Debt Campaigns for Churches

Over the last ten years we have done several campaigns for congregations that wanted to retire debt. All of these churches had gotten into debt through building programs in the past. None of these churches were financially irresponsible. Here is what we have learned about debt campaigns.

Vision is crucial

What would you do if you were out of debt? This is the question you must answer first. If you have no vision for how you will spend the money freed up through a campaign, do not begin the process. Obviously many will be motivated by the simple idea of being debt free, but the majority of your church will be motivated by a vision that goes beyond dollars and cents.

People want to be out of debt

We are seeing a decided shift in attitudes toward debt. Previous generations were okay with borrowing to the hilt and paying it back with inflated dollars. Not so with younger generations. A significant percentage of your congregation thinks it is wrong for the church to even be in debt to start with.

Tell the truth

Without fail every church was somewhat reticent to come clean about where they stood financially. Leaders were fearful about what the members would think. “We are in how much debt?” is the question they dreaded. Church leaders have to give all the facts. And then they have to repeat them again. The members do not remember that you told them five years ago about the cost overrun due to the fire marshal’s demands.

Success is sweet

In a few short months, one church we worked with became debt free for the first time in 20 years. In the process they have restored ministries that had been eliminated and fully funded ministries they had seen significant cuts. The burden of debt has been eliminated and the church is ecstatic. A minister at the church told us the success of the campaign was all people wanted to talk about for months.

This trend will continue—churches conducting campaigns solely to retire debt. Contact us if you are interested in a debt campaign.