May 11, 2001 Edition

CHURCH DEVELOPMENT

A Potential Source Of Funding
For Redevelopment

By Charles W. Courtoy
Executive Director of Church Development

    For years I have struggled with the question about revitalization funding for an established congregation that has a vision of a new vital future.
    The conference and district provide significant funds to launch a new church. They are necessary to pay pastoral compensation for three years, assist in start-up programming to build a congregation and secure property. On average the conference and the district invest a total of $500,000. In turn, the new congregation is responsible for becoming self-sustaining within three years and for covering the cost of a new first unit. Most new church congregations incur a $1 million debt to build their first unit.
    On the other hand an established church has a congregation, a pastor and facilities, often debt-free. How can we justify asking other churches through the apportionment system to contribute funds to an established church that is debt-free when we expect our baby churches to assume such a heavy financial load so early in their history?
    The 2000 General Conference provided a potential answer. Paragraph 2542.3 states: "Exception to this restriction [real property can not be mortgaged to pay for program] may be granted in specifically designated instances to allow use of equity and/or accumulated assets from the sale of property to provide for congregational redevelopment efforts, including program and staff. Such exception may be granted by the annual conference, the bishop and the cabinet upon request of the local church in consultation with congregation development staff, where applicable. A clear and detailed three-to-five-year redevelopment plan that projects a self-supporting ministry must accompany the request."
    In order for a congregation to tap the equity of their properties for redevelopment purposes they will have to have a strong vision and plan that can win the approval of their congregation, the bishop, the cabinet, the annual conference session and the conference church development officer. This process assures that a declining congregation can fund a turn-around if it truly has a strong vision and plan.

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 © 2001 Florida United Methodist Review Online