We currently are using six basic models to begin new communities of faith. What determines which model is used? There are several key components: 1). demographics of the area being targeted for outreach and development; 2). resources of the district involved; and 3). support of surrounding churches.

Below are three of these models with a brief description (each district superintendent and chair of the district committee has this information with more details):

 Traditional Launch – The district selects a land site, at least 10 buildable acres, and receives a grant toward the price of the purchase. The Florida Conference Cabinet appoints a pastor to launch the new church, and Church Development provides 100 percent of the pastoral compensation (salary, health insurance, pension and housing at 25 percent of the Denominational Average Compensation [DAC]) based on the DAC for the first year, 65 percent for the second year and 30 percent for the third year. The district provides the parsonage and other ministry and start-up costs. The goal is for the new congregation to be financially self-supporting at the end of the third year.

 Builders’ Club/Donor Matching Grant – Church Development provides a matching grant up to a maximum of $250,000 to a district that chooses this funding method. The district must have one or more individual donors or commitments from Builders’ Club pledges. If a district chooses this option, no other monies will be available from Church Development.

 Lease/Build Out – This option is for urban areas considered too developed to offer the traditional church start. It calls for the "transformation" of a commercial facility into a turnkey church facility. The Church Development Committee would provide a $100,000 facility grant, plus the three-year pastoral compensation subsidy. The district would provide the parsonage and other ministry and start-up costs.

The other three models will be shared in the next issue of the "Review."