Start an FBL Chapter in Your Market
Starting an FBL chapter is an intentional process. It’s not complicated, but it is structured—because culture is built on clarity, not casualness.
This guide outlines what it takes, what you can expect, and how to move forward.
Before You Start: Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly. If you can’t answer “yes” to most of them, you’re probably not ready—or this isn’t the right fit.
Are You the Right Leader?
Do you have a track record of integrity in your market?
People already trust you because of how you operate, not just what you say.Can you lead peers without needing control?
You’re comfortable facilitating, not dominating. You create space for others to contribute.Do you value quality over quantity?
You’d rather have 10 high-caliber members than 50 mediocre ones.Are you willing to protect standards—even when it’s uncomfortable?
Saying “no” to the wrong person is part of stewardship.Can you commit 10-15 hours/month for the next 12+ months?
This isn’t a side project. It requires consistent attention.Is your motivation contribution, not personal gain?
You’re building something that outlasts you, not just something that serves you.
If you answered “yes” to most of these, keep reading.
Chapter Launch Process Overview
The process is designed to ensure alignment, quality, and sustainability. Here’s the high-level timeline:
- Application & Initial Conversation (Week 1-2)
- Leadership Assessment & Alignment (Week 3-4)
- Market Fit & Chapter Planning (Week 5-6)
- Pre-Launch Preparation (Week 7-10)
- Soft Launch (Month 3)
- Official Chapter Launch (Month 4-6)
Estimated Timeline: 3-6 months from initial conversation to official chapter launch.
Step 1: Application & Initial Conversation
Timeline: Week 1-2
What You Do
Email FBL National: member@fblconnect.com
Subject: “Chapter Leader Application - [Your City]”Provide Initial Information:
- Your name and background
- City/region you want to launch in
- Why you want to start an FBL chapter
- Why you believe you’re the right leader
What FBL Does
- Reviews your application
- Schedules an initial conversation (30-45 minutes)
- Discusses your market, vision, and fit
- Determines if there’s mutual alignment
Outcome
✅ Proceed → Move to Leadership Assessment
⏸️ Wait → Market isn’t ready or needs more development
❌ No Fit → Not aligned with FBL framework or standards
Step 2: Leadership Assessment & Alignment
Timeline: Week 3-4
What You Do
- Complete leadership assessment questionnaire
- Participate in a deeper conversation with FBL national team
- Review FBL chapter framework and standards in detail
- Ask clarifying questions about expectations and support
What FBL Does
- Evaluates leadership fit and readiness
- Discusses operational realities, challenges, and support
- Confirms mutual understanding of expectations
- Provides access to Chapter Leader Handbook (draft review)
Outcome
✅ Approved → Begin chapter planning
⏸️ Conditional → Address gaps or concerns before proceeding
❌ Not Ready → Revisit in 6-12 months
Step 3: Market Fit & Chapter Planning
Timeline: Week 5-6
What You Do
Define Your Market:
- Geographic boundaries (city, metro area, region)
- Target member profile (industries, roles, caliber)
- Potential founding members (if any already in mind)
Develop Chapter Plan:
- Meeting location and format preferences
- Initial member outreach strategy
- Member dues structure (set locally, with 10% remitted to FBL national)
- Timeline and milestones
What FBL Does
- Reviews and refines your chapter plan
- Provides market insights (if other chapters exist nearby)
- Confirms operational details and alignment
- Grants access to Chapter Resource Hub
Outcome
✅ Chapter Plan Approved → Begin pre-launch preparation
Step 4: Pre-Launch Preparation
Timeline: Week 7-10
What You Do
Secure Venue:
- Find a professional, neutral meeting space
- Confirm availability for recurring monthly meetings
- Test acoustics, parking, accessibility
Recruit Founding Members:
- Identify 5-10 high-caliber founding members
- Share FBL framework and expectations
- Conduct informal 1-on-1 conversations to assess fit
Complete Training:
- Attend FBL Chapter Leader Orientation (virtual)
- Review operational playbook and meeting formats
- Participate in Q&A with other chapter leaders (optional)
Setup Operations:
- Create chapter communication channels (email, Circle community access)
- Establish dues collection process (including 10% remittance to FBL national)
- Finalize meeting schedule and rhythm
What FBL Does
- Provides brand assets (logos, templates, presentations)
- Connects you with other chapter leaders for peer learning
- Reviews founding member list for caliber and fit
- Approves soft launch readiness
Outcome
✅ Ready for Soft Launch → Schedule first gathering
Step 5: Soft Launch (First Gathering)
Timeline: Month 3
What You Do
Host First Gathering:
- Invite founding members only (5-10 people)
- Facilitate structured meeting using FBL format
- Set expectations and covenant commitment
- Collect initial feedback and refine
Assess & Iterate:
- What worked? What needs adjustment?
- Are founding members aligned and engaged?
- Is the meeting format effective?
