How to Write a Church Prospectus

When preparing to start up a new church, it is extremely helpful to write and circulate a church prospectus. The prospectus is a convenient way to spread the word about plans for a new church, and is particularly suited for use on a new church's website. Paper prospecti should be mainly text, while a website version should be designed with photos, drawings and other illustrations to maintain reader interest. A prospectus may certainly be circulated in draft form and updated as plans continue to progress. The draft prospectus can be of any length. However, it is best to keep in mind that readability and conciseness are important, since this is not a legal document but an outreach tool and a means by which to attract congregation members. Each step in this how-to guide describes an integral part (perhaps a single paragraph) of, the finished prospectus, in a suggested but entirely optional order of appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Writing and website design skills
• Fundraising experience or aptitude
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

How to Write a Church Prospectus

1. Develop a Vision Statement. This can be a simple one-line slogan, but works better as a general statement of what kind of church this is envisioned to be and who it will serve. An effective vision statement is much easier to develop along with fellow stakeholders in the new church, who may be future council members or congregation leaders. Additionally, the prospectus can be used to issue a call for prospective members to share their own vision in what they are looking for in a church. Research other church vision statements on the Internet as a starting point and a basis for comparison. If the church will be closely aligned with an established denomination, the national or regional office of the church can help a great deal here, and in fact may need to be consulted for guidelines.

2. Develop a Mission Statement. This describes how the church leaders and congregation plan to achieve the goal expressed in the Vision Statement. Before meeting with fellow church planners, conduct a wide-ranging Internet search using the search terms "church mission statement." The mission statements of a wide variety of churches can be printed out and compared for effectiveness and appeal.

3. Describe the community to be served, including its population and demographics. Necessary information can be found in websites such as www.city-data.com or www.epodunk.com. Identify existing churches in the area of service, especially those in the same denomination as the planned new church.

4. Identify spiritual and ministry needs in the local area to be served. Explain how the planned church will address these needs. This may include church school programs, bus transportation to services, meal assistance programs, programs for shut-ins, special ministries, hospital visitations, youth programs, musical outreach, and many other possibilities.

5. Develop a Strategy Statement for the development of the church, including financing, land or building acquisition, construction, and hiring of staff. This section of the prospectus can include timelines, flow charts, and lists of stakeholders. Here can also be described the church's approach to considerations of dress ("Sunday best" vs. "come-as-you-are") and music. Some questions might include: Will the church services emphasize traditional music or modern, popular music? Will it be necessary to purchase an organ, and if so, should it be electronic or a full pipe organ? Will the church participate in sports leagues, or offer daycare?

6. Create and post a projected two-year budget. This should include separate capital and operating budgets. On the income side, list expected and/or hoped-for sources of income, including collection, grants, donations and other income streams. It is vital to rely on financial professionals in creating a budget.

7. Create profiles of church ministers and founders with photos and complete contact information. This is another chance to impart a vision of the church to be, by giving a sense of personality, philosophy and commitment.

8. Identify and list the "Next Steps." If the church will begin by holding worship services in a temporary location, explain where, when and how this will be done. Make an appeal to prospective congregation members for help in the startup process. This can include direct appeals in the nature of "How You Can Help" or "What You Can Do."

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help in specific areas of expertise such as accounting, architecture, construction, maintenance, writing, music, or groundskeeping. A typical congregation will include people with talents in these and many other areas. At all points, be sure to align with all policies of the denomination (if any) to which the church will belong.

Resources

• How to Draft a Vision Statement
• Church Mission Statements