Michael Liimatta, Chief Academic Officer of City Vision College, explains 3 key questions, 4 failure factors, and several strategies for developing a new ministry/nonprofit startup
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.?
6. 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?
7. Introducing the Four Failure Factors
Immature or unqualified
leadership
Disunity among staff
Poor image in the
community
Lack of financial resources
and accountability
8. 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
9. 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)
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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?