Money always seems to be the first point of resistance when it comes to plans such as planting a church. It has been said at the mere mention of the investigation of a church plant, "We can't afford to do that!" At that point, the conversation stops and there is a quiet and acknowledged resignation at the reality that starting a new congregation does cost money. But recognize this--while financial challenges can be great, God's mission and vision for His church is greater! The Living God is not a God of poverty who is asking His people to move out without every resource necessary to seek and to save those that are lost. Rather, the God of Scripture is the God of provision for every need. And with that, you are encouraged to place the necessary conversation about finances in its proper place. Begin on your knees with Scripture open and look to the Lord for direction. Take the action that you are able to take in dreaming and planning and then wait upon Him for the resources.

The strategy to planting a church in the Texas District includes developing the Right Plan for planting, discovering the Right Place to plant, and calling the Right Person to lead the church plant. For financial support to be received for a church plant in the Texas District, these three coomponents must be addressed. The financial component of this strategy is developed under the Right Plan.

With that said, the following steps should be helpful in an investigation of the financial possibilities that you have with your congregation, circuit, district, and God's people. The vision and the mission of God is a great challenge, but it is one in which His people will realize the richness of His kindness, mercy, and blessing.

Steps for Financing

• What financial assets do you have as you start this mission endeavor?
• What will be your sources of support/income for the first five years of the mission effort?
• Assuming that you will be eligible to receive a maximum of $200,000 over five years in the form of a no-interest loan from the Texas District, attach a preliminary detailed budget for your first year and a less detailed budget for the succeeding four years.

Preparing a Budget

Budgets should include the following items:

Income

• From Texas District
• From Parenting Congregation (if applicable)
• From Grants/bequests/endowments from individuals, groups and businesses
• From offerings
• From other sources (name sources)

Expenditures (not an exhaustive list)

• Start-up costs
• Initial marketing strategy
• worship equipment
• educational equipment
• rentals
• insurance
• signage
• websites
• letterhead
• office supplies
• Personnel (salaries, benefits, etc.)
• Facilities (rent, mortgage, upkeep, utilitis, etc.)
• Administration (equipment, supplies, etc.)
• Ministry (worship materials, Bible study supplies, etc.)
• Outreach and Public Relations
• Loan repayment (District and other)
• Missions (at least 10% of the money received in the offering plate should be earmarked for missions)

Who will be the primary person in charge of finances? This should not be the Church Planter.

(The above guide is available in Appendix B, page 4 of the "Steps to Planting" document by clicking here.)

The Mission and Ministry Facilitator of your Area has the documents that you will need to apply for funding from the Board for Missions Administration of the Texas District. In addition, if you are interested in the details of funding possibilties or to discuss any aspect of the church planting strategy contact your Area MMF.

The MMF Contact for the Board for Mission Administration for the Texas Distict is:

Rev. Michael Newman, BMA (email)
1203 Rheims Place
San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone/Cell: 210-633-4368

Supporting the Mission

To learn how to help support the mission financially, cick here.