Pastor Ben had a vision. His church was growing, and it was clear that they needed a larger building to accommodate the new members. But to achieve this, Faith Bible Church needed to launch a church capital campaign to raise the necessary funds. Though Pastor Ben was committed to leading the campaign, he felt unsure about the best approach. As he reflected, his mind wandered back to his recent journey to get fit, and he realized the parallels between fitness and running a successful church capital campaign.
Pastor Ben’s fitness journey had three distinct phases, each with a unique approach—just like the options available for leading a church capital campaign. Let’s explore how these experiences lined up with his choices for the campaign:
Approach 1: No Professional Program—The DIY Approach Without a Plan
Pastor Ben’s first attempt at fitness started with a gym membership. He was enthusiastic at the beginning—showing up regularly, hopping on the treadmill, and trying out different weight machines. But after a few weeks, his lack of structure left him feeling lost. Without a specific workout plan or clear direction, his visits became less frequent, and soon he stopped going altogether. He wasn’t seeing results, and he lacked the motivation to continue.
Similarly, Pastor Ben thought about what would happen if he approached the church capital campaign with no professional plan. Sure, he and his team could get started and try to raise funds, but without a well-organized strategy, they could quickly lose momentum, just like his early gym experience. Running a church capital campaign without guidance could lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and an unengaged congregation.
Approach 2: The DIY Capital Campaign with a Professional Program
Determined to improve his fitness, Pastor Ben later purchased a workout program online. It provided clear instructions for each exercise, with weekly plans that laid out exactly what he needed to do. By following this DIY plan, he started seeing progress. However, there were times when he wasn’t sure if he was doing the exercises correctly, and he didn’t have anyone to answer his questions when he hit plateaus.
When considering the church capital campaign, Pastor Ben recognized that using a DIY program with professional guidance would offer more structure than going it alone. A professional program would give his team a clear roadmap with step-by-step instructions on setting goals, engaging the congregation, and managing the fundraising process. While it would save on costs, they’d still have to implement the plan on their own, which meant they’d be responsible for making adjustments and staying on track.
Approach 3: Hiring a Church Capital Campaign Consultant—Personal Trainer Approach.
Later, Pastor Ben decided to take his fitness efforts to the next level by hiring a personal trainer. The trainer didn’t just give him a workout plan—he was there every step of the way, correcting Ben’s form, keeping him motivated, and adjusting the plan to meet his needs. The personalized support made all the difference, and soon, Pastor Ben was in the best shape of his life.
Pastor Ben realized that hiring a church capital campaign consultant would be the equivalent of having a personal trainer for the campaign. A consultant would bring years of experience, hands-on guidance, and a customized approach that fit the church’s unique goals and challenges. While it required a larger investment, the expertise and accountability a consultant provided would dramatically increase the campaign’s chances of success.
The Lesson for Churches: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Church Capital Campaign
Pastor Ben’s fitness journey mirrored his options for leading a church capital campaign. With no plan, his fitness efforts had fizzled out—just like a campaign without direction could fail to meet its goals. With a DIY approach using a professional program, he saw some success but lacked the personalized guidance needed for maximum results. And with a personal trainer, he achieved the greatest success, just as a church capital campaign consultant would help ensure the church raised the funds it needed.
When planning a church capital campaign, choosing the right approach is crucial. A DIY campaign without a professional plan historically leads to raising only about 1 times annual giving—half of what is usually raised with a professional campaign.
So, whether you opt for a DIY or consultant-led campaign, your best option is to take advantage of a professional program. Which you choose depends on your church's specific needs, resources, and leadership team.
Need a Biblical Church Capital Campaign? Rod and Stephen at Abundant Giving would love to work with you! DIY campaigns also available.
Dr. Rod and Stephen Rogers