PITFALL: “Campaigns are for the church. Of course they are biblically-based.” In listening to presentations from the companies, leaders become more interested in timing and technique than in where this experience will take the people spiritually.
SOLUTION: Saying a program is biblically-based is not enough. Ask what role the Scriptures play in the campaign. The campaign must be structured in such a way that God is acknowledged in every aspect. How does the program encourage giving? Specifically, what is the role of prayer in the campaign? What about the role of scripture? Do the techniques used in the campaign leave room for God to work through the hearts of the people, or are the techniques filled with manipulation and pressure?
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4. “WE CAN SAVE THAT MONEY!”
PITFALL: “We would be wiser to apply the money to building cost rather than paying for a consultant. If everyone would tithe we would not have a problem.”
SOLUTION: Pricing of a campaign varies from company to company. This is one of those places where “you get what you pay for.” Be careful, however, making sure to compare service for service. How many sessions will the consultant lead at your church? How accessible will he be to staff and lay leadership? What deliverables, such as printed communication pieces, web design and video services are included in the fee? Are there any add-on fees? Evaluate the payment schedule. Does the company offer interest free payments? What discounts are available? Leadership should have a clear understanding of exactly what they are buying.
5. “WE DID IT!” PITFALL: The key leadership, even staff, can feel a sense of relief when the intensive part of the campaign is finished and the commitments have been made. “We can relax now.” Life happens to people. Their circumstances change. Sometimes they simply do not follow through on their good intentions.
SOLUTION: It is one thing to get a commitment. It is an entirely different thing to receive the gift. Other than the spiritual emphasis of the campaign, follow-through is arguably the most important element. During the giving period there should be a two-fold plan. Continued encouragement of existing families to be faithful and focused involvement of new members must be well designed. The company should provide a detailed plan and continue to work with the church throughout the giving period. The work of the campaign leadership is not completed until the giving period has ended. The company you select should be there with you.
Getting answers to key questions will help your church avoid these and other pitfalls. Challenge your decision makers to pray, think and ask questions. Your campaign and your church will benefit from those efforts.
_____________________John D. Burke is Coordinator of LifeWay Capital Stewardship at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. You can contact him at jburke@lifeway.com.