What has to change to transition from Addition Strategies and Tactics to Multiplication Strategies and Tactics?

Recently when I was discussing the answer to this question I started to envision a chart which helps to compare/contrast some of the differences between these two approaches. But I have also been meditating on why we default to Addition, even though many of us “want” Multiplication. Here is the chart I developed.

Addition	Multiplication
1. Connects an individual to an existing group	1. Individuals become connectors to groups
2. Is possible when group members are inclusive	2. Is possible wherever PoP has friends
3. Strong leaders are needed to start each new group	3. Facilitation lowers starting demands
4. Challenges participants to be open to an old group	4. Changes participants into facilitators
5. Encourages decisions of faith	5. Encourages participants to become disciple makers
6. Outgrows space when successful	6. Expands to new friendship groups in new locations
7. Easy to do with existing group; difficult to expand	7. Challenging to start; expands more once going

Why? Why would we take the approach I have titled “Addition” in the chart?

It’s what we know. It avoids filling our schedule with lots of groups. It protects us from the risk that a new group will not develop the new rhythms needed for life to materialize. It fits with our highly individualistic cultural norms. It “gives in” to our fear that people will not be willing to invite their family/friends to participate in a Discovery Group.

Please do not misunderstand me. Good things can happen when an individual is added to an existing group. But GREAT things can happen when we coach someone to start a new Discovery Group with their family/friends who are willing to participate.