Seasons, capital campaigns, stewardship and God's glory

“Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.”
Exodus 35:20-21 (ESV)

As the leaves depart from their trees, the Thanksgiving season is in the air at CIF, and we are reminded to count our blessings with those around us. This change of seasons and the coming of winter is a certainty for us, so we plan and dress accordingly.

The churches we serve are also making plans through their own seasons of ministry, looking at their spaces and how they can best serve the spiritual needs of their congregations.

When they have a building project or purchase in mind, their savings are typically a starting point. In addition to cash already on hand and earmarked for this project or purchase, they often consider a capital campaign to raise funds, a loan or some combination of the two.

The interest rate for the loan can be a factor. When rates are higher – capital campaigns become more appealing as a main source. When they are lower, some churches will borrow the money instead and then work with the congregation to pay back the loan more quickly than the loan’s term.

Both approaches are valid, as is a campaign combined with a church loan, but let me share some interesting things about capital campaigns.

Stewards among us

People want to be generous in what they consider to be their home church. We have found that there is a desire to support the work of Kingdom expansion. But are churches asking when there is a need?

Chapter 4 of the Book of James speaks to individuals making requests to God, not for selfish reasons but with His interest in mind, with godly intention and a Kingdom mindset.

What is true for individuals can also be true of groups of individuals who make up local churches, congregations formed around a specific mission and vision.

Asking, praying and God’s work

There are many churches that are hesitant to preach on the ever-important topic of generosity. They may shy away from discussions and sermons about financial stewardship.

There can be many reasons for this. Here are a few.

Leaders don’t want to be seen as self-serving. They may feel ill equipped to talk about money. There are people out there in the name of Christ who are taking advantage of others for money, and they don’t want to be seen or wrongly associated with such behavior.

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), which is an apt warning. Yet money is also a tool. Whether it provides for ministry functions, a building to meet in, support for missions or help for someone in need, God entrusts funds to people.

Churches need to talk about financial stewardship. They really do! It is necessary, biblical and healthy when the focus is correct- when it’s God-honoring.

God at the center, glorified, trusting Him

The heart attitudes of God’s people, their alignment with God’s plans and purposes, have an influence on their stewardship. Prayer places the reliance on God and His provision, not on people’s abilities.

There are times when a capital campaign produces more dollars than were anticipated. When we help with them, the church sets a realistic goal based on its annual budget and expected capacity. Then there’s the miracle goal that goes much higher and is, at least by earthly standards, less likely.

The Lord moves on people’s hearts

One case in point is our case study story this month. Emmaus Church was planning some building expansions and their capital campaign with CIF raised twice as many dollars as their initial $600,000 goal. They still have a chance of reaching their miracle goal, which is two and half times higher, or $1.5 million.

Communications went out. People prayed. They caught the vision and generous gifts started pouring in. God gets the glory!

Their goal was partially based on the church’s annual income, which is a key factor to help churches determine affordability for building-related costs. You may hear about affordability more in reference to church loans, but it also applies to campaigns.

We help churches to carefully consider between wants and needs and then make the case for their course of action. It’s not a matter of “keeping up with the Jones’s,” or what other churches have or offer. What is God calling this church to do and what is needed to accomplish that?

Building faithful stewards is a process

The principles of stewardship are biblical, so it’s normal for churches to address them from time to time. We can share ideas and encouragement. Shared commitment and sacrifice, or what we might call wide participation, is a healthy thing.

What’s true in the church sense is also true of us as individuals. We are stewards of our family and friends, caring and being cared for and thankful for them, especially in this Thanksgiving season.

We are here to serve, and are grateful to be in a position to do so. If your church has a question, is in the beginning stages of forming a building plan or you just need some feedback on the decisions in front of you – reach out to us, we are here to help!