In 1999, when I served on the pastoral team of Clear Creek Community Church, we engaged a well-know campaign consultant. The experience was mediocre at best.  It felt slick and tacked-on. I never sensed that he cared too much about our church. In the end we decided as a team that we wouldn't do it again.

It was a beautiful opportunity to learn what not to do as a church consultant.

When it comes to campaign consulting, I have found that I’m not alone. In fact I have been having increased conversation recently with people in the industry and pastors who have had good and bad experiences. It seems there are four primary reasons that pastors aren't so crazy about calling someone to help with their capital campaigns:



  • The cost seems high for what you get

  • What you get reflects common industry knowledge

  • The campaign program isn't adaptable to the leadership culture

  • The campaign program isn't genuinely spiritual



If you turn these negatives around and look at it from the positive perspective, it seems that what matters most to pastors is a consultant who…



  2. Brings unmistakable value (not overpriced)

  3. Through real thought leadership (not common knowledge)

  4. With a seamless, culture-savvy experience (not tack-on)

  5. That provides rooted and relevant discipleship (not hard sell)



Here is where I would appreciate your help:



  • Are these the things you are looking for?

  • What would you add to the list?

  • Do you see yourself inviting a capital campaign consultant to the table in the future, or have you written off the industry?



Thank you for your thoughts.
Topics: Date: Jan 11, 2013 Tags: capital campaigns / fundraising

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