiply] region is not necessarily defined by population size, geographic distance, demographics, or language. Instead, it is determined by the presence or absence of healthy, multiplying, sustainable churches capable of filling their region with followers of Jesus.

— the [multiply] team

Building a Life of Christ-Centered Community and Mission

The Blueprint for a Fulfilled Life

We all desire a life that is meaningful and full of purpose. But often, the busyness of daily routines can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. What if the secret to a fulfilled life lies not in isolation but in the relationships we build and the mission we share? The essence of life is not just in surviving, but in thriving within a community that reflects God’s image to the world. This community is where we learn, grow, and become the people God has called us to be. It’s where we move from where we are to where God wants us to be.

From Individual to Collective Identity

In our culture, emphasis is often placed on individualism—on finding out “Who am I?” But in God’s economy, emphasis is not just on the individual, instead asks the question, “Who are we?” as a collective. We were created for community, to belong to something greater than ourselves. From the beginning of time, God has been gathering a people for Himself, a community that reflects His glory. This is not just about attending church services; it’s about living out our faith together, in our homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The church starts with the individual, but it never stops there—it grows into a Christ-centered community that embodies the mission of God.

Living Out the Mission

Being part of this community means living with intention and purpose. The mission of God is clear: to love Him, love others, and make disciples. This isn’t just a nice phrase—it’s a call to action. It means sharing the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways—through a coffee with a friend, helping a neighbor in need, or sharing a meal with someone new. It’s about making disciples not just through structured programs, but through intentionality in the relationships we build and the lives we lead. The church isn’t just a building or a Sunday service; it’s a people, scattered throughout the week, living out the gospel in every aspect of their lives.

Growing Together in Community

Healthy things grow, and so does a healthy community. But growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together, as we encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and live out our faith in community. This is why being part of a local church, being involved in small groups, and building relationships within the church is so vital. It’s not just about personal spiritual growth, but about growing together as the body of Christ. When we live out our faith in community, we see the evidence of God’s grace at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. This is the beauty of the church—a people called together to live out God’s mission, growing in love and unity, and reaching out to the world with the love of Christ. Who is your community? Is it centered on Jesus? What’s your next step in that community? Ask God today where He needs you to be.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Third Wheel

This summer, I’ve had the honor and privilege of teaching Intro to the Holy Spirit class we offer at Seapointe College (shameless plug ;-)). Here’s a bit of a cheat code/secret that some professors don’t want you to know: we love teaching our classes because it give us an opportunity to learn. Maybe it’s to re-learn things we forgot (yeah, that happens but no way we’re telling you that lol), or maybe it’s learning something we actually never knew before (Shock! I know, right?!). In our learning experience, the greatest part is that others have the opportunity of learning with and from us. Here’s a quick crash course on the Holy Spirit as we prepare to dive into John’s explanation of its testimony in the text. You’re welcome. :-D

1. When reading the Bible, always view the text “trinitarily” (basically, any time you see part of the Trinity, the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, remember them being one and the same which means when you see one doing something you see them all. Where you see God, Jesus is also present. When Jesus is doing something in the text, so is the Holy Spirit. When you see the Spirit move in Acts and other places, God is moving there as well. Hopes that makes sense.

2. As believers, we need to know the difference between “indwelling” and “in-filling” of the Spirit. If you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that He died on the cross to save us of our sins, that He rose again and His Lordship is declared in the heavens until His victorious return then you have Him living inside of you in the form of Spirit! This is the indwelling of the Spirit, where it remains in you. In-filling is different in the sense that we see how the Bible shows that many were filled with the power of the Spirit and they did things like preach boldly, prophecy, perform miraculous signs and wonders and the like. Some believe that Spirit stopped doing these things when the last pages of the Bible were written. Some believe that the “gifts” of the Spirit as they’re known and very much alive and well today. Regardless of what one believes, the bottom line is simple: the Holy Spirit resides/abides in anyone who believes they’ve been saved and in Christ Jesus. And lastly…

