A few years ago I began the application process to become a church planter with a national church planting organization. I quit the process when I found out that I had to be willing to raise a minimum of $100,000 per year for three years.
Is it just me, or does that seem like a lot of money to plant a church?
I know, I know, that amount includes your personal income, advertising and equipment costs, and a place to rent. But still…$100,000? This is made worse when you realize that 70% of all church plants fail.
So I decided then and there that I was not going to plant a church “that way.” I wasn’t sure what way I would plant a church, but I could not, in good conscience, attempt that route. Besides, of the 30% of church planters that succeed, the vast majority are Type-A and extroverted. I am neither. Statistically, even if I had been able to raise $300,000, I probably would have been one of the 80% that fail.
During the last two years, I have been working toward planting a church using no money whatsoever. We have moved twice in that time, and have had to start over from square one each time.
But this week, I obtained $150 for my church planting efforts. I have a few ideas on how to spend this money, but first wanted to ask you what you think.
If you were planting a church, and only had $150 to do it, what you would buy? What would you do? How would you spend that money?
Here are the rules for this scenario:
- You don’t have a sending church.
- You don’t have a core group, unless you count your spouse and grade-school children.
- You will not be getting more money.
- You don’t know anyone within 20 miles, except a few of your neighbors, and all you really know of them is their name and their jobs.
- You don’t have a building to meet in, other than the home you are renting, if you choose to meet there.
So, what do you think? How should I spend the $150?
I’d buy a Starbucks card, start a tab at the local pub, and start praying. Eventually you might be able to meet a few folks (in the pub and at Starbucks) who might be interested in a weekly gathering to talk together about spiritual things. And maybe you could, because you’re such a good customer, get the pub to meet in for free.
I doubt the first century Jesus followers had anything like start up money when they started this whole deal called church, so you’re already way ahead of them!
Randy,
Good suggestions. My issue with the pub and Starbucks is this: I only have $150. My personal budget is extremely tight, with no additional money for further purchases of beer and coffee (or something else) if no relationships develop from buying $150 of drinks. I can see myself going into a pub, blowing $150 in one night, making a few people really happy, and then that’s it.
Jesus may not have had start-up money, but he certainly had start-up miracles….free wine, food, and healings never hurt. Too bad I can’t figure out a way to get free beer…kegs and kegs of it. Hmmm…I wonder if Budweiser would ever sponsor a church?
Invite your neighbors to dinner at your place. Spend some of the money on dinner, and keep the remainder ready to serve someone in need.
-Alan
Alan,
Actually, we have done this already, and are planning on doing it again. Inviting neighbors over for dinner is just a “given” for us. And we always keep some funds in reserve for to help serve someone in need. I know I didn’t really put that in my scenario above…
So I’m trying to use the $150 in a way that I won’t get to do again, and that will invite people who are not in the neighborhood to gather with us (or let us gather with them) to follow Jesus and serve the community.
Randy,
My wife said I misunderstood your comment, so I read it again…and she was right! Ha ha. I thought you were saying I should buy everyone’s drinks at Starbucks or at the Pub. She pointed out that you didn’t say that at all. Anyway, you have a great idea there.
There are few pubs within a mile or two. Also there is a deli nearby that always seems to have lots of cars parked out front. I like the idea, and will probably incorporate it into my plans.
Same for your idea Alan. My wife and I continue to do this, and last night were able to invite another person and his fiance over for dinner.
Your next step is to simply start a (small group =SBC)/ (cell group =AOG)/ life group (NonDenom). Use the 150$ on some ESV bibles, some cooking pots/utensils, butane cans, butane portable grill, a easy cookbook, and food. Then invest and invite you neighbors and those parents of your kids friends…for a cooking interactive dinner/bible study. Cook a 3 course meal (with different people cooking each course) then when the food is in the belly finish them off with…the gospel. repeat & repeat.
Corey,
That is a great idea, and very similar to what we are doing. I like the idea of everyone cooking a different course.
Are you doing this in your setting? Where is that, if you don’t mind me asking. Do you have a blog or website?
Just wondering how it’s going
Blessings
Greg
Greg,
Thanks for asking for the update. The “church plant for $150” went nowhere. But we were able to use the money to serve a few families, and hopefully, deepen our relationship with them. So I’m not sure you can really go from nothing to a core group with only $150, especially when you are in an area where you don’t know anybody, as is the case with us. But we did get to know some people better, and we did help some people, so that’s a move in the right direction.
Your first purchase needs to be a Bible: Read it… Pray… and do what Jesus says. Don’t spend another nickle until you get your answer directly from God. Otherwise you’re wasting your time & money.
Ha! Thanks for the suggestion. Seriously.
i love your question. i plant to plant a church in the near future and i will share with u what i believe is the best way to do it. i believe that some serious prayer would have to b your first start. then u have to have a plan to reach a few business people that are willing to get involved in your vision and that will give according to that cause. if you have a some team of about three, and they are willing to go out and witness to bring in people, then u are on your way. finally, teach the people the importance of your vision and the importance of giving tithe. this is crucial because you cant rely on the fact that people will no, most people(believers) don’t no.
Best of luck! This is the route that most church plants follow, and I think about 70% fail within 3 years.
owe, just to mention, take a portion of the 150.00 and sow it into a chruch that ministers in the giving. this will bring forth a quick harvest because the spirit of giving is already present at that church. this is very important.
Like yours?