Commonly Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions about Stewardship Key Leader
Does Stewardship Key Leader work with congregations of all sizes?
SKL serves all ELCA congregations, including congregations ranging from 50 members to over 5,000 members. How much does Stewardship Key Leader cost? Since SKL is a ministry of the ELCA, it costs much less than other consulting firms. Cost varies based on the size of the congregation, but almost all congregations experience a savings of many thousands of dollars compared to other consulting firms. Please see the cost page for more specific information. How much can a congregation typically raise in a three-year capital campaign? A church’s results depend on the present level of giving, the type of project proposed and the degree of congregational ownership and enthusiasm for the project. Typically, a congregation can raise two to two-and-one-half times what it receives in annual giving. Our project will cost more than we can raise in our campaign. What should we do? Many congregations undertake projects that cost more than can be raised in a single program. It is very common for congregations to finance the balance. The ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund is an excellent source for such funding. Often congregations undertake one or two subsequent debt reduction campaigns with any remaining balance then included in the operating budget. Will having a capital campaign affect regular giving to the congregation?
Congregation members will receive several mailings, including two brochures prepared by the Key Leader. Prayer and Bible reflection are central to the program. Two sermons by the Key Leader and one by the local pastor, as well as several talks in worship by members will focus on biblical stewardship. Members will learn about various giving options. The program also includes the option of advance visits to members of the congregation. We want to do an in depth annual stewardship response program. Can Stewardship Key Leader help us? Yes. Stewardship Key Leader is often used for improving the general stewardship ministry of a congregation through an annual stewardship program. We think there will be some resistance to hiring professional fund raisers. Why should we use “outsiders” to help us? Stewardship Key Leader is a ministry of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. SKL consultants expand the partnership that already exists between the congregation and the churchwide organization. Countless congregations have discovered the professional assistance makes the difference between a very well-run, successful campaign and one that falls considerably short of its goals. We are planning a new building. How much work should we do with an architect before we conduct a campaign?
If you have not already done so, your first step should be to contact your ELCA Building Consultant. A brochure is included with this mailing regarding this valuable program. Prior to conducting a capital campaign it is not necessary to have complete building plans. It is most often very important to have schematic drawings and elevations. Reasonable estimates of building costs are also very important. What vote should be taken to approve a campaign? It is vital that the congregation feel ownership of the plans. Normally, a congregational meeting is held for discussion of proposed plans before campaign planning begins. How long does a campaign last? Generally, a three-to four-month period is required from the point at which the congregation begins working with Stewardship Key Leader until the campaign, including follow-up is concluded. How many people should be on the Leadership Team? The Leadership Team consists of a general chairperson and four or five committee chairpersons. These people recruit as many people as necessary to complete the appropriate tasks. In large congregations co-chairs are often advisable. What time of year is best for a capital campaign? Successful Stewardship Key Leader programs have been conducted in every season of the year. You will want to consider your local congregation and conduct the campaign when most people will be present to participate. Can a capital campaign be conducted at the same time as our annual stewardship response program? Many congregations have successfully combined programs. However, it is often the case that both campaigns will be more successful if they are conducted at different times. Can we interview our Stewardship Key Leader consultant? Absolutely. A telephone interview is suggested. If your congregation prefers a face-to-face interview, the congregation will need to reimburse the consultant for travel and lodging costs. We are interested. What is our next step? Contact the director of the ELCA’s Stewardship Key Leader program, who will then assign a consultant to work with you. Consultants are assigned on the basis of suitability and availability of the consultant, and geography. The director can be contacted at skl@elca.org , at the ELCA toll-free number 800-638-3522, ext. 2606, or at 218-639-3521.