Could a Capital Campaign Be Right For Your Church?

A new study shows that one in four congregations has conducted a capital campaign in the past year.

Researchers with Indiana University and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving shared a sneak peek of the results of the National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices at a recent conference attended by Deborah Rexrode, associate for stewardship with Presbytery of the James.

The study indicates churches feel able to sustain the stress and impact of capital improvements and capital fundraising. Churches often postpone and delay these kinds of projects because they take lots of energy and resources from the pastor, staff, session, and congregation.

Seven congregations in Presbytery of the James have recently concluded or are in the process of conducting capital campaigns. The smallest has a membership of just 60, while the largest has more than 1,000 members.

The projects funded by these campaigns vary, from establishing a legacy fund to renovations to debt reduction. Many of the projects involved deferred maintenance, updating dated parts of facilities such as mechanical systems and restrooms – not always the most motivating kind of project for congregations. While we all benefit from those, they are less exciting than a new sanctuary or fellowship hall.

Over the coming weeks, Presbytery of the James will share the stories of these seven churches. We hope they inspire your church to undertake a capital campaign to fund needed initiatives.