Amidst all the negativity that is out there about the decline of the church I want to say, “Yes you can raise money for buildings! If…” I read a lot on the state of the church and giving. It’s what I do. You read commentaries for sermons. I read giving statements, track trends and keep abreast of what is happening in the giving world. There is a creeping negative view that church members are tired of campaigns to build buildings. I want you to know that is not true. IF. That is the qualifying word to my statement. So yes you can raise money…
If you have a compelling vision. Dollars follow vision. If your vision of why you want to build that building is compelling people will rally to support it. Buildings don’t raise dollars, vision does. Help your members see the vision driving the building. Make the link between the building and how it will fulfill the churches overall vision.
We spend a great deal of time with our clients helping them craft a compelling vision. The more compelling the vision the more like you can raise the dollars to fund that vision.
If that vision makes sense. Donors want to know if your vision is viable or not. A pipe dream might inspire me but it won’t get my dollars if I doubt you can pull it off. Dream big but communicate that dream in a way that helps donors see how the dream can be achieved.
If you have a plan to get out the vote. As I write this we are one day away from the 2016 election and each campaign is trying to get the vote out. Your “vote” is the dollars people give to support your project. The vote to proceed with the project is not as crucial as the “vote” to fund your project. Do you have a plan of action that will give you the best opportunity for success?
One of the major reasons churches do not maximize their results in raising money is they attempt to do their campaign themselves. Studies show that churches who do campaigns themselves raise less than churches who use a partner to help them. When the stakes are so high do you really want to risk success all for the sake of saving money? Fees for campaign help are much less than you would think. We have plans and pricing for any church.
If you put in the work to communicate that message. This is key. The dollars will not magically appear. You have to work the plan. I tell pastors that they will live for the next two to three years on the results of the work they put in now. If the building truly is important to fulfilling your overall vision you will put in the work to make it happen.
If you keep casting the vision throughout the entire campaign. The biggest mistake churches make in capital campaigns is going silent on the campaign. The campaign is not over after the pledges come in. In fact it is just beginning. Keep the focus on the vision throughout and you will have a greater chance for success.
One key advantage we bring to the table is a committed follow up process throughout the entire length of your campaign. Our clients know how things are going and have a plan and partner working with them throughout the entire process. When was the last time you heard from your stewardship consultant? We stay with you till the end! As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over until it’s over!”
So, you can raise money for that building IF you follow the above advice. We are here to help you stay focused and on target. Call us today to get started working to see your next building be a success!
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach