From Pastoral Dependency to Pastorhood of All

To see true church multiplication, we must break down the idea that ministry belongs only to “professional” pastors. When the church relies solely on clergy, growth and mission stall. But when we embrace the biblical model of the priesthood of all believers, we step into the mission Jesus gave us: to multiply disciples.

As we pursue the vision of Every Church Plants, this shift is essential. Multiplication requires the whole body of Christ to be empowered and engaged.

What Is Pastoral Dependency?

Pastoral dependency happens when most ministry is expected from the pastor alone. This leads to burnout from the pastor and disengagement in the congregation.

Signs of dependency include:

• "That’s the pastor’s job."

• Few people leading ministries or discipling others.

• A culture of being served instead of serving.

This mindset stifles not just multiplication but every area of ministry. A church trapped in pastoral dependency is unlikely to raise up and develop new leaders, reach new people, or cultivate a congregation committed to accountability and discipleship. It fosters consumeristic attenders who prefer preference and comfort over the challenge of confronting sin and darkness. We cannot live in holiness or spread Scriptural holiness if our faith depends solely on pastors.

What Is the Pastorhood of All Believers?

Scripture teaches that every Christian is called to the Great Commission. 1 Peter 2:9 calls believers "a royal priesthood" chosen to proclaim God’s praises. Ephesians 4 teaches that pastors (or shepherds) are to equip the saints for ministry - not to carry the full weight themselves. The APEST gifts of Eph. 4 were never meant to be one person but to be distributed throughout the body of Christ and within your congregation.

When churches embrace this:

• Disciples actively make more disciples.

• Laypeople lead and launch ministries.

• Churches grow through multiplication, not just addition.

This is about changing culture, where everyone owns the mission.

How Do We Make the Shift?

Train People to Replace YouPastors and leaders: Who are you raising up to do what you do? Every task should be shared, taught, and multiplied.

Disciple for MultiplicationAsk: “Who am I discipling, and who will they disciple?” If you are not actively disciplining someone, start.

Empower Missional DisciplesEncourage those in the congregation to start ministries, lead groups, and even step into planting.

Celebrate SendingCelebrate those who take new steps of leadership at every age. What you celebrate, people will replicate.

LET’S MULTIPLY TOGETHER

To become a conference where Every Church Plants, we must shift from pastoral dependency to a culture of shared ministry and mission.

📅 Join the Monthly Multiplier Zoom Call (Third Saturday, 10 AM CST) to connect with other leaders. (Zoom link found on our event calendar)

🎯 Need help making this shift? The Multiplication Team is ready to speak, coach, or lead a workshop

The mission is too big for one person - it’s time for the whole church to rise.