If your church needs to raise significant capital, I have developed a theory on what is needed for givers to mature, develop and fully participate in your initiatives. I refer to this growth curve as moving givers from Stability To Surrender To Sacrifice. Here is what I have witnessed over the last decade:
- The first time a person gives to a local church is a spiritual decision, not a financial one.
- During a capital campaign, there is a HUGE difference between participating in a campaign and getting ready to partipcate in a campaign.
- Stewardship education should not be a stand-alone class but rather integrated into comprehensive strategy to create a culture of generosity and sacrifice.
When conducting a capital campaign, many Christians may be excited about the church’s vision. They may be attached to the project and the life change that will flow from new facilities and expanded ministry from debt retirement. The problem is their lives may be so upside-down financially that they cannot help even though they may want to.
This is particularly true for churches that are reaching young families. Many young families come into churches with credit card debt, a house note that stretches them, and two car payments. Often, the ministry need can outpace your ministry resources.Â
Regardless of their age, many families in this economy need help with their budgeting, knowing how to get out of debt, how to stay out of debt, and developing savings, spending, and retirement plans. It is the responsibility of Christian leaders to meet this need early in the campaign process. This demonstrates that when you discuss the issue of money, it is something you want FOR your people, not FROM them.Â
The best budgeting and stewardship education plan available to church leaders currently is Joseph Sangl and I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. Amongst other benefits, it is delivered on-site, offers a website with over 75 FREE financial tools, a student track, and a 6 (not 13) week small group curriculum. And did I say it was delivered on-site and not via video. You can click the links or here for more information.
Once Christians have developed Stability, they can begin giving on a regular basis which a call Surrender. This deepens a person’s behavior and trust in Christ as they watch Him win with their finances.
After a person Surrenders, then they can move to Sacrifice which is the capital campaign.Â
The biggest mistake I see many pastors and church leaders make in this area is they leapfrog their people straight to Sacrifice. With this approach comes the problem of low participation because many in your church simply cannot participate in your campaigns even though they may want to.Â
Pastors and church leaders, if you need to raise significant capital in 2012, please take advantage of the first half of the year to get your people READY for your campaign. You will see increased participation. And with increased participation comes increased financial results.
At INJOY Stewardship Solutions, we help churches every day take people from Stability to Surrender to Sacrifice. If you would like us to help you in this area, please send me a note or click here.
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