ASSOCIATION OF GOSPEL RESCUE MISSIONS

EXPANSION PROGRAM

NEW MISSION PLANNING GUIDE

A. CLARIFY THE VISION - Proverbs 29:18

  • Write down whatever God lays on your heart regarding what He is calling you to do
  • Counsel with your pastor and one or two wise Christian friends
  • Share your vision with respected persons in the community and others in similar ministry to get feedback
  • Develop a Vision Statement

B. PERFORM A COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

  • Is this a perceived need you are seeking to fill or a real need determined/identified by the community in general?
  • Determine how many missions or similar organizations currently exist and are they already meeting the needs that you are seeking to fill. Is duplication of services necessary/wise?
  • Is the need great enough to generate interest and support from the community?
  • Are there enough social/governmental agencies around to do the same job?
  • Opportunity/Opposition: What is the secret of Getting from NIMBY to YIMBY?

C. DEVELOP A MISSION STATEMENT

1. Determine a NAME for your ministry

2. Create a MOTTO for your ministry

3. Clarify your PURPOSE

4. Identify a KEY VERSE that relates to your purpose

5. Develop a LOGO that will provide quick, positive name identification

D. WRITE A MINISTRY PLAN - Habakkuk 2:2

1. WHO - who are you; who will you serve; who will help you to serve; who will you be held

accountable to

2. WHY - why do you exist; why collaborate with other agencies; why file for

3. WHAT - what are your vision, mission statements; what is your goal/purpose; what are the

needs to your community; what resources will you need to implement and maintain

your ministry; what type (s) of service will you offer and what will your

program entail; what qualifies you to lead this ministry

4. WHERE - where will your facilities be located; where will you get the resources to start and

maintain this ministry; where do you want to be in 3-5 years; where will you find

qualified staff for the ministry

5. WHEN - when will the ministry start; when will you become a legal entity; when and how do you

evaluate your progress

6. HOW - how will you accomplish your goals; how will you finance this ministry; how will you

set up your board of directors; how will you structure your organization; how will you

implement your ministry plan

E. OUTLINE YOUR PROGRAM

1. Identify your target group – men, women, women with children, families, youth, elderly, etc

2. Choose the Type of Service you will provide:

  • Emergency Services – Meals, Food Pantry, Clothing Bank, Referral Services
  • Shelter/Short Term Housing
  • Drop In Center
  • Residential Treatment Program/Long Term Housing
  • Transitional Program

F. TAKE ACTION STEPS

  • Appoint a Board of Directors
  • Become a legal entity and file all necessary paperwork:

- Articles of Incorporation

- IRS Form 1023 – 501(c)(3)

- Employer ID Number (EIN)

- Non-profit Postal Permit

  • Identify and observe city and/or state regulations that will affect your ministry's operation

◦Zoning

◦Building and Safety Codes (property and liability insurance)

◦Fire Codes

◦Food Handling and other Health Department guidelines

◦Housing guidelines from HUD

◦Solicitation of Donations

◦Use Permits

  • Review the ExpansionMission Mentoring Kit and complete an Application for Mentoron page 4 of the kit.
  • Refer to thisNew Mission Planning Guide for more details on start up guidelines
  • Complete your AGRMMembership and receive invaluable member benefits to help you grow
  • Read the Criteria for Financial Assistance to start the qualification process to receive financial help
  • Attend AGRM annual convention and district training events to sharpen your skills and network with experts and new leaders with similar issues as yours