It’s Time to Multiply: Reimagining Ministry Across Our Region
Across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, there is a significant opportunity before us: one that is easy to overlook because it isn’t loud or centralized.
It’s found in the towns surrounding our cities and spread across our region.
Communities like Chestermere (19,500), Cochrane (25,000), Hinton (9,000), Brooks (14,500), Strathmore (14,000), and High River (13,500) are growing and changing. At the same time, smaller centers like Canmore, Morinville, Taber, Coaldale, Ponoka, Didsbury, Carstairs, and Athabasca carry deep potential for meaningful, community-shaping ministry.
These places are full of people building lives, raising families, navigating challenges, and searching for purpose and connection. The opportunity is not abstract; it is local, relational, and deeply practical.
Multiplication as a Ministry Mindset
Multiplication begins with how we think.
It means seeing ministry as something that can expand through people, not just through locations. It involves developing leaders who carry vision into new places and trusting that meaningful expressions of church can take shape in a variety of forms.
In a region as geographically spread out as ours, multiplication is not just a strategy; it is a necessary posture. The distance between communities, the diversity of contexts, and the pace of growth all point toward a model where ministry is shared, extended, and reproduced through people.
When leaders begin to think this way, new possibilities open up. A conversation turns into a gathering. A gathering becomes a rhythm. Over time, a new expression of ministry forms.
Understanding the Opportunity in These Towns
Each of these communities has a unique story.
Cochrane and Chestermere continue to see steady growth as families move out of Calgary while remaining connected to the city. Many residents are looking for community and meaningful relationships close to home.
Strathmore and High River offer strong relational environments where word of mouth and trust quickly shape influence. Ministry in these towns often grows through presence and consistency.
Brooks stands out for its cultural diversity, bringing together people from many backgrounds. Ministry here benefits from intentional inclusion and cultural awareness.
Canmore presents a different dynamic, with a mix of locals, seasonal workers, and tourists. Flexibility and creativity are essential in building lasting impact.
In towns like Carstairs, Didsbury, and Athabasca, even a small, consistent ministry presence can have a wide-reaching effect. These are places where relationships carry significant weight and where leaders can quickly become known and trusted.
Expanding Our Definition of “Planting”
Planting a church, campus, or ministry expression does not need to follow a single model.
In many of these communities, a flexible approach can be more effective. This might include:
A small group that gathers weekly in a home
A monthly worship gathering in a community space
A campus connected to an existing church with local leadership
A ministry focused on youth, families, or a specific demographic
A bi-vocational leader building relationships through everyday life
The focus is not on scale at the beginning. The focus is on presence, mission clarity, and consistency over time.
As these expressions grow, they can develop structure and expand their reach in ways that fit their specific context.
Practical Tools for Getting Started
1. Start with Observation
Spend time learning about the community. Walk the streets. Visit local businesses. Pay attention to gathering places and rhythms of life.
Ask simple questions:
Where do people spend their time?
What are the needs that surface in conversation?
What existing community structures are already in place?
Understanding the environment helps shape a ministry approach that feels natural and relevant.
2. Begin with What You Have
Many leaders wait until they feel fully equipped before starting something new. In reality, most meaningful expressions of ministry begin with a few people and a clear sense of purpose.
Consider what is already available:
A leader with a heart for a specific town
A family willing to host
A small group interested in reaching others
Starting small allows space for learning and adaptation.
3. Develop Leaders Through Experience
Leadership development happens most effectively in real contexts.
Invite emerging leaders to take responsibility early. This could include:
Leading a gathering
Facilitating discussion
Building relationships in a new community
As they step into these roles, provide support, encouragement, and regular connection. Growth often happens through doing, not just through training.
4. Establish Simple Rhythms
Consistency builds trust.
Rather than focusing on large events, establish rhythms that people can rely on:
A weekly meal or gathering
A regular time of prayer
Ongoing involvement in community activities
These rhythms create space for relationships to deepen and for new people to engage naturally.
5. Stay Connected While Expanding
As new expressions of ministry begin, staying relationally connected is important.
This can include:
Regular check-ins with leaders
Shared teaching or resources
Occasional combined gatherings
Connection strengthens both the sending church and the new ministry, creating a sense of shared mission across locations.
Navigating Common Challenges
Starting something new comes with uncertainty. Leaders often face questions about resources, time, and sustainability.
A helpful approach is to focus on faithfulness in the early stages. Progress may feel slow at times, but consistent presence and intentional relationships often lead to meaningful growth.
Another challenge is the tension of sending people out. Releasing leaders and team members can feel costly. At the same time, it creates space for new leaders to emerge and for the overall mission to expand.
A Regional Opportunity
Imagine the collective impact across our district if multiple churches and leaders took steps toward multiplication in these towns.
A small group in Ponoka could grow into a steady community presence.
A campus in Morinville could reach families who are not currently connected.
A new ministry expression in Taber or Coaldale could serve as a hub for the surrounding rural areas.
Over time, these initiatives would begin to form a network of ministry across the region: connected, collaborative, and focused on people.
Taking a First Step
For many leaders, the next step is not launching immediately. It is beginning the conversation.
Identify one town that stands out
Pray specifically for that community
Talk with your team about what could be possible
Consider who might be willing to explore it further
From there, small steps can lead to meaningful momentum.
Moving Forward Together
The towns across Alberta and the Northwest Territories represent more than locations on a map. They are communities where people are open to connection, leadership can take root, and ministry can grow in ways that are both simple and impactful.
As leaders begin to think in terms of multiplication, new pathways emerge. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to a broader ministry movement across our region.
The opportunity is already in front of us. The next step is deciding how we will respond.
If you’re thinking about multiplication, check out https://www.everychurch.ca/ to join a cohort and get resources.
Jeremiah serves as the Assistant District Superintendent with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.