PHASE II LIVE INTO THE VISION…
WE COMMIT
- People participate in discussions about the vision
- Ministry groups identify how it impacts their work
- A plan for accomplishing the mission is developed
- Projects whose funding will implement the mission are identified
- Parish/mission leadership prioritizes possible projects
- Parish/mission resolution authorizes the capital campaign
The Plan
We have imagined a way the world might be, with God’s help. Further, we have reviewed our environment, assessed our gifts, and determined what our mission, our part of making that dream of the world a reality, might be. Now it is time to lay out the work, in other words, create the plan. An excellent plan will have these elements:
- Measurable goals
- An implementation schedule which includes times for assessment and possible revision
- Measurable criteria for success—These answer the question “how will we know if the plan is working?”
- Specific strategies – This is where the projects/ministries which will require something like a capital campaign for implementation will most likely be found.
The plan can be developed by a small group but a draft will need to be shared in a systemic way with leadership groups throughout the diocese. Remember, people are reluctant to support programs where they have had no opportunity to have opinions.
If your congregation is blessed with one or more of the growing number of persons who are retiring from successful careers because they can afford to do so, consider putting them to work on this task. People who have managed successful enterprises are likely to have well developed planning and strategy developing skills. This is an excellent opportunity to allow them to use them in some new ways while becoming more aware of the diocese and its work.
VISION FOR MINISTRY STATEMENT
Ultimately, leadership may find it useful to develop what might be called a vision for ministry statement regarding those projects or ministries to be funded through the capital campaign. The Vision for Ministry statement should answer these questions, in very specific terms:
- What will be done?
- Why is the project necessary or desirable?
- How much will it cost?
What are the long-term programmatic and financial implications? The Vision for Ministry statement explains the rationale for giving to the capital campaign. Generally, it emphasizes the known interests of the people who will be invited to give. Such a document is required for the enlistment of servant leaders and the invitation to give throughout the campaign period.
Leaders and close friends may make early commitments to the offering without the benefit of a fully delineated Vision for Ministry statement. However, these people should be knowledgeable about and comfortable with the offering rationale being offered to others, and the Vestry/Bishop’s Committee on recommendation of the Capital Campaign Steering Team, should adopt the final Vision for Ministry statement.
The Vision for Ministry statement is the defining piece of the capital campaign. It provides the inspirational departure point by grounding the objectives in theology, programmatic rationale, and proof of financial viability. It should be written from the givers’ perspective and should describe how the world will look if the congregation does or does not accomplish this project. The purpose of this document is to convince, move, and enthuse capital campaign leaders and givers. Therefore, it should state how the project would benefit the congregation and society (including givers), not how it will result in the perpetuation of the institution. The history and needs of the church are not as compelling as the needs of those served and ministered to. The story of Jesus is THE good news, not the symbols and rituals we have developed over centuries to help us show how we feel about it.
Adapted from The Alleluia Fund: A Guide for Dioceses and Congregations
