There are 6 keys to a successful spring capital campaign that is launch after the New Year! It is the first of the year and churches are calling and asking, “Do we still have time to do a spring capital campaign?” The answer is it depends. There is not one size fits all answer as each situation is different just as each church is different. However pulling from my twenty years of experience working with hundreds of churches I have six keys that I look for in whether a church is ready for a quick campaign.
A campaign can be held quickly…
When need trumps timing. Let’s say the bank will not talk loans with you until you are in a capital campaign. That need trumps any other timing. You need a campaign set up and run quickly.
When the project is simple. Let’s say you need to raise funds solely for debt reduction. That is easy for donor’s to understand and questions are few. The more complex the project however the more time you will need to answer donor’s questions and concerns.
When leaders are already on board. As much as 90% of what will be committed will come from your top donors and leaders. Are they already on board with what you are proposing to raise funds for? The more informed they are the more likely they will be to make a commitment.
When it is platform driven not team driven. A traditional 1980 style campaign driven by multiple teams takes time. Campaigns that are run primarily with platform communication, leadership focus worked through existing small groups or Sunday School classes can be done quickly and effectively.
When the church calendar is uncluttered and clear. Don’t leave for a trip to the Holy Land during your campaign. Also, if you have a major church event that consumes your member’s time it will cloud their ability to process campaign communication.
If you are willing to invest the time and effort! First, the Senior Pastor has to give the campaign the time it needs. You can’t mail this one in. It will require a lot of work and you just don’t have time to goof off or miss any deadlines.
So there is my answer to the question. There are times when you just have to get after it. This might be that time. We have successfully held many campaigns at the last minute but the more time you give the process the better the result.
Let me give you one final additional key, you need to start NOW! Every day you delay threatens your ability to hold a campaign. Pushing back your campaign in many instances simply means you lose significant dollars. Your members will spend that money somewhere. Why not cast a compelling vision that captures their hearts and their dollars!
So, time is wasting, call us today and we can get you started!
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach
