Man of jade said:
...How is a church a business? Last time I checked mine they dont really operate like a business...
Okay.
How is a church like a business?
Hmm.. first let's define a business: Merriam-Webster defines it as "a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood."
So, according to that, its a business.
Sure, they take DONATIONS and you don't HAVE to give them money, but its still a business, because services are being exchanged for money.
My step-by-step instructions on How to Start Your Own Church:
1. Determine your financial situation. It is very important to know the limits of your own wallet before investing in a business of your own. If you are not already exceedingly wealthy, you may need to obtain a mortgage from a bank. Also, check the internet for specific funding resources for the denomination you've decided on, as well as companies that specialize in church financing. Remember: Lenders are INVESTING in you and your business and are doing so under the assumption that your church can adequately service the debt.
NOTE: With so many factors to consider when estimating a price, it is necessary to determine your own specific cost estimates. Of course a very vague ballpark figure will range anywhere from about $100,000 minimum (not likely), to millions and millions of dollars, of course most churches will fall somewhere in between these extremes.
2. Search for the perfect location. Make sure to shop around until you find the best deal in your price range. It's very important to review all factors before signing the contract. You might want to make a list of as many questions you can come up with regarding the property. (ie- What is the price per acre? Is it for sale or for lease - or is it a preexisting building to be renovated? What is the location/surrounding demographic? What are the traffic patterns of the roads nearby? What other preexisting churches may conflict with your potential customers? Can it be zoned for a church? What about the environmental favorability study and utility availability, et cetera...) You will probably need outside help from an architect during this step. He/she will help you during this and the next step:
3. Conduct a Feasibility Study. Once you've selected a piece of land or are still unsure about the location, it's time to conduct a feasibility study, as to start planning the actual building. Unless of course you are an architect (a more legitimate occupation), you're going to need assistance. This can be obtained from free-lance architects, or contracting/architecture companies (some companies specifically design and sell church plans) A pre-made church plan is going to cost between roughly $5,000 and $130,000, usually depending on amount of square footage.
4. Creating Your Master Plan. This is basically a plan for building and allowing your business to grow in predetermined phases. This will also best be accomplished with the help of an experienced architectural company, general contractor, or specifically a Master Planner.
5. Actual Construction. The Basic Chronology:
* Conceptual planning/feasibility studies: 6-12 weeks
* Preliminary design 6-12 weeks
* Working drawings 12-16 weeks
* Bidding and contractor selection 3-6 weeks
* Securing financing 3-4 weeks
* Permitting 3-8 weeks
* Construction 6-18 months
6. OK! Time to finally rack in the cash! In order to remain on good terms with your lenders, as well as um.. Jesus, it's important to form a budget and stick to it. To set a budget, think about ministry goals, then attach a cost to each ministry and department. Everyone that works for you will expect proper payment for their "job." Remember, there are alot of people working for you, depending on the size and specifications of your church. Aside from the ministry itself, if you have facilities such as a day-care center, gymnasium, kitchen, sunday school program, etc. etc., - there are alot of people to pay. But your church, like any other business, will have a lot of unexpected expenses aside from salaries and monthly lease/loan and maintanance/utility bills. With a structured and organized budget however, it is much easier to maintain the lowest overhead possible, thereby increasing your profits beyond your wildest imaginations!
Tips for Assembling and Maintaining a Proper Budget:
* Use a unified budget. This presents the common purpose for the congregation. If you have separate budgets (and books and treasurers) for Sunday school, men's groups, etc., work to make a change to a unified budget. This gives you greater control over the ministry of the church, eliminates extra charges of separate bank accounts, and simplifies annual statements. Auditors love a unified budget and it is a protection against the loss of funds.
* Strive for a line-item budget. Divide the major ministries into sections (e.g. Sunday school, Discipleship, Property), then assign line-item numbers for specific expenses (e.g. 30-6001 Sunday school curriculum). This way it is easy to see where spending occurs.
* Change your budget to operate on a fiscal year instead of on the calendar year. If your church is like most, you follow the school year calendar. Adopt a fiscal year of July 1 through June 30. This way, ministries don't have to split their budget between two calendar years. This also gives you greater oversight to the ministry for the complete program year.
* Once your church has been established for a couple of years, you can learn from your mistakes and successes. Examine and evaluate data from the previous years. See where your spending has exceeded the budgeted amount (was this due to poor planning, or cost increases?). Was under-spending due to good stewardship or neglecting part of the outreach? Ask each group to justify each budget request and evaluate the request in light of the church's overall purpose and goals for the coming year. Analyze the trends of previous years, both in giving and attendance. (If your attendance has increased only 5%, don't increase your budget 30%.)
Now you're ready to make the leap of faith into the corporate world! If just you follow the simple, step-by-step instructions, and have the determination, drive, and desire for success at your own church business, nothing can stop you from making plenty of cold, hard cash - not even that evil motherf*cker, Satan.
Good Luck and God Bless!