What FBL Does
- Debriefs with you after first gathering
- Provides feedback and coaching
- Approves progression to official launch (or suggests refinements)
Outcome
✅ Proceed to Official Launch → Open chapter to new member applications
Step 6: Official Chapter Launch
Timeline: Month 4-6
What You Do
Open Membership Applications:
- Announce chapter publicly (website, social, local networks)
- Accept applications from qualified business leaders
- Conduct member assessment and onboarding
Establish Operational Rhythm:
- Monthly structured meetings
- Member engagement between meetings
- Quarterly planning and review
Scale Intentionally:
- Grow to 15-25 members (optimal range)
- Maintain quality and cultural alignment
- Say “no” to members who don’t fit
What FBL Does
- Lists your chapter on fblconnect.com
- Provides ongoing operational support
- Hosts quarterly chapter leader calls
- Shares best practices from other chapters
Outcome
✅ Operational Chapter → Ongoing stewardship and growth
Chapter Leader Requirements
To start and lead an FBL chapter, you must meet these baseline criteria:
Professional Requirements
- ✅ Active business owner, founder, or senior executive
- ✅ Established track record of integrity in your market
- ✅ Respected by peers for leadership and follow-through
- ✅ Financial stability (not looking to chapter for leads/income)
Leadership Requirements
- ✅ Ability to lead peers (not just manage subordinates)
- ✅ Comfortable facilitating structured conversations
- ✅ Willing to protect standards and say “no” when needed
- ✅ Values contribution over recognition
Time & Commitment Requirements
- ✅ 10-15 hours/month for chapter operations
- ✅ 12+ month commitment minimum
- ✅ Participation in quarterly FBL leadership calls
- ✅ Ongoing alignment with FBL values and framework
Character Requirements
- ✅ Operates with integrity and honesty
- ✅ Faith-informed (not necessarily faith-exclusive in chapter)
- ✅ Values long-term relationships over short-term transactions
- ✅ Humble enough to receive feedback and coaching
Financial Considerations
Chapter Revenue Model
FBL operates on a revenue-sharing model to support both local chapter operations and national infrastructure:
- Member Dues: Set locally by chapter leader based on your market and operational costs
- FBL Share: Chapter leaders remit 10% of total chapter revenue to FBL national
- Chapter Retention: 90% of revenue stays with the chapter to cover operational expenses and leader compensation
Typical Chapter Expenses
- Venue: Professional meeting space (costs vary by market)
- Materials: Printed resources, name tags, supplies
- Refreshments: Coffee, light refreshments (optional)
- Administrative: Communication tools, member management
How It Works
Chapter leaders set membership dues appropriate for their local market. From the total revenue collected, 10% is remitted to FBL national to support brand infrastructure, resources, and national leadership. The remaining 90% stays with the chapter for operational costs and leader compensation.
Note: FBL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The revenue model ensures financial sustainability for both chapters and national operations.
What You Get as a Chapter Leader
Tangible Support
- ✅ Proven chapter framework and meeting formats
- ✅ Brand assets (logos, templates, presentations)
- ✅ Chapter Leader Handbook and operational playbook
- ✅ Access to FBL national team for guidance
- ✅ Connection to other chapter leaders nationwide
Intangible Benefits
- ✅ Opportunity to build lasting legacy in your market
- ✅ Deep relationships with high-caliber peers
- ✅ Personal growth through leadership and stewardship
- ✅ Contribution to something bigger than yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to launch a chapter?
3-6 months from initial application to official launch. The timeline depends on your market readiness, founding member recruitment, and preparation quality.
Do I need business or leadership experience?
Yes. Chapter leaders should be established business owners, founders, or senior executives with a track record of integrity and peer leadership.
Can I co-lead a chapter with someone else?
In some cases, yes—especially in larger markets. Co-leadership requires strong alignment, complementary strengths, and clear role definition.
What if there’s already a chapter in my city?
We’ll discuss market capacity. In larger metros, multiple chapters may make sense. In smaller markets, joining an existing chapter may be the better path.
How many members should a chapter have?
Optimal range: 15-25 active members. Below 10 lacks diversity; above 30 loses intimacy and quality.
What if I need to step down as chapter leader?
Life happens. If you need to transition leadership, FBL will work with you to identify a successor and ensure a smooth handoff.
Can I start a chapter if I’m not a Christian?
FBL is faith-informed and grounded in Christian values, but chapter members come from diverse faith backgrounds. What matters is alignment with FBL’s core values: integrity, accountability, stewardship, and excellence.
Ready to Start?
If you’ve read this far and you’re still excited—let’s talk.
Next Step: Email member@fblconnect.com
Subject Line: “Chapter Leader Application - [Your City]”
Include:
- Your name and background (1-2 paragraphs)
- City/region you want to launch in
- Why you want to start an FBL chapter
- Why you believe you’re the right leader
We’ll respond within 3-5 business days to schedule your initial conversation.