Nobody likes to talk about money. In fact, most people will go to great lengths to avoid talking about it. Churches are equally reticent to enter conversations about money and how it impacts the spiritual health of their congregations. But the fact of the matter is that financial resources are a critical component of the church’s ability to cast vision, gather people, and equip them to go out into their community and the world. Talking about money is healthy and does not need to be avoided. In my experience, there are several questions churches repeatedly ask:

Q. If we conduct a capital campaign, how much money can we raise?

A. The money you raise is dependent on the strength of the ministry vision, identification of lead donors and an effective campaign strategy. Many churches are pleased to discover they have a larger capacity than originally anticipated. Churches typically raise between 1.5 to three times their annual pledged income. Some raise considerably more.

Q. What if we don’t raise all we need?

A. The best consulting firms will help you determine an attainable goal for a capital stewardship campaign. Sometimes counsel will recommend that you phase a project in order to achieve several smaller successes.

Q. If we use counsel, do we owe a fee if we don’t meet our goal?

A. Firms should partner with you based on a flat fee, stated in advance, that is not dependent on the goal or amount raised. The goal of counsel is to make, monitor and recommend adjustments during the campaign in order to end in celebration, even if that includes a recommendation to phase the project.

Q. How do you determine the church’s campaign goal?

A. Churches typically raise between two to three times their annual pledged income. Counsel will study the potential to raise more or less, which is dependent on factors such as lead gifts, a strong ministry vision and the right leadership teams.

Q. If we don’t do a campaign, what are our options?

A. Outside of a campaign, capital needs must be funded out of the annual operating budget. Churches use loans and bonds to finance their capital needs. However, the fee for capital campaign counsel is often less than the closing costs of loans and bonds, and is usually several thousand dollars less than dollars paid in interest during the course of the loan.

Q. What is a safe debt service limit?

A. According to large church loan lenders, such as Bank of the West, no more than 20 percent to 30 percent of a church’s income should be allocated to service debt.

Q. Can we combine a capital campaign with the annual stewardship campaign?

A. Yes. In fact, annual stewardship campaigns often experience an increase in the annual pledged income as a result of the capital campaign effort. Engaging the congregation in a spiritual study of stewardship, either prior to or during a campaign, has proven to bring people closer to God and their church. Because of this, our company offers stewardship study materials for use in a small groups.

Q. What is your fee?

A. The fee for counsel is a flat fee stated in advance. Fees are generally contingent upon the size of the church and the scope of the project. The very best counsel will identify costs in full – no hidden costs or surprises. Fees generally include all training materials provided during the campaign and the travel expenses of the team serving you.

Q. Should a capital campaign be combined with borrowing?

A. Most large projects will require an overall financial strategy, including both capital funding and borrowing on some level. Financial institutions may be willing to make loans against the pledges of your capital campaign.

Doug Turner is the president of stewardship consulting organization, RSI. Turner spent 14 years as a senior pastor and led his congregation through transformation and expansion, including two successful capital stewardship programs. He joined RSI in 1991 and, as a consultant, led successful programs generating in excess of $430 million. He was the senior consultant for Willow Creek Community Church’s 2000 capital stewardship campaign. His personable style and unlimited energy are the trademarks of his leadership.