Capital Campaigns and Recessions

The US economy is officially in a recession according to our government. For many people this is not the first recession that their church has gone through, but for many churches today they are questioning the wisdom of conducting a Capital Campaign in a down economy. Unfortunately, ministry needs in growing churches do not recognize recessions, in fact, more people tend to go to church in difficult financial times. What is a church to do about financing ministry; wait until the recession is over, or move forward trusting God to provide the resources for your growing ministry needs

History has proven that giving during a recession does not necessarily go down. According to a recent study by NACBA, entitled, 2009 Economic Survey, 63% of churches have not felt the economic impact of the current recession in terms of giving. Previous recessions have experienced less severe impacts with average reductions in giving around 15%.

Preparing to meet ministry needs requires a clear vision and long lead times. It typically takes three to five years to cast a vision, raise capital, and then see a building completed. Churches that are hoping to build new ministry spaces must plan several years in advance. Raising capital using an effective capital campaign makes just as much sense today as next year. Churches that have a forward reaching vision for ministry and strategic planning are not deterred by economic swings. However, churches that are ruled by fear instead of faith may be waiting for a long time to begin a capital campaign