Develop Your Preliminary Plans

 

Step 5  For A Successful Church Capital Campaign

Laying the foundation for success begins once you have gathered your project planning committee and any needed experts, it’s time to focus on developing your preliminary plans. This phase is crucial, as it sets the stage for the rest of your campaign and ensures you’re on the right track toward meeting your church’s goals.

Five Steps to Building Your Preliminary Plans

 

1. Think Big, Be Bold

When developing your preliminary plans, don’t be afraid to think big. People are motivated by grand, visionary ideas that show a clear and compelling future. A minimalist or overly cautious vision might not stir the excitement and support you need. Aim to create a plan that reflects your church’s mission and needs in a meaningful, inspiring way.

2. Think Broadly & Inclusively

As you develop your plan, consider the broader impact of your campaign. How can your project benefit the greatest number of people? Whether it’s through expanding church facilities, improving services, or addressing lingering debt allowing for more mission and ministry, aim for a plan that serves the broader good. The more inclusive your vision, the more buy-in you’ll receive from those who will support and invest in your cause. Be mindful of how your project will impact different demographics, ensuring that your efforts resonate across your entire church.

3. Design For Your Needs, Not What You Think You Can Afford

When it comes to designing your project, focus on what your church truly needs rather than what you believe is immediately affordable. It can be tempting to limit the scope of your plans based on budgetary constraints, but this might result in missed opportunities. Start with your ideal vision and work backward to figure out how to make it happen. Remember, this phase is about building a plan that addresses the full extent of your needs. Don’t compromise your vision just because of perceived financial limitations—dream big, and you’ll be surprised at how much support you can rally around a compelling vision.

4. Keep Financing & Feasibility In Mind

While it’s essential to think boldly, it’s equally important to ground your plans in reality. Be clear about your church’s financial capabilities, both in terms of immediate giving and potential debt.

  • Church fundraising campaigns typically allow you to borrow and/or carry debt up to two-to-three times your ordinary income without compromising ongoing programs.
  • For projects focused on tangible assets (such as construction or remodeling), you can usually raise up to our-times your annual giving.
  • For intangible projects (such as debt reduction or endowment building), you can raise about two-times your annual giving.

With this knowledge, you can balance the visionary elements of your plan with a realistic understanding of what your congregation can potentially contribute. If your project exceeds your initial financial expectations, be open to phasing the project, either physically or financially, over multiple stages. This phased approach allows you to move forward even if the total project scope needs adjustment based on fundraising progress.

5. Be Ready to Compromise on Details, Not the Big Picture

While the specifics of your project may evolve as you refine your plan, never lose sight of the overall goals. The vision should remain steadfast—compromise on the details where necessary, but not on the ultimate fulfillment of your church’s needs. The path you take may change, but the destination should remain constant. This means being flexible with the timeline, scope, and financial aspects of the project, but ensuring that your campaign remains true to its overarching mission.

Developing preliminary plans is a balancing act between big ideas and financial feasibility. With careful consideration and a commitment to both visionary and realistic thinking, you’ll lay a strong foundation for your church’s successful campaign. Keep refining and adjusting, but always stay focused on the ultimate goal: creating a lasting impact on your church and community.

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