The AG Trust Matching Fund began as the Transform America Perpetual Church Planting Fund. Commonly referred to then as "The Fund". Former General Superintendent, Dr. George O. Wood, "had a desire to partner strategically with the Spirit to plant healthy churches of influence that would in turn multiply, impacting generations to come. In an effort to accomplish this, the Transform America capital campaign was created to raise $15 million to help start 500 new, vibrant churches across America – churches to reach the unchurched, the dechurched, the next generation. The plan was for each of these 500 churches to be provided with $30,000 in startup funds to help them reach out to their communities and plant a church. But
why matching funds exist
Accelerate the launch of healthy, Spirit-empowered churches
Reward planters who take initiative, build momentum, and raise support
build a fund that fuels the next generation of church planters
Matching funds are earned
The Matching Fund is a strategic investment. Every award is based on demonstrated readiness, momentum, and alignment with CMN values. Applying does not guarantee an award, and raising funds alone does not ensure approval.
Matching Funds accelerate momentum
Healthy churches are built on shared ownership and sacrificial generosity. Planters are expected to actively raise support and build a strong base of partners. Churches that fundraise well before launch tend to launch healthier and multiply sooner.
Matching Funds are mission-specific
These funds are intended for pre-launch expenses that directly support outreach, discipleship, and launch momentum. They are not designed for building renovations, long-term capital projects, or expenses unrelated to planting a church.
SIX STEPS
1
CREDENTIALS
Learn MoreHolding Assemblies of God ministerial credentials affirms your calling, character, and accountability as a church planter. Credentials are required to apply for CMN funding and ensure alignment with denominational standards. If you are in process, your district can help you take next steps.
2
CHARTER YOUR CHURCH
Learn MoreChartering officially establishes your church within the Assemblies of God and opens the door for CMN funding. Churches may charter as district-affiliated, general council-affiliated, or parent-affiliated. This step provides clarity, covering, and connection as you prepare to launch.
3
ATTEND CMN TRAINING
ATTEND TRAININGCMN Training provides the spiritual foundation and practical tools needed to launch a new church. CMN Launch prepares first-time planters and teams through immersive training in vision, team building, fundraising, and launch strategy, while CMN Multiply equips leaders with the systems and leadership development needed to expand to multiple locations with health and clarity.
4
CMN LAUNCH ASSESSMENT
TAKE THE ASSESSMENTThe Launch Assessment helps evaluate readiness across key areas like calling, entrepreneurship, team building, and community engagement. It provides insight into strengths and growth areas before launch. Results are used to inform coaching, next steps, and funding decisions.
5
APPLY FOR MATCHING FUNDS
APPLY TODAYDuring the application, you will submit your Ministry Plan, including your strategy, budget, and fundraising approach. The application allows CMN to prayerfully assess readiness and alignment. Awards are based on preparation, clarity, and available funds.
6
REPLENISH & MULTIPLY
REPLENISH TODAYReceiving Matching Funds begins a partnership built on multiplication. As your church replenishes the investment, those funds are paid forward to help future churches launch strong. When replenishment is complete, your church becomes a Champion Church, continuing the legacy of generosity.
After you submit your application, CMN walks with you through a clear, prayerful process that moves from approval to funding and into long-term partnership. This timeline outlines what to expect next and how your church becomes part of a multiplying story that strengthens future church planting.
The CMN Matching Fund is designed to multiply, not simply distribute resources. Replenishment ensures that the investment made in your church can be paid forward to help future churches launch strong.
Churches that receive Matching Funds agree to give ten percent of undesignated monthly income to CMN until the original award is fully replenished. This process typically occurs over several years and allows the fund to remain sustainable and available for future planters.
Once a church has fully replenished its Matching Fund, it becomes a
Champion Church. Champion Churches continue to give one percent of undesignated monthly income to CMN, extending the impact of their launch by investing in the next generation of church planters.
This shared commitment to generosity and stewardship is what makes the Matching Fund a living, multiplying partnership rather than a one-time investment.
it didn't stop there. These 500 churches would then repay these funds, interest free, and 500 more churches would then be started." The Fund continues on today in the form of the AGTrust Matching Fund and will continue on until our mission is interrupted by the return of Christ for His church.
The first CMN Matching Fund awards of $30,000 each were invested in seven new churches, all of which fully replenished the fund, with five still active today. These planters—Keith Rittenhouse, Todd Bishop, Jerry Reagan, Rick Thompson, Andy Casper, Joel Flower, and John Van Pay—set the precedent for healthy, multiplying churches.
John Van Pay’s Gateway Fellowship Church was the first to fully replenish its award in under a year, and the funds were paid forward to David Docusen for City Center Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Together, these churches now have 16 campuses, showing the early multiplier impact of the fund.
Starting with the first seven churches, the Matching Fund has now invested over $27 million into over 800 new churches across America. This pay-it-forward cycle continues to multiply healthy churches today.
