Subsidy, Getting Off
Most church plants ignore a strategy to go off support, until they're only weeks away from D-Day. My experience has been that once your launch team realizes there's no "white knight" to bail them out, they either step up to the challenge or move on. This is a test of leadership, not stewardship. Again, many planters have mistakenly espoused "no talking about money." THis is a "head wound" both developmentally and spiritually. Following Jesus has financial implications.
- Get your leadership team involved now. Don't put it off.
- Communicate Clear Information to entire congregation
- Keep updates weekly
- Have a "pledging" program designed (or some way for people to commit themselves on paper)
- Institute the "campaign 10-12 months before going off support
- Have leadership spokesperson to communicate publicly during the worship service (NOT the pastor or staff)