Andrew Statezny from LifeChurch.tv is talking to a group of multi-site churches in Leadership Network’s multi-site church leadership community about their strategy for “mergers/acquisitions.” Following are some nuggets:
- They call it United.
- They have done 7 so far.
- 99 times of 100, when approached about becoming a part of LifeChurch.tv, they say no
- Questions they ask when reviewing opportunities …
- Is there a DNA match including ability to be flexible and move quickly, staffing, governance, programming, etc.?
- Can we do this 8 or 9 or 10 times? This is a question of sustainability.
- What does the current staffing look like? If there is a DNA match, they will keep some staff.
- What are the financial issues – debt load, per capita giving, etc.?
- What are the priorities and values?
- What will be required from centralized operations and leadership in getting the new campus up to speed?
- Are the facilities and location an asset or a liability? Are they suited to the ministry needs? What will be required to bring the facility up to standard?
- What is the church’s reputation in the community?
- Strategy is driven more from desire to partner with churches for greater synergistic kingdom impact than simply “rescuing” struggling churches.
- On at least one occasion, they have sold the building and put the church in a temporary facility and then come back later with a permanent facility better suited to the needs of that campus.
What about you? What have you learned along the way? Send your thoughts via a comment here, an email to greg.ligon@leadnet.org or tweet me @gregligon
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