3. If one does still believe in the working gifts given by the power of the Spirit, or even if you just believe that the Spirit lives and dwells within you, then trust and know that anything we do in the Spirit will always relate back to Acts 1:8…and nothing else. “You will receive power when the Spirit comes upon you…” not to show people how amazing we are, not because we’re gifted and anointed, not because we want to levitate and have Marvel powers for Jesus. We receive power so that we can go forth and be His witnesses. For no other reason do we have this power. If we try and use it for any other reason either it simply won’t work and/or we will still face judgment and find ourselves separated from the King in eternity.

Ok…now that we’ve gotten that out the way…time to actually unpack this spirit understanding of our identity in Christ. The thing John has been telling us about this entire time. Appreciate the grace and patience on the whole Holy Spirit class deal.

The Testimony of the Spirit

In the Christian journey, understanding the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial. The Spirit is not just a passive presence but an active testimony within us. According to 1 John 5:6-12, the Spirit, along with the water and the blood, testifies to the truth of Jesus Christ—His divinity, His humanity, and His redemptive work on the cross. This testimony isn't just external; it resides within every believer, confirming in our hearts the truth of God’s Word. This is the foundation of our faith, the assurance that we belong to Him, and the proof that our identity is firmly rooted in Christ.

***Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud***

So most of us know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Spirit is important, that it is an imperative part of our Faith. We know that the Spirit IS God. So, knowing this, it amazes me to see how many Christians will treat the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, like a third wheel; like it’s entirely too awkward and weird to have Him moving through our lives when we actually can’t live without Him. There’s a big, slightly awkward, and kind of unpopular reason tied to why I believe this is the case. Buckle up, and allow me to explain…

The Power of Love

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, speaks profoundly about the importance of love in the life of a believer. Even with the most extraordinary spiritual gifts—speaking in tongues, prophecy, and faith that can move mountains—without love, we are nothing. Love is the power that energizes our spiritual gifts, making them effective and impactful. It’s not enough to have the Spirit’s gifts; we must also embody the Spirit’s love. This love is not merely a feeling but an action, a commitment to live a life that reflects God’s love to a world desperately in need of Him.

And, if this wasn’t enough, I’ll ask this question as a reminder. Love is also known as what in Galatians 5:22? Oh yeah…it’s a member of a fruit of the…right…SPIRIT!! Having love is necessary to operate in the Spirit proper, and we run the risk of being a dangerous misrepresentation of the Spirit, the Gospel, and the Christian on the whole. With this understanding, let’s move forward.

The Witness of Water and Blood

John emphasizes the significance of the water and the blood as witnesses to Jesus Christ’s mission. His baptism in water and His shedding of blood on the cross both point to His divine sonship and His role as the Savior. But John doesn’t stop there. He brings it home by connecting these external witnesses to the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, who is truth, confirms the reality of Jesus’ identity and mission within us. This internal witness is what empowers us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that we are truly known and loved by God. And the reason it’s able to do so is because it, being Jesus, being God, is the only eternal source that can encourage, convict, challenge, comfort, and guide us to an ensured completion of a life that’s obedient to Him and is lived well. Not easy, no, but it is just…that…simple.

Life in the Son

The ultimate testimony, John declares, is that God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in His Son, Jesus Christ. This eternal life isn’t just a future hope; it’s a present reality for those who have the Son. To have the Son is to have life, and to have life is to have the Spirit. This life is the new identity we receive when we trust in Jesus, an identity fashioned and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It’s a life that calls us to bear witness to the truth, to love as Christ loved, and to live by the Spirit, knowing that we are eternally secure in Him.

In this journey, the Holy Spirit is far from being a "third wheel." He is the essential presence that confirms our identity in Christ, empowers us to live out our faith, and assures us of the eternal life we have in Jesus. Let us, therefore, embrace this witness within, living lives that point others to Him, and walking in the truth and love that the Spirit imparts to us.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church