Healthy vs. Wealthy: Part One – The Right Focus
If I were to ask you “What are most church capital campaigns missing?” the answers would be diverse. But I believe, regrettably, too often money or the necessary funding would be the main focus and make up the majority of responses. Yet, church leadership must be careful when considering only the monetary needs when entering into such an important season for their church. In order to move past the shortsightedness of monetary fulfillment I would suggest a deeper question. The question that must be asked is “What can be gained from planning your next campaign well?” There is much to be gained from a campaign conducted with the right priorities and focus.
Often, the stigma of a poorly ran church capital campaign overshadows what should be a spiritual process. A properly conducted campaign must reach a much deeper spiritual depth than merely a financial transaction. Church leadership has the potential to take this golden opportunity to teach, engage, challenge, disciple and communicate to their people the foundational elements of faithful stewardship. Approaching your church capital campaign as a growth opportunity should change most of the congregation’s negative preconceived notions and hesitations. Make the most of this opportunity by giving your people the chance to learn, grow, share, become involved and be challenged in a way they may have never been before. Many areas are never considered in a typical church capital campaign because the focus gets stuck on the wrong emphasis: money.
Here are key non-monetary goals that every church should aim for:
#1 This is a teaching opportunity.
There are a number of misconceptions about money and the faithful stewardship of that money in the church today. Some of these misconceptions are born out of ignorance and some come from improper Biblical teaching. Therefore, the opportunity to educate EVERYONE in your church about Biblical stewardship is as important as it is imperative. Often new believers require guidance to properly understand the difference between tithing and sacrificial giving. Helping new believers to see tithing is about consistent obedience and generosity is a response to how God has blessed you. We have been fortunate enough to witness the power of when someone comes to the understanding that giving is truly an act of worship. Occasionally, God will call His people to a time of over and above sacrifice for His Glory and for His Kingdom purpose. This should be the Biblical foundation of all church capital campaigns. In addition, this is a chance to teach these timeless principles to ALL AGES. This means not only your adults but your children and teens. Ponder for a moment how many adults in church may need to come to the understanding and blessing of sacrificial giving.
#2 This is a tremendous opportunity for open, honest dialogue from church leadership.
Churches are craving this from their leadership and leaders are craving for their congregation. The church capital campaign should allow your people to hear and connect to the Pastor’s heart for the church. Sharing the long-term church vision and the short-term plans to achieve that vision (which may include the current project attached to your capital campaign) allow you to have an honest dialogue built on trust and love. There is so much goodwill and unity to be achieved with the open and correctly executed communication.
There are more reasons to come in part two and three of our series. Be sure to keep an eye out for our next blog in two weeks.
