As you begin your capital stewardship campaign, it is important to review some of the most important goals, objectives, and philosophies behind the process.  IOL will work with you to customize the campaign so that it connects with your specific congregation and donor base.

A Spiritual Purpose

The purpose of this campaign is to lead each individual and family to discover what God wants to do in and through them at Local Church over the next 3 years.

Our desire is that every person will sincerely pray, "Lord, what do you want to do in and through my life over the next 3 years at Local Church so that you may continue to expand your ministry into our community and the world."

It is our desire that every financial commitment be a direct spiritual response to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Our role as team members and leaders is to communicate the vision we believe God has given us and to allow His Spirit to speak to each individual heart.

A Scriptural Approach

The Local Church campaign will be based on the Scriptural approach, "Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." This approach is reflected in the Apostle Paul's comments to the Corinthian believers in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)

It is important to remember that no one can define what "sacrificial giving" represents to another person. A truly sacrificial gift is always defined by its value to the giver and must come from an act of faith in Christ who makes all gifts possible.

Campaign Theme

After much thought and prayer by the leadership and staff, the team will identify a central theme for the campaign.

This simple idea reflects the vision of the Local Church to make a critical turn toward the city or community by expanding or restructuring ministries to better reach the community for Christ. It also represents the need for each of us to make the critical decision to turn our hearts and lives toward Christ and offer ourselves as living sacrifices in His ministry to others.


Campaign Goals and Benefits
The ultimate financial goal of a Capital Stewardship Campaign is to raise a specific amount of money over a period of 3 years. The funds will be raised from church members, attendees, and outside sources.

A Formal Model

This campaign will follow a formal planning and developmental model for conducting capital stewardship campaigns in the local church. The model was developed by the Institute for Organizational Leadership and has proven successful in helping local churches and Christian ministries secure the funds needed to fulfill God's vision for their organizations.

It is important to remember that using a formal model to organize your efforts and involve your people does not rule out the work of the Holy Spirit. Success is totally dependent upon God's guidance and intervention, and the IOL model is simply a tool and resource that allows you to maximize your efforts toward that end.

A Church-Wide Effort

On average, only a small number of people take an active role in the leadership and management of most local churches. In this campaign, however, we want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to use their gifts and talents for Kingdom work.
Commitment generally comes from responsibility, and responsibility comes from active participation. The more people who take an active role in the campaign, the more new leaders and workers you will have in the years to come, since their participation sets the stage for future involvement.

A Focus on Spiritual Growth

Although a great deal of time and energy will be spent on reaching financial goals, the primary focus of this campaign is spiritual growth. The financial goals will certainly challenge us to believe God, but the victory will be reflected in our spiritual growth and maturity.

Believing God together for the financial resources requires a great deal of faith. But trusting God for personal finances as you participate in sacrificial giving also deepens our walk with Christ and strengthens our dependence on God at a completely new level.

A Model of Discipleship

The Bible has a great deal to say about money and how it should be managed. As a result, this campaign will provide a unique opportunity to teach and model Biblical financial principles for those inside and outside the church.

Sacrificial giving is a spiritual process that responds to the challenge of providing increased programs and ministries for the benefit of others. It is one of the keys to Christian discipleship, and participation in a capital stewardship campaign gives us a chance to live out our faith in tangible ways for others to follow as we follow Christ in personal obedience.

A Great Commission

The ultimate goal of any capital stewardship campaign is not more money. It is not more property, larger facilities, or even increased programming. The ultimate goal is to increase our ability to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person possible.

Knowing that our financial gifts are helping expand God's Kingdom is in essence a gift in itself. Giving others an opportunity to participate in this giving is also a way of involving them in Kingdom work and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

A Joyful Experience

As we begin this campaign, we rejoice in the fact that God wants to bless your church by providing the resources needed to reach your community for Jesus Christ. We also rejoice that He wants to stretch your faith and challenge you to believe Him at a higher level than ever before.

Capital stewardship campaigns are not easy. They do not just happen because you have a good plan or an experienced consultant. There will be ups and downs - lows and highs. Remember that the most important things in life are rarely easy and require personal commitment, dedication, and determination to trust God for the outcome. If you do that your joy will be full.