Unity in Fund Raising

1 Corinthians 12:12-13: "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..."

1 Corinthians 12:25 "...so that there should be no division in the body…”

If you have been involved in a capital campaign or any significant fundraising effort, you’ll notice the “donor by gift level” approach. That is, depending on the level of gift a person (s) can potentially give the “ask” is timed and made. Most often they’ll be a “silent” part at the beginning of a campaign and then a “public” part. The silent part is geared toward the large donor and the public part geared towards everyone else. The way these “parts” are determine is by a “feasibility” study that includes a “wealth” management view of people’s giving.

While the above method has proven to be a fine approach to fundraising, I’m not sure of it’s moral or spiritual implications for the body of Christ in a local church. For a para-church organization or Christian school where the body of Christ doesn’t necessarily worship as one, it’s fine. However, for a body of believers in a local church, I believe there should be a solution more in harmony with the Biblical principle of unity of the body.

Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons”

Romans 2:11 "For there is no respect of persons with God" (KJV) or "For God does not show favoritism"

Matthew chapter six shares to “seek ye first the kingdom  of God and His righteousness”. After that is done, the next thing we seek is “unity in the body”, do we not? We see the body as one. We desire the “whole body be fitly joined together”. So why would we approach fundraising in a manner not befitting this thought? Why would we attempt to separate out certain groups of people?

When considering a capital campaign for a local body of believers I believe we should start from the “body as one” perspective. This way the communication and messaging strategy is heard and received by all at the same time and in the same manner. Over the course of the campaign, which is anywhere from 6-10 months depending on congregation size, all are walking  through the process together. There would be no “parts or stages” and all would make commitments as one body.

It is important that a multi-dimensional delivery system is provided so a thorough understanding can be obtained of the vision and purpose behind the funds needed. This can be accomplished in multiple ways over time and with different groups of people. The provision for various giving methods is also important to consider. Capital campaigns tend to see cash gifts as the most viable option to complete the project. However, gifts of stock, land, DAF’s, and a multitude of other options are available in today’s world.

One of the most critical aspects of any campaign is prayer. This too can be done in a way where the “whole body” comes together. Sure, it also should be an individual effort and in small group meetings. If we segment out various groups for multi-level asks, we could lose the sense of unity as some have already given or committed to give.

The focal point or apex of any campaign is “the ask”. This can be a very special dedication time as the body joins together in a unique way. Collectively, you come to the “alter of God”, if you will, to present faith promise commitments. This moment of divine worship is powerful and often life-changing for the body. It is in these moments where we witness the miracle working hand of God doing the impossible. A step of extraordinary faith is taken by the local body of believers to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of Heaven.

For any ministry, but particularly for the local church a capital campaign can be a very special sacred time of consecration for the body as one. However, if you make commitments by various gift levels and hence people levels, I believe you would take away from the sacredness of the body as one.

The usage and experience of a capital campaign extend far beyond the monetary purpose. Learning to trust God in ways never thought possible or even done before would be example enough. When the body sees God at work they grow in belief and see a powerful God and this can pour over in their individual lives. If God can work in this area of my life, he can work in other areas.

I trust God will bless your ministry and lives in extraordinary ways in your next capital campaign.

Capital Campaigns Unlimited (ccunlimited.org)