A recent study of over 1,000 churches across the United States who had recently completed capital campaigns revealed that seemingly subtle differences in the ways various churches approached their campaigns yielded startling and significantly different campaign results. The study was conducted in June-July 2010 by Volkart May & Associates, a Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota based marketing and market research firm.
A Capital Campaign Kick-off Event offers the first, and best, opportunity the campaign will have to engage the majority of donors that make up a typical congregation. Leaders and early adopters will have already made their pledge by the time of the Kick-off providing a solid base of support and as much as 50% of the total that will be raised. But what about the large numbers of donors that will follow? Can a Kickoff event really help engage these donors in a meaningful way? The answer is most certainly “yes” provided that two important features are put in place.
Israeli archaeologists have uncovered an ancient church building they believe may mark the burial site of the Hebrew prophet Zechariah.
The remains of the 1,500-year-old church is located in the Judean Hills, about 20 miles from Jerusalem. Archaeologists discovered it after Palestinian looters, searching for treasures to sell, damaged the surface of the site.
Poughkeepsie, NY—More than 2,000 enthusiastic worshipers filled the Mid-Hudson Civic Center to near capacity on January 22, 2012. Rather than meeting for a wrestling match, concert, or hockey game, the crowd of young families, West Point cadets, and grandparents gathered for “One Big Worship Event”—a Sunday morning church service. Sounds of praise, worship and jubilant cheers could be heard throughout the lunch hour while Grace Community Church, of Washingtonville, gathered as one combined church family on this snowy Sunday to celebrate the launching of their “Be His Story” vision campaign.
2011 was a banner year for church capital campaigns. Even though many clergy and lay leaders are concerned with a questionable economic outlook, churches across the country from a variety of denominations, have continued with campaign efforts to fund vital ministries, renovate aging buildings, retire debt and create or add to endowment funds.
There are many reasons for this great success our clients enjoy. First and foremost is the method in which a congregation is engaged in the fundraising effort. The most successful approach remains the full-time and on-site direction of campaigns. An every member, person-to-person approach will allow the greatest opportunity to maximize potential. Further, a confidential visit followed by prayerful consideration gives the donor the ability to be as generous as they choose.
Admittedly, there is much greater competition for charitable dollars than there ever has been. While campaign efforts for new construction and renovation are still being conducted, we are directing far more debt related efforts out of necessity. In many cases, the necessity is due to the fear of reducing church staff and annual ministries.
However, the method in which a campaign “goes public” is equally important. The Campaign Kick-off Event is usually the most inspiring, spiritual and educational opportunity the church has with its members.
Therefore, this edition of Perspectives is dedicated to the Campaign Kick-off Event. Whatever the need of the church, or the case for support, it is crucial that the entire congregation is engaged in the official beginning of the campaign. This includes, introductions of campaign leaders, spiritual testimonials, entertainment, and last but not least….an announcement of total pledges raised from church leaders. This edition of our newsletter covers the how, when, where and why of a Campaign Kick-off Event.
Please enjoy the following articles and let us know if you have questions, comments or a need for services such as ours. As always, we are grateful to our clients and friends for giving us this incredible opportunity to serve.
Blessings,
Jim Klote
The timing and location for a church campaign kick-off event are important. The timing, usually one-third of the time into a campaign is something that should not be changed. This is the way all campaigns should “go public” with the project and announcement of objectives.
The location of a church campaign kick-off event will vary. It must depend on the personality of the congregation. Many church leaders are reluctant to have an event which even looks as though too much money is being spent. These events are usually catered sit-down meals.
The purpose of the Kick-off Event is to educate and inspire all members of the congregation. Often, a campaign Kick-off Event is the only time the entire congregation gets together for one individual event and may be one of the most exciting times in the history of the church.
A church that desires a successful Campaign Kick-off Event will do everything in its power to get the greatest number of members to attend. Printed invitations should be mailed to each church family with an RSVP card included.
The Capital Campaign Kick-off Event is one of the most important components of the campaign. It is this event that educates, inspires, and motivates members of the congregation to become involved, take ownership and make an investment in the future of the church.
There are three objectives to the Kick-off Event. The first is to educate the members about the Feasibility Study and what was decided regarding the needs and the proposed solutions. To do this, it is important to provide a clear Case Statement, developed from the results of the Feasibility Study and delivered by the Campaign Chair.
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