Build A Strong Project Planning Team

Step 2 – For A Successful Church Capital Campaign

After identifying your church’s major financial needs, the next essential step in launching a successful capital campaign is to form a sound and well-rounded project planning committee. This is vital to a campaign’s success because…

• This committee will be responsible for taking your identified needs and transforming them into actionable plans.
• The individual committee members will guide the project, provide leadership, and ensure the campaign’s success.
• The team will ensure that your church’s campaign remains organized, well-funded, and aligned with your mission.

A strong church capital campaign team brings a variety of perspectives, expertise, and experience to the table, which can help your church navigate any challenges that arise during the campaign.

By putting the right people in the right positions, you can ensure your church’s capital campaign is structured for success.

Who Should Be On Your Planning Team?

To create an effective project planning committee, you’ll need to gather people with a diverse skill set who will offer both spiritual and practical support. The core members of your team should include the following church leadership and experts.

The Church’s Lead Pastor

The spiritual leader of the church plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the capital campaign aligns with the church’s mission and vision. The lead pastor will also be instrumental in providing encouragement, inspiration, and leadership to the congregation throughout
the campaign. The pastor’s presence on the committee brings credibility and spiritual guidance to the process.

The Church’s Business Administrator

The business administrator is essential for providing financial oversight and ensuring the campaign remains within budget. They will be responsible for managing financial resources, creating budget projections, and guiding fundraising strategies. Their experience in budgeting and financial planning will help keep the project on track and ensure the campaign is financially viable.

Key Staff Members & Volunteers From Affected Areas

If certain ministries, services, or facilities are directly impacted by the project, include the staff and volunteers who oversee those areas on the committee. For instance, if the campaign involves upgrading the church’s kitchen, involving the kitchen staff will provide valuable insights into specific needs, like equipment or space planning. These team members will also serve as advocates for their departments and provide important input into the decisionmaking process.

Church Leadership Group Representatives

The leadership group, such as board members or elders, should be represented on the planning team. These individuals ensure that the project aligns with broader church goals and long-term strategic plans. They also bring accountability and decision-making authority to the table, helping guide the campaign’s overall direction.

Generous Current & Prospective Donors

Including key donors, both existing and potential, on your planning team helps build trust and investment in the campaign. Donors bring practical fundraising experience and help ensure that your campaign has strong financial support. They can also offer advice on how to approach other potential donors and help shape your overall fundraising strategy.

 

Expanding the Team with Subcommittees

As your campaign grows in complexity, you may need to form subcommittees to tackle specific aspects of the project. These groups should consist of individuals who are knowledgeable in the area they’re working on, whether they are staff members, volunteers, or outside experts. Here are some subcommittee examples.

Facilities & Building Subcommittee

For any renovations or building projects, include construction experts, architects, and facilities managers. These individuals will ensure the project meets all practical, legal, and design requirements.

Ministry Development Subcommittee

If your project involves creating or expanding a ministry, include ministry leaders and volunteers who can help determine the needs of that specific ministry. They will provide insight into how the project will impact the church’s outreach, spiritual formation, or community service programs.

Financial Planning Subcommittee

A team focused on fundraising strategy, grant applications, and donor management can make a huge impact on the financial
success of the campaign. This subcommittee can guide the planning of events, outreach strategies, and donor engagement efforts.
By breaking the project into specific areas and assigning individuals who have expertise in those areas, your church will be better
equipped to tackle the campaign’s challenges and achieve your goals.

Why a Strong Planning Team Matters

The success of a church capital campaign hinges on having a strong, diverse team. Without clear leadership, accountability, and shared goals, a campaign can easily go off course. Forming a planning committee that brings together leaders, financial experts, and those directly impacted by the project creates a comprehensive and effective approach to both fundraising and project implementation.

As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Your planning team ensures that your church’s vision remains focused and actionable, and they’ll help guide your church to successfully fulfill its mission through this campaign.

Download Today  Step 2 – For A Successful Church Capital Campaign, Build a Strong Project Planning Team