Ministry Startup StrategiesMICHAEL LI IMATTA, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, CITY VISION COLLEGE

About Michael Liimatta 30+ years in urban ministry Pastor, drug counselor,

treatment center director, AGRM education director.

Founder & Chief Academic Officer of City Vision College

Directly involved in over 20 ministry startups

Start by Studying Nehemiah Building the Kingdom is

spiritual warfare

Expect Opposition – from the community and the Church

Spend a lot of time together in serious prayer.

Primary Questions to Ask: #1 Is this type of ministry really

the best approach for meeting the needs of your particular city or area?

Because it worked somewhere else, it may not be the best solution for your town.

Primary Questions to Ask: #2 Are there people who believe

enough in such a ministry to give continuing spiritual and financial support?

Are there sufficient resources available for the work such as facilities, qualified staff, etc.?

Primary Questions to Ask: #3 Are there other organizations

in the area that are doing similar work?

Would it mean unnecessary competition to them?

Should a cooperative effort be developed instead?

Introducing the Four Failure Factors

Immature or unqualified leadership

Disunity among staff Poor image in the

community Lack of financial resources

and accountability

Issues Related to Leadership

Leaders know God's Word and live a godly lifestyle

Leaders need to delegate. “This is my ministry" attitude doesn’t honor God

Leaders must be teachable and willing to take advice

The Blessing of Accountability Have a board of directors of

spiritually mature people with a variety of professional backgrounds

Expect honesty and know they will be asked to contribute their time, talent and treasure to your shared vision. (job description)

A Word About Volunteers Your board members are your most

important volunteers

All volunteers are listened to, respected, appreciated and doing work that is meaningful to them personally. Get to know them

Don’t be afraid to ask them to donate money to the ministry

Thoughts on Community Image In the beginning, you “borrow” the

reputations of you board and others in leadership roles

Spend time to get a mission statement crystal clear – one that everyone can remember well

Financial & Legal Accountability Get your legal stuff in order.

Register with city, state and federal authorities and report as required.

Your accountant and attorney are real partners

$99 nonprofit version of Quickbooks - TechSoup.org

Where Does the Money Come From?

Avoid the “home run” mentality of fund raising

No mysterious benefactor to give that huge donation that will fund your vision

Those who know you best are those who are most likely to give you money

Go After the “Low Hanging Fruit” Those who have already donated.

Ask board members to give

Talk to your friends and family and those staff members

Then there’s your volunteers

More “Low Hanging Fruit” People who’ve been truly

helped by your work or have a loved one or friend you’ve helped.

Tell your vendors about your needs

How about any individuals that you have visited your facility?

Questions & Comments

Contact Information:

Michael Liimatta

(816) 217-9637

mliimatta@cityvision.edu

@mliimatta

www.cityvision.edu