A New Beginning for
Missions  2001

The following is a suggested strategy to secure financial support for the new mission start in Eau Claire.  It is assumed that a “flood” of congregation-wide information will be shared.
Congregational Strategy

Advance Commitment Phase     As in most capital campaigns, an advance commitment phase is essential to strong support.  Those giving leaders who are committed to mission and have substantial financial means should be encouraged provide support in advance of the general membership of the congregation.
	a.  Identify 15 – 20 congregational leaders (each church can determine how many is appropriate)
	b.  Send written invitations and do phone follow ups. 
c.  Gather at the church or in a private home (it may be necessary to have more than one
 	     gathering).  A steering committee member would be happy to make a presentation.
	d.  Make a strong case for the mission start and ask them to prayerfully make a leadership gift
	     and commitment.  Have them prayerfully consider what their support will be and reply within
	     two weeks (provide them with commitment cards and return envelope).
	e.  It is suggested that an initial three-year commitment be made.  Generally with this group, a
	     specific dollar amount is not suggested.  Simply make a compelling case and ask for
 	     leadership level support.
f.   Immediately after church/home gathering, send a thank you note for their attendance and
     	     again encourage strong support for this exciting mission endeavor.
	g.  After commitments are made, send another thank you note for their strong support.
	h.  Utilize the total amount of advance commitments in publicity during the congregation phase.

Second Level Phase    There may be a second “level” of givers who could receive a special kind of encouragement.  Perhaps a list of those who are capable of making a $1000/year commitment could be identified (the amount and how many needs to fit your setting of ministry).  After the advance commitment phase is completed, follow the same steps above to secure support from the second “level” of givers.  

Congregational Phase     After the second “level” phase is completed, a general congregational appeal is done.  Significant public visibility should be done before people are asked to make commitments.  Consider bulletin inserts, newsletter articles, adult forums, biblical mission studies, posters, historic look at when you were a mission start, etc.

Note: Nearly every congregation in the NW Synod of Wisconsin has significant financial commitments–meeting budgets, building projects, special mission causes, etc.  Do not let current causes prevent you from supporting the new mission start.  Never deny your members an opportunity to give!   Allow your membership to determine whether or not they will provide support to this mission effort; provide an opportunity for everyone to be part of establishing a new congregation!

Synodical Strategy

All congregations of the synod are strongly encouraged to provide financial support to the new mission start.  A number of strategies can be employed simultaneously:
	a.  Congregations who have significant financial means should be identified and assisted in
	     doing a special appeal such that they are asked to be “leadership congregations.”
	b.  All congregations of the synod should be challenged to become “mission partners” with the
 	     new mission start regardless of the size of financial support.
	c.  The synod should take leadership in identifying and pursuing grants, fraternal support, ELCA
 	     mission support, and special funding.
An Action Time Line
The goal is to establish a strong financial base in preparation for the call of a mission pastor by the spring of 2002.  The following is a suggested time line:

2001

January	 	Development of publicity and case statement for initial use for advance commitment
		givers

February 18	Gathering of Eau Claire area pastors and one lay leader for the purpose of providing information and the promo material necessary to conduct a financial campaign on behalf of the new mission start.  6:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.

February	Eau Claire congregations conduct advance commitment phase of financial support with
 to April		the goal of having the first phase completed by Synod Assembly (Eau Claire congregations may choose to also conduct “second level” phase at this time or wait until
		fall and do it in conjunction with the general phase)

May 31		Introduce synod-wide appeal.  Announce advance commitment phase of Eau Claire
 to June 2	support

June to		Provide all synod congregations with appeal material and work with “targeted” leadership
   August	congregations to provide special leadership support for the mission start

August		Ask Congregation Councils throughout the synod to commit to being a “mission partner” regardless of the results of a future appeal and report to the synod office their decision

September	Congregations conduct appeals tailored to their individual ministry settings utilizing the
 to October	information and material provided by the synod; appeals concluded by end of October
		Steering Committee researches additional funding opportunities through fraternals and
 		grants

October	Develop proposal for ELCA support
 to November

2002

January		Firm up budget for staff compensation and start up costs

February	Begin search/interviews for mission development pastor

April		Mission developer arrives

April to		Mission developer seeks opportunities for pulpit supply in Eau Claire and synod
 September	congregations to give visibility and seek support.  Develop a weekly newsletter to keep mission partner congregation and potential members abreast of developments. 
	 	Interview and select lead musician.  Locate and rent suitable space.  Canvassing for potential members (partner with EC congregations in doing calling).  Introduction of mission developer at May Synod Assembly.

September	First  worship service