One of the biggest challenges of a new church is money!! So it was great that they included a section on raising funds. They opened with a few quotes:

  • “Money isn’t everything, but it is right up there with oxygen.” –Zig Ziglar
  • “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?” –Romans 8:31-32
  • “God’s work done God’s way will never lack God’s provision.” –Hudson Taylor

Then they talked about Four Steps to Raising Funds. The only thing that really confused me is that they actually had five steps, not four. Oh, well…a freebie, I guess.

Step 1: Create a budget

  • What will the cost of living in this community be?
  • What will my salary be? How about salaries for additional staff? (see www.churchstaffing.com–it’s got a pastors’ compensation handbook)
  • How much will it cost to rent space for the church to meet in?
  • How much will it cost to operate a business in this city (office rent, phones, computer equipment, copy equipment, and so on)?
  • The Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for leads on equipment, office space, etc.
  • Move to an office after the 2nd or 3rd monthly service. It will cause less conflict with your family life.
  • Don’t sign a long-term lease.
  • Buy equipment that’s just a little bigger/better than you need. That way it can grow with you as the church grows.
  • There are basically 2 budgets to keep track of: 1) Pre-launch, 2) Post-launch annual budget.

Step 2: Prepare my presentation

Focus on:

  • My leadership
  • My compelling story
  • My strategy
  • My plan for self-sufficiency

Step 3: Seek funding

Possible sources of funding:

  • Option 1: Personal savings
  • Option 2: Bi-vocational ministry
  • Option 3: Your spouse (i.e., if you spouse earns enough to support your family)
  • Option 4: Your launch team
  • Option 5: Outside funders (individuals and churches)

A Key Question: Who has a heart for my area?

Step 4: Develop a plan for regular communication

  • Share prayer requests
  • Seek mentoring
  • Make additional requests
  • Invite mission team
  • Share results and God-stories

Step 5: Plan an annual partners’ meeting

  • Host the meeting at your location
  • Invite current and future partners
  • Invite spouses
  • Make the meeting fun
  • Ask for the Big Commitment

“And since we are his children, we will share his treasures—for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too.” –Romans 8:17