This fund helps underwrite the cost of starting new churches in the Florida Conference. Since 1995, the Florida Conference has started 77 new churches; and, in keeping with its mission to make disciples for Christ in an increasing population, has the highest number of new church starts of any United Methodist Conference in the United States.

The Committee for New Church Development works with the Cabinet and local districts to target locations for new churches, missions and communities of faith.  New churches, missions and communities of faith are master-planned to reach people of all ages, races and nationalities. 

This fair-share fund helps districts subsidize pastor training and compensation, health and housing benefits, and pension payments for developing churches.  Based on whether the new church is a "stand-alone" congregation or one that receives financial support from an existing church, new congregations may receive anywhere from 43% to 86% in pastoral compensation and benefits during the first year.  The fund continues to pay a reduced percentage of costs over a three-year period, at the end of which the new community of faith is expected to be on its own financially.