Builds volunteer leadership – Volunteer leadership is vital to a
campaign’s success. The role of the volunteer is more than just following
instructions and making routine phone calls. A successful campaign produces volunteer
leadership – people who are equipped throughout the campaign process to make
decisions, answer campaign-related questions, and motivate fellow parishioners. These
"new" volunteers are often the next generation of church leaders.
Builds community and encourages active participation of members – Volunteer
leadership helps to produce the momentum necessary to propel a campaign to successful
completion. Recruitment of key volunteer roles creates a ‘domino effect’ of
excitement and active volunteer participation throughout the campaign.
Vehicle for identifying additional church leaders – "Everyone’s
already so busy. I don’t think we’re going to get too many volunteers." This
is a common reaction of church leaders when asked about prospective campaign volunteers.
In most cases, a campaign will produce ‘fresh’ volunteer leaders. These are
people who recognize the long-term effect of a short-term responsibility. Often times,
because of their investment of time and energy, campaign volunteers are willing to remain
connected to the project through post-campaign committees, building committees, publicity
committees, etc.
Vehicle for personally contacting church members – Every parishioner is
asked to make a decision regarding support of the campaign, whether yes or no. In order to
get decisions from 100% of the parish it is necessary for parish leaders and campaign
volunteer leaders to contact every registered parishioner. This personal contact is often
deeply appreciated by parishioners who have long been inactive. Volunteer leaders have
often reported long and productive conversations that have re-invigorated inactive parish
families.
Focuses members on church mission and goals – Successful campaigns are
vision-oriented and grounded in the mission and goals of the church. Renovations and new
building projects are almost always tied directly to the spiritual mission of the church:
where the true motivation for giving should be.
Familiarizes members with specific church needs – Successful campaigns are
designed to give every member an opportunity to hear details about the building and
renovation plans. Members are often surprised at the depth of planning and care necessary
to maintain the quality of service and ministry and facilitate church growth. The process
can create an appreciation that leads to involvement and financial support.
Re-invigorates stewardship – Financial support can be invigorated by a
campaign because members are collectively involved in a project of long-term significance.
A new or renovated building is a sign of church growth, active ministry, community
outreach - - in short, things that can excite the church community and motivate members to
give sacrificially for the benefit of future growth and ministry.
