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.
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.
Read more...As we move into the summer months and reflect on this past spring, I am reminded of how important it is for church leaders to engage their congregations in not only a focus on vital ministries, but also how to financially support those ministries.
The first quarter of 2011 has been an exciting time in stewardship. While there is still a significant concern over the US economy, a great number of capital campaigns continue for a variety of reasons, and with outstanding results. Many of these success stories have already been added to our website.
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.
At one time it may have seemed acceptable to build new facilities to be funded with future contributions. However, as we have experienced in all walks of life, the time for financial responsibility is now. The good news is that most church leaders and congregations understand how important it is to retire debt. The focus should not revolve around the cost of the mortgage or monthly payments to the bank. Rather, engaging the members of your church in thoughtful and prayerful discernment around the needed ministries which could be funded from the savings after retiring the debt must be the primary objective.
We continue to believe that the best approach in providing for a strong financial future of any church begins with engaging all members of the congregation. Without exception, the best method for funding the vital ministries of the church is to first create ownership and build enthusiasm. Once that has occurred, a personal and confidential approach in communicating the needs and asking for prayerful consideration of financial support must be administered.
Let's face it, the completion for dollars is growing keener by the day. Those churches becoming more aggressive in communicating annual as well as capital needs will do much better in the coming months and years.
Blessings,
Jim Klote
The number of congregations around the United States with significant debt is growing every day. To say it is reaching epidemic proportions is not an overstatement. Years ago, most prospective clients called regarding the need to raise funds for new construction, renovation and property acquisition. Today, most calls discuss the need to reduce debt. The reasons they are in debt are many. Some have used a line of credit to pay for deferred maintenance issues; some have construction loans; others purchased property for future expansion that is now on hold.
"What next" we question in frustration.
"What next" we cry out in anger.
"What next" we ask in anticipation..."What next?"
"What next" for Wall Street?
"What next" for Main Street?
"What next" for our sisters and brothers around the globe?
"What next" for me?
"What next" for my church?
Menlo Park, CA - "Bede's Greening" has been the theme of St. Bede's strategic plan process, which has led them into their recent capital campaign with James D. Klote & Associates. They have been focusing on stewardship and sustainability goals, for both planet and parish, for the last five years. This work has made them confident that what is best for the earth is also best for their faith community and every community. Furthermore, St. Bede's is committed to their witness as earth stewards, thinking globally and acting locally. Faith communities are logical places to proclaim the redemption of creation!
Read more...
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