The Church Starting Group of California Southern Baptist Convention is aware that some new congregations need a helping hand to get off the ground in their job of reaching the unchurched of our Golden State. We are glad to fund new congregations as the need arises. This help is made possible through the Cooperative Program and the California Missions Offering.

Each congregation is considered on a case by case basis. The primary criteria to receive funding are a core membership of 25-35 people, a strategy plan and goals for the church. The church must agree to participate actively in their association's programs and activities as well as financial contributions to both the association and convention. The church planter/pastor must also agree to attend a Basic Training Seminar within 6 months of starting his new congregation. The amount of assistance given to a new work is dependent on need and availabiilty of funds. This is negotiated with the Church Starting Group.

A packet of forms needs to be completed for a church to be considered for assistance. They are available from our church planting teams. Please contact one of the specialists listed below if you are interested in receiving funding. 

African-American Church Starting Team
Joshua Smith
African-American Church Starting Specialist
559.229.9533 x. 249
E-mail Joshua Smith

Diana Fleming
Ministry Assistant
559.229.9533 x. 248
E-mail Diana Fleming

Language Church Starting Team
Anthony Ahaev
Church Starting Group Leader
559.229.9533 x. 249
E-mail Anthony Ahaev

Vera Adams
Ministry Assistant
559.229.9533 x. 238
E-mail Vera Adams

New Church Starting Team
Diana Fleming
Ministry Assistant
559.229.9533 x. 248
E-mail Diana Fleming

We look forward to partnering with congregations throughout California.