The Costs of a New Church Start

Starting a new congregation is an expensive but very worthwhile investment as it is an opportunity to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to a community.

It takes a pool of $150,000 to $200,000 to finance a new congregation over a 4-5 year period.  Most of the initial funding goes to support a new church start pastor with the financing decreasing as the congregation grows. The goal is to have a new church self-sufficient within five years.

Financing for a new congregation can come from the following resources:

What you can do:

You can make an individual donation (see individual pledge form) and you can be:

a) “Visionary", $1,000; b) a “Founder”, $500-$999; c) a “Pilgrim” $250; d) A "Builder", $100; e) a “Planter”, __________.

What your Church can do:

• You can make a pledge as a Planting Congregation (see group pledge form.)
• A 5 year pledge of local mission dollars from your budget.
• Organizations, such as Women’s Fellowship groups, can make a gift.
• Designate a portion of a Capital Campaign (see Capital Campaign sheet.)
• Special fundraisers, such as a Church Fair or dinner, with proceeds to a new church start.

What the Massachusetts Conference, UCC can do:

Garner Conference funds for a new church start.

Apply for seed grants from the National Church (these are very limited.)

 “There is never a shortage of money only vision for the Gospel.”

Do you have the vision of a new church reaching out to people who need healing and hope?