Funding and Financial Sustainability for Multisite Churches

Let’s face it: talking finances can be uncomfortable, but it’s a critical conversation, especially in multisite ministry. Today, I’m tackling one of the toughest—and most essential—questions in multisite: How do we fund, sustain, and scale financially healthy campuses?

Throughout our All About Multisite series, I’m providing practical answers every Wednesday and hosting insightful interviews with leaders from thriving multisite churches on Thursdays. Now, let’s dive into the details of multisite financial strategies to help you avoid costly pitfalls.

Episode Highlights:

• Choosing the Right Financial Model:
  • About 71% of multisite churches use a centralized budgeting system. Personally, I advocate for this “one pot” approach to avoid unhealthy competition between campuses.
  • An alternative is the “central tax” model used by churches like Community Christian, allocating funds with clear percentages (70-20-10) to campus operations, central operations, and expansion.
• Determining Financial Sustainability:
  • Only 7% of campuses break even at launch. However, by year two, 53% achieve financial sustainability, and by year three, this number climbs to 79%.
  • Aim to become financially sustainable by year three. If you can’t foresee a clear path to sustainability after two years, you likely need to adjust strategy quickly.
• Increasing Generosity Without Campus Competition:
  • Teach stewardship church-wide regularly. Integrate new givers from day one, making generosity part of the volunteer onboarding process.
  • Promote transparency with your finances, regularly communicating budgets, needs, and successes openly.
  • Conduct unified generosity initiatives, reinforcing the message that every campus contributes to—and benefits from—shared success.
• Hidden Launch Costs to Anticipate:
  • Many campuses underestimate startup costs, typically averaging around $200,000, significantly higher than the average church plant ($25,000).
  • Be aware of hidden costs such as increased insurance premiums, custodial fees, additional equipment for rental venues, and expenses related to being a generous tenant (meals, facility improvements, etc.).
• Staffing Costs and Strategies:
  • Staff your new campus based on projected attendance, typically one full-time equivalent staff per 75-100 attendees.
  • Consider central staff requirements. Plan for roughly one central support staff for every three campus-based staff.
  • Key initial roles often include a campus pastor, worship and kids ministry coordinators, tech support, and a connections director responsible for guest assimilation.
• Balancing Economies of Scale with High Standards:
  • While multisite launches tend to cost more upfront, aiming for economies of scale is crucial. Launch effectively but economically to increase your potential for future growth.
  • Portable setups are typically more cost-effective initially, with organizations like Portable Church Industries providing significant long-term savings through efficient equipment solutions.

Practical Tips to Implement Immediately:

• Clearly define and communicate your financial model to all staff and volunteers.
• Regularly evaluate campus financial health quarterly.
• Prioritize generous transparency in all financial communications.
• Invest strategically in initial equipment and staffing to balance immediate needs with future scalability.

Don’t let finances stop your multisite vision. Equip your church for sustainable growth, keeping your ministry thriving long-term.

Additional Resources:

• Join our upcoming webinar: “Why Most Multisite Churches Stall Launching and How to Keep Growing.“
• Explore more multisite insights in the Spring 2025 issue of EXECUTIVE PASTOR digital magazine available now.