Why run a Capital Campaign?
The Hidden Benefits
When most people think of a church capital campaign, their thoughts turn to a process that must be endured or as a necessary evil—something similar to undergoing a root canal. However, there are many benefits—oftentimes hidden—to a successfully planned and executed campaign … not to mention the potential for Kingdom expansion.
What Is Vision?
First, successful campaigns are built on and around a vision, a picture of God’s preferred future for your church or ministry. Vision answers the question: “Why are we doing this?”
In 1 Chronicles 28, King David explained the reason behind building the temple. God placed the desire in David’s heart to build a beautiful structure as a dwelling place for the Lord. This was a clear picture of “what” and “why.”
During a campaign, it is critical to devote much time to communicating the church’s vision and building the case for the funded project. Without this critical step, the campaign can easily become confusing and bogged down.
Campaigns create the opportunity to evaluate the church or ministry’s vision, providing answers to these vital questions:
- Is the vision clear? Do people know and understand it?
- Is the vision concise? (Not necessarily able to fit on a T-shirt but also not a novel.)
- Is the vision compelling? Does it cause your heart to beat just a little faster?
- Is the vision contextual? Is it specific to your ministry? Does it make sense?
- Is the vision catalytic? Does it invoke action?
These are questions pertinent to your vision at all times, not just in preparation for a capital campaign. But during a campaign, these questions provide an opportunity to sharpen the focus of where God is leading you.
A Focus on Stewardship
Second, campaigns afford the opportunity to focus on stewardship, a topic many shy away from. Our experience confirms Barna’s research that the number of individuals who give less than $500 annually to their church is growing. Moreover, the number of those giving nothing financially is increasing. Our experience also demonstrates that capital campaigns can be an on-ramp to ongoing stewardship and generosity. Through a campaign, ministries can develop discipleship approaches that help people move from non-giver, to regular giver, to obedient giver, and on to being a generous, love-made-me-do-it steward. It’s possible to transform a ministry, creating a culture of generosity.
Surprising Benefit
Many have discovered a surprising benefit from capital campaigns: Giving to the annual or general fund usually increases! The additional time spent on vision, biblical stewardship and a bold invitation certainly has an impact.
Looking back at 1 Chronicles, David concluded chapter 29 with a prayer: “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” What a wonderful conclusion to a vision-filled stewardship journey. Given these benefits, a capital campaign can still feel daunting. But … you don’t have to go it alone.
Advantages to Using a Consultant
There are numerous advantages to using a consultant to guide you through the process. A consultant has expertise and experience leading successful campaigns. Consultants have been through it before. They know and understand the key components that need to be in place. Consultants also know the some problems to avoid.
Finally, a consultant brings a tried and true plan to guide the entire campaign process and help you stay focused on that plan, establishing clearly defined checkpoints along the way. They monitor and motivate the campaign leadership team, helping them stay on track and on time. This accountability builds confidence in achieving the goal.
So don’t let the idea of a capital campaign intimidate you. With the right resources, the process can be smooth and the results can increase your efforts to reach people for Christ.
Questions about creating a Capital Campaign? Looking for help? Contact our team today!
