How Should I Launch A New Ministry?

I love being on Twitter. I connect with such amazing people. Someone I’ll keep nameless has asked me a question. I thought about it a bit and decided a blog post might be a good way to answer.

I’m hoping to break out to the motivational & spiritual speaking world full-time. Any pointers?

One of the reasons we’ve started Expectancy Ministries is to help launch and encourage other ministries as we can. So I do have a few things that might help you make wise decisions.

1. Treat Your Ministry Like a Business

I don’t know your experience or passion, but I know many people who feel treating ministry like a business is slapping God and His provision in the face. I don’t mean to do that by telling you, “Treat it like a business.” I’ll try to translate between church and business below.

You should start by taking a realistic view of your market (connections/denomination/fellowship) and realistic assessment of your product (message). Does it fit a need? Does it have a niche? Do people see value in what you offer? Is that value able to realistic support you? What else can you bring that increases the value?

Just a heads up about a realistic view of your market – because people encourage you to do something doesn’t mean they’ll be the ones supporting you. I have a lot of encouraging pastor friends who never ask me to preach for them.

2. Don’t Quit Your Day Job

If you were an entrepreneur (which you are) starting out, and you had an opportunity to start something on the side while still doing something you love that supports you, you’d be foolish to quit too soon.

Be careful about launching out full time too soon.

That brings up a bit of an ethical issue – Do you tell your board your dreams? Yes and No

Yes - If you need to take time to speak and/or prepare for speaking engagements you need to have them on your side. Most board members will see the prestige of you launching out at the start. Resistance will come if you’re not upfront or your responsibilities at the church are lacking. Let them be your biggest fans.

No - I generally wouldn’t say tell them your bigger dream if it’s to leave them and launch out full time…not until you’re ready to go. You have no idea how quickly or slowly this new ministry will take to take off. If you do up a business plan, you’ll have a blueprint to follow when milestones are met.

3. Start Preparing Materials

Begin with a topic or series you have researched and is close to your heart. It’s easy to turn it into a booklet or book, a CD series, or a DVD series. You don’t need to do everything before you start speaking, but it’s good to have ideas planned out. I can help you with booklets and books at http://www.ImagineWriters.com

Finally, I have a message on “How to Steward a Prophetic Call” part 1 | part 2. I know you’ll be able to adjust the points I make to your situation.

I hope it helps you with knowing your focus and timing.

Thanks for connecting and asking the question.

Trevor