by Steve Pike, Director, Church Multiplication Network

This past weekend, US Missionary Jay Covert, founder and director of Urban Outreach, East St. Louis, was the main speaker at the first ever missions convention for a brand new CMN matching fund church in Centerton, Arkansas. One of the expectations we have for matching fund churches is that they “tithe” to missions. By asking the churches that benefit from the $30,000 funds to be generous toward missions, it was our hope to strengthen the missionary heart in the DNA of each new church. Here’s Jay’s note to me about his experience this past weekend at New Song Church, where Jim Severn is pastor.

“Hey Steve,

Today I was the first guest US Missionary at New Song Church in Centerton, AR. led by Pastor Jim Severn. They assembled a core group in May of 2008 and The New Song Church was launched Oct 2008. This church was a receiver of the $30,000.00 CMN Matching Funds for new church plants.

Jim Severn is a awesome and passionate pastor! Pastor Severn had invited me to come as their first missionary to give the charge and challenge for New Song in Missions abroad. What a great church! The folks were so warm and friendly. I really enjoyed myself there and felt right at home. They had 104 in attendance today (which is a little off their average) but the thing I thought was incredible especially since the economy is not very good is their sacrifice and giving of a $3,100.00 love offering.

I was able today to see what it looks like when CMN helps plant a church from scratch and see full swing the impact of a missions foundation laid in the hearts of a great church.

Watch this church closely because this church is going somewhere. Their passion, vision and heart for missions and people is incredible.

Be blessed,

Jay”

Right now, the main source for these matching funds are the monies raised through AG Trust. Investing in AG Trust is a great way to invest in starting new, vigorous churches. Every matching fund church is also expected to invest into the next generation of missions motivated churches and so on and so on. That’s how the CMN Matching Fund partnership with AG Trust works. It leverages the “circle of life” so that every matching fund plant is a “perpetual church plant.” 

Currently there are 47 matching fund churches and counting. By God’s grace I’m hopeful that hundreds more will be birthed in the next few years. Call us to discover how you can be part of this quiet revival of missionary fervor! 

–by Dave Auterson, Resources Director for Church Multiplication Network

AG network leaders are excited about the growing emphasis on church planting.  At the same time they are looking for answers and help.

In a conversation this week a district Church Planting Director he expressed their desire to expand their vision and their work.  They sense that God’s leading them to reach more lost people and expand the Kingdom by launching new faith communities.   He sees the challenges and need for new collaborations.

Sooner than later the question of funding arises.  Can we find the resources for funding the work, especially when the local church is asking the same question and is already financially fully committed?   The answer is yes, but we may need to reverse our strategy.

Success in fund raising comes from this simple fact: money flows to vision.  It always has and always will.  We cannot begin with our need and then seek its financial support.  Instead, we ask, “what is the vision, what is God calling us to do?”  Faith then comes for the provision and our case compels support.

One Christian writer says it this way, “People give to a winning cause, not to a sinking ship.  God calls us to the winning cause of mission.  People will be helped.  Lives will be changed.  Much will be accomplished through mission.”

Simply put, what is lovable and fundable about your organization?  What compelling vision are you casting?  Keeping the lights on and the lawn cut is not compelling enough!  What things are you calling people to do that will make a difference for time and eternity in your community?

People will recognize that those things require funding and will gladly step forward to underwrite that plan.  Your case for support is not just marketing, and it certainly is not salesmanship.  The case/cause is bigger than the organizations needs, bigger than the organization itself.  It’s the “why” we exist, the “what” we are going to do, and the “how we are going to do it.”