Church Capital Campaign

Launching a church capital campaign may be necessary for a variety of reasons including retirement of debt, renovation of an existing facility or building a new one. But there can be a number of problems and pitfalls that congregations may face in the course of raising these needed funds. Successfully handling periods of growth and the financial strains that can result can be a major challenge. Congregations who refuse to compromise their core beliefs while effectively meeting the challenge of significant growth are the ones that are the most likely to succeed. A number of professional consulting agencies are available to provide help and guidance to churches who are making their way through the maze of red tape and competing priorities that such campaigns can represent. Unlike a simple fundraiser, a capital campaign will deal with issues of stewardship and often require real sacrifice on the part of the entire congregation. If campaigns of this nature are to succeed, giving that exceeds basic tithes and offerings will generally need to take place. There are major differences between capital campaigns and general fundraisers. Fundraisers will usually involve short term projects. These may include one time sales of items such as candy or magazines and will generally only last around a month or less. Larger stewardship campaigns may extend over a year or more and will generally be reserved for large ticket expenditures.

When conducting a church capital campaign, there are a number of positive outcomes that a congregation can focus on. Achieving financial goals is only one positive outcome of healthy campaigns. Often a congregation may look back on this period as a time of spiritual growth as members of the congregation learn to develop better stewardship habits. Learning to depend on God and His word can be another positive benefit. If handled Biblically, congregations can realize tangible growth and maturity. These benefits can far outweigh any financial gains. On the other hand, if church leadership decides to use tactics of pressure and manipulation, such spiritual growth will most likely not be evident. In fact, frustration and dissatisfaction may cause a church to loose members as well as enthusiasm. For this reason it is very important that any approach toward raising capital that is undertaken should be Biblically sound. Effective communication with the congregation on the goals and reasoning behind these campaigns is very important.

There are a number of pitfalls to be avoiding when conducting a church capital campaign. When the time comes to concentrate on campaigns of this nature, there can be a great temptation to attempt to handle things without calling in professionals. This can be a big mistake. All too often folks who are already very busy with ministry concerns will become overloaded with financial responsibilities and ministries will suffer. The end result can be less than successful fundraising totals, a burnt out ministry staff, and a frustrated congregation. Calling in a professional expert can lighten the load for these ministry leaders and can also yield a far more successful church capital campaign. Generally speaking, when ministries suffer, giving and enthusiasm within the congregation will suffer as well.

But simply seeking out professional help during a church capital campaign may not be enough. A mistaken belief that every professional service that promises to provide help and advice for raising capital is able to make good on those promises can be very costly. In many cases, churches will select the professional agency that charges the lowest fees. Low fees do not necessarily guarantee expertise. A little research into the quality and professionalism that the agency offers is called for. This can be done by talking with other churches who have utilized the agency in question in the past. Going with a professional consultant who has a reputation for staging a successful and profitable church capital campaign can pay dividends in the long run. But finding the best candidate may require investigating a number of professional agencies before making a final selection. The Bible tells believers that giving should be done with a joyful heart. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Most congregations will insist upon a church capital campaign that is Biblically sound. These priorities should be discussed openly among leadership and insisted upon when dealing with outside agencies. Each step of the plan should be evaluated to determine whether or not it stands up to scripture. Campaigns that implement pressure tactics or guilt trips will most likely not fall in line with a church's core values and beliefs. The same can be said for campaigns that ignore the importance and power of prayer. If a professional consultant is not on board with these priorities, he may not be the right man for the job and the church should most likely look elsewhere. But once a congregation has located a consultant who shares their values and priorities, a healthy partnership can be put into action. This consultant will not only help church leadership design and implement campaigns that will raise money for a specific goal, but he should also be willing to advise the church on how to obtain any needed financing. By placing an emphasis on worshiping God through faithful giving, the time that is dedicated to a successful church capital campaign can provide a congregation with growth that is both financial and spiritual.