Will Mancini posted a blog entitled, “4 Things Pastors Want in a Capital Campaign Consultant,” on January 11th.  Several people sent me the link to the post.  You can find that post here http://www.willmancini.com/2013/01/4-things-pastors-want-in-a-capital-campaign-consultant.html  It was a good post and I don’t disagree with what he wrote.  I commented on his site by saying…

“Frankly our industry for years did a disservice to churches in the way we delivered, or did not deliver, or services. Is it appropriate to say I am sorry on behalf of all those that fleeced the church? I fear too many companies in the desire for profit forgot about the ministry side of what they were doing. I will say that I am seeing a drastic change among the companies with a much more focused approach to helping churches.”

I then said…

“Finally, let me say that I think there is some fault on both sides of this issue. It would be interesting to have a post entitled, “4 Things Your Consultant Wants in a Pastor.” In fact you just gave me a blog idea…”

So, here goes.  When I partner with a pastor here are four things that I want.  I want him to be…

1.  Engaged.  In my book, “The Top Ten Stewardship Mistakes Churches Make,” I put that the number one mistake is the disconnected pastor.  I wrote, “In my fourteen years in the stewardship ministry I have found without exception that the lack of pastoral involvement in stewardship is the number one reason churches are failing to realize their potential in giving.  Few pastors take an interest in stewardship.  When they do give any time to stewardship it is often begrudgingly.”  Pastor you are the number one fundraiser in your church.  If you are not engaged fully in the campaign it will fail!

2.  Enthusiastic.  I often ask pastors if this is a vision that is burning in their hearts.  Is this a God idea or just a good idea?  If you are not passionate about the vision of the project your leaders and congregation will not be passionate about it either.  Without enthusiasm from the pastor people will not sacrificially give to a campaign.  If it does not excite you it will not excite them.

3.  Energetic.  I was a pastor for twenty years so please understand that I am FOR pastors.  However I must say that I am shocked by how lazy many pastors are.  Simply because you are in the office does not mean you are working hard.  Raising funds takes effort.  If you cannot find the time to put into the process then don’t be surprised if the results are poor.  You don’t have to be a workaholic but you do have to work!  Great campaigns are the result of hard work on the part of a pastor.

4.  Teachable.  Hopefully you hire a consultant because you feel he can help you in an area of your weakness.  The best pastors to work with are those that are ready to listen, learn and act upon what you the consultant have to say.  You don’t have to blindly follow everything your consultant says but if you don’t value his advice then why did you hire him?  Good consultants enhance your abilities and make you better.  Are you a teachable pastor or a know it all?

While there might be other things that I would like in a pastor that I partner with those are four of the most important.  These four traits will not necessarily ensure that you will raise maximum dollars but it will give you a better chance.  Do you have these four traits?  If so I would love to partner with you!

Mark Brooks

Founder and President

The Charis Group and Charis Giving Solutions

PS.  You can get a free copy of my book, “The Top Ten Stewardship Mistakes Churches Make,” here http://thecharisgroup.net/top-ten-mistakes/

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