When Should Challenge to Build Be Used?
When should we have the Campaign?
This is a three part question:
1. Are we ready?
A church is a good candidate for Challenge to Build when there is a:
- Strong consensus among the congregation that a capital project such as debt retirement, land acquisition, new construction or building renovation is necessary
- Need for dollars beyond the scope of the budget offerings
- Need for outside direction or consulting
- Need for a completed space study and architectural sketch
2. When is the best time on the calendar?
Finding 13 weeks is difficult. Avoid two things:
- Avoid times when congregation is out of town (Vacation, Holidays)
- Avoid asking for commitments in December (Start no later than Labor Day)
The best times of the year for Challenge to Build:
- Late winter (Any time after New Year)
- Spring (End before school is out)
- Fall (Start no later than Labor Day)
3. Where do we need to be in our building process?
Some say do the campaign first to see how much money you can raise. However, the more that work is evident, the easier it is for people to think sacrificially. A ground-breaking is a good start.
How Challenge To Build Works
A consultant from the State Board of Missions will supervise and provide all materials for the program. The Challenge to Build emphasis, including the actual fundraising campaign, lasts about three months.
The first seven weeks are a time of preparation, evaluation and training. During this period, the consultant will counsel and aid the pastor in formulating the CTB timeline, and in selecting a church-based steering committee and program leaders. The consultant also trains all personnel, motivating and encouraging them throughout the process.
The next 4 weeks (Weeks 8–11) are used to educate and inform the entire congregation about the campaign. Church dreams, plans and goals are clearly defined to motivate and unite members in a concerted effort to realize the vision of the church.
A church-wide banquet takes place on the 12th week. This is organized to celebrate God’s work in the congregation. The pastor shares the inspired vision for the future.
The two weeks following the banquet (weeks 12–13), are for final contacts to encourage donors. The results are announced at “Victory Sunday.”
For the next three years, giving continues. The consultant is available for phone consultation throughout the entire process. The consultant assists the church in follow-up.
What Makes Challenge to Build Successful?
We’ve all heard “it’s not budgeted,” or “we can’t possibly raise the funds,” or “that will not work in our situation”. CTB’s strong Biblical foundation emphasizes a scriptural approach to giving . This eliminates fears and encourages members to support a capital campaign.
- SPIRITUAL. No high-pressure methods are used that will hurt the spirit of the church. No one is begged for Gifts. Members are provided a personal, private opportunity to prayerfully consider their commitment. Everyone is asked to take the concept of “equal sacrifice” seriously, making promises of faith and not just money. Every effort is made to make each decision a life-changing commitment and a meaningful spiritual experience.
- ORGANIZED. The intensive CTB effort educates, motivates and mobilizes the entire congregation. The result is a renewed commitment to the vision of their church that lasts much longer than the three-month educational and fundraising period. Members will organize to inform the congregation of the opportunity that awaits.
- REWARDING. Commitments are over and above regular giving and are paid over three years, so everyone gives more and at a deeper spiritual level. Regular church budgets are not affected and many churches experience increases in budget receipts. Members emerge as leaders in a strong, united effort that helps their church improve its financial status and meet its goals.
What Does Challenge to Build Cost?
Unlike most fundraising companies, there is no percentage of the commitments for your church to pay. Fundraising companies do this to make a living. We do it as a ministry to Alabama Baptist churches. It costs less for the same professional approach. There is no charge for a consultant to discuss options other than a full Challenge to Build
1. The CTB fee
- For churches with less than 300 resident members is $2,000.
- For churches with 300 or more resident members the CTB fee is $7.00 per resident member listed on the previous ACP.
2. The church is also responsible for these three areas:
- The cost of the consultant’s travel, food and lodging,
- Printing and promotion materials including postage.
- Banquet arrangements and catering.
3. The total of the above two items is always less than 2.5% of the total amount the church has raised.
