• Introduction
• Planter Preparation
• Engage Support Team
• Complete Community Study
• Envision Launch Day
• Begin Strategic Planning
• Develop Launch Team
• Connect to the Community
• Develop Marketing Plan
• Develop Worship Ministry
• Develop Children's Ministry
• Develop Other Ministries
• Secure Facility
• Determine Finances
• Attend to Administration
• Launch Day Check List
• Post-Launch Plans

Determine Finances

 

 The Large-start Model has as its goal the development of a ministry that will become self-support in as little as one year, with a relatively small amount of money from the outside.  The goal is to provide the necessary resources at the beginning of the process to move the ministry forward quickly.

NB: The financial plan for each mission may vary due to local circumstances; the plan below presents a general model for its structure.

 

Propose Budget

Expense Categories

            Large-Start missions would expect to have a monthly budget of approximately $7500 as follows.

250-750          District and Synod Missions Pledge/Revolving Mission Fund (10 percent of monthly offering)
4167               Planter Salary/Housing ($50,000 annual)
1500-2200     Worker Benefits
750               Building (Rent, utilities, etc.)
500               Outreach
333               Other Program
7500+           TOTAL

 Income Categories

 

PRE-LAUNCH

The commitment by each entities in this model is outlined in a protocol that is developed for each mission start. The information below describes the model in general.

Planter Salary and Benefits – The Rocky Mountain District may commit for this area. If so, it would provide salary and benefits for the church planter for up to five months up to $30,000 and will reimburse moving expenses up to $10,000.  These funds are to be paid from the District’s “Revolving Mission Fund.”  The mission pays this fund back as it tithes to District and Synod missions from its offerings.  The Revolving Mission Fund is paid back first from these offerings.  When repaid the tithe continues to unrestricted District and Synod missions.

Start-up Funds – The planter and the launch team is to raise approximately $30,000 in start-up costs for the ministry.  The exact amount would depend on the resources that are already available and the actual cost of this phase developed in the planning process. This money may come from partnering churches and organization and other supporters.  Depending upon the location and circumstances up to $45,000 may be needed.  Normally the sponsoring Covenant Congregation(s) will match the funds raised up to $30,000, giving the planter $60,000 to $75,000 to plant the mission.   These funds are to be used for upfront marketing and equipment purchases in order to have a well attended and highly polished first worship experience.  However, as the planter forms the budget for his mission, it may become necessary to allocate some of funds for the Post-launch phase.  See Appendix II for a pre-launch budget.

POST-LAUNCH

The mission normally will receive an “income guarantee” for nine months as indicated below.  The amount of the ministry’s offerings below the quarterly benchmark is added to bring the balance to the level set for that period. 

irst Quarter - $10,000 per month
Second Quarter - $7500 per month
Third Quarter - $7500 per month

In addition, the monthly income guarantee paid to the mission is not to exceed the amounts below.

First Quarter - $8000
Second Quarter - $6000
Third Quarter - $4000

Extensions of the income guarantee may be granted in exceptional cases, if it is deemed that the mission is making adequate progress toward self-sufficiency.

Ablaze Grants, at this time, are awarded once per year in the fall in amounts up to $50,000.  Contact the Mission Exec for more information.  If grant funds remain after nine months, they will be given to the mission in a lump sum.

Mission Development Loans are available from LCEF for this project.  For the first three years, there will be NO payments.  Interest will accrue.  Years 4-5 payments will be interest only.  After 5 years, any unpaid portion will be amortized as an LCEF loan.  The Covenant Congregation and/or the District may be required to guarantee the loan.

Please refer to the Budget Form and Sample Budget to begin the process of developing your budget

Develop Fund Raising Plan

The Large Start Model expects that the church planter will raise some of the needed funds for the new launch.  Many people would find this intimidating.  Money is always a sensitive subject.  However, the ability of a church planter to develop financial support for his vision is a skill that will serve him well, not only in the church planting process, but throughout his ministry.  The subject of many of Jesus’ sermons was money; it is not taboo. 

Possible Sources of Funding

LCMS World Mission Grants
LCMS World Relief
Thrivent
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Rocky Mountain District
Local Congregations
Local Church Organizations
Family and Friends
Yourself!

Process

Build a case – You are not asking for money because you need it, but because you have a compelling vision that must be accomplished.  Develop media such as brochures, websites, presentations and even video to tell the story.

Build Relationships – Take time to get to know possible donors.  The more a donor knows you, the more likely they are to identify with the mission project.

Ask for a gift – In the end, it comes down to “the ask.”  Present the opportunity to support your ministry.