Yesterday I had the privilege of seeing the movie Dolphin Tale with my family. To read my review, click here. One of the film’s most important aspects was Dr. Clay Haskett’s, played by Harry Connick Jr., continual pursuit of the financial resources needed to keep his aquatic hospital operative.
As I watched the story unfold, I realized it contained eight “must have’s” for churches needing to raise significant capital. Here are the key learnings:
- You Must Have A Compelling Need – In the movie, the aquarium was raising funds for the purpose of staying open and allowing an injured dolphin named Winter to receive a prosthetic tale. Whether it’s raising funds for a new building, debt retirement, multi-site, or ministry expansion, churches must be able to communicate a compelling need for resources to be released.
- You Must Have A Primary Vision Carrier – A primary vision carrier is the one who is most passionate about the project. This is a person who if you cut them, they will bleed the need. In the movie, the primary vision carrier was a young boy named Sawyer. At a church, the primary vision carrier needs to be the pastor.
- You Must Have A Supportive Board – During the movie, the aquarium’s Board of Directors continually wanted to sell the property. Churches need leaders who do not want to take the path of least resistance and “sell” out.Â
- Ask Others To Get Involved - Kyle Connellan, an injured Iraqi veteran in the film, multiplied the campaign’s message by asking a news anchor friend to report Winter’s story. During a capital campaign, leaders have a responsibility to multiply the pastor and campaign’s message. For more on the role of leaders during a capital campaign, click here.
- You Must Meet One-On-One With Financial Leaders – Dr. Cameron McCarthy, played by the incredible Morgan Freeman, could not build the prosthetic device by himself. Therefore, he made a personal request of another medical professional to get involved. During a capital campaign, financial leaders will have a unique set of questions. Therefore, they must be engaged peronally and on an individual basis.
- You Must Utilize Technology – In an effort to better communicate Winter’s needs, the staff setup a webcam where people could watch her on a continual basis. Effective church leaders utilize Facebook, Twitter, and other technologies to continually engage multiple generations.
- You Must Serve Children – An investor who had purchased the property brought his grandchildren to the first public appearance of Winter and her new prosthetic tale. Of course, they loved the facility and the dolphin. No matter who you are, we all have a soft spot in our heart for children. In today’s world of limited resources, I would ensure that any generosity effort includes a significant impact on the lives of children so maximum participation could take place.
- You Must Have A Leader People Trust - Rather than turn the aquarium into hotels, the property’s new owner said to Dr. Haskett, “I’m going to keep this open as long as you run it.” People give to leaders they trust and who will complete the project. Pastors, you must communicate how much the campaign means to you personally, how it excites you, how it burns in your heart, and that you will stay to see the project completed.
 A Compelling Need, A Primary Vision Carrier, A Supportive Board, The Involvement Of Others, Prioritizing Financial Leaders, Utilizing Technology, Serving Children, and Having Trusted Leaders. If you have these eight characteristics in your campaign, you are positioned to raise significant financial resources.
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