One of the most oft asked questions about capital campaigns is, “how much time does it take?”  The answer is, it depends.  However here is a principle to apply… The longer time you give to your campaign the greater the likelihood of success! I typically answer... Read More

Before you chose your next partner for your capital campaign let me share with you why we charge less than our competitors.  Last week one of my clients sheepishly told me that my fee was more than 50% lower than the other companies they interviewed.  I was not surprised by that.... Read More

“Tell me what you don’t like about capital campaigns and I might agree with you!”  That is what I told a lay leader this past week.  She preceded to tell me that in the churches last capital campaign the deacons of the church knocked on the doors of members... Read More

Few pastors know how to preach a capital campaign series.  Failing here is where many a capital campaign is derailed.  For any church the most powerful tool for communicating the need and message of a capital campaign is the platform or pulpit.  Yet if you don’t use this... Read More

Do you know what the chicken or the egg question for capital campaigns is?  You remember the old quip, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”   While it might be a silly question none the less we often wonder what should come first in planning.  The chicken or... Read More

On October 1st I will start my 19th year working in the stewardship industry and I want to share with you what I have learned from 18 years.  These are just some of the many observations I have made working with a wide variety of churches from the largest to the small.  Here are... Read More

One of the keys towards increasing the amount a church can raise in a capital campaign is earning the right to make the “ask.”  My old boss John Maxwell wrote Law #10, Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.  That is good advice especially as it pertains to... Read More

In your next capital campaign you need to understand that half of the half will give half.  If you cannot connect to this half then your campaign will raise significantly less than you hope for.  So, let’s get you connected to your half! First, let me define what I mean... Read More

Do you know the 5 keys to a successful campaign?  Not all capital campaigns are alike because not all churches are alike.  At the same time not all that a church is attempting to raise money for is the same.  Some projects are easier to rally people to support than others.  First... Read More

I am in my 18th year of working in the stewardship field and one thing I have learned is that successful capital campaigns start with a feasibility study!  Few in my industry really do this in part because it takes time, skill and effort.  Without a well put together plan for a... Read More