In Involve the Entire Family in Church Campaigns:
A Family Conference Guide

By Tracy S. Ebarb, Vice President
Dallas

Everyone -- at least everyone in Texas -- has heard the expression: “This is not my first rodeo.” We say that when something comes along that we’ve been involved with before, something that we know a little about.

Many of us who work in development for nonprofits are also involved in work at our local Church or Synagogue. Invariably, these Churches and Synagogues that we support find themselves involved in capital fundraising campaigns. Our first thought is often, “Hey, I know this stuff! No problem!” However, the decision-making process for financial support in a Church Campaign is a little different than what we’re used to in the nonprofit sector.

At best, it should involve the entire family, and should be a “spiritual” decision--not just a financial one. Here is a simple guide to involving everyone in the household in the “giving” decision for a Church Capital Stewardship Campaign:

Family Conference Guide

Instructions: Please set aside about one-half hour during the next week to allow your family to dialogue together about your Church’s Capital Campaign. You may follow this simple outline, or create one of your own. The important thing is for your decision on how much to give to be a choice made by your entire family. God bless you as you talk and pray together.

Step 1: Spend a few minutes allowing each family member to list the activities that he/she is involved in at your Church.

Step 2: Allow each family member to say a prayer of Thanksgiving for the ministries of your Church.

Step 3: Ask if anyone has any questions about why the Church is asking families to make a pledge toward the Capital Campaign.

Step 4: Allow everyone in the family to look over the Levels of Giving provided by the Campaign Team.

Step 5: Ask each family member to think to themselves of an amount they would like for the family to contribute. Then share with each other why they would like to give that amount.

Step 6: Commit as a family to pray, asking Spirit/God’s guidance in determining just what the appropriate gift should be. Remember: Every gift is significant, and everyone is important in this faith venture.

Step 7: Make plans for the whole family to be in attendance on Celebration Sunday to turn in the pledge card.

Remember, a pledge to a Church’s Capital Campaign is a commitment to support the project financially and with our time and talents. The old adage “Time – Talent – Treasure” is not a multiple choice question! Regardless of the level of financial commitment, your gift in your Church’s Capital Campaign is extremely important! In this “rodeo,” participation is the key: Everyone who plays, wins.

Tracy Ebarb is an ordained minister and leads many Jeffrey Byrne & Associates, Inc. faith-based campaigns. Learn more about Tracy, click here.