Leading a stewardship campaign to foster community outreach and spiritual development can be a tough proposition in the best of times. But when shifts in congregational dynamics and economic factors present new challenges, churches can find more value than ever partnering with the Texas Methodist Foundation to find programs developed in the Wesleyan tradition.

“We knew we would be buying a single service with other stewardship consulting firms. By choosing the Foundation, we’re continuing to build a partnership in ministry,” said David Adkins, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Round Rock. His congregation’s Foundation-led campaign raised $3.4 million dollars, which equates to three and a half times the church’s annual budget.

In every campaign, large or small, the Foundation’s stewardship consultants play a vital role in helping a church achieve a fundraising goal. This essential guidance starts in the planning stages where a congregation determines just how much money is needed to accomplish an objective.

“We wanted to build a 1,400-seat sanctuary that would last this congregation for 75 years. That’s not cheap,” said Adkins. “Our consultant, James Varner, helped us by saying ‘If this is what you want to do, then this is what you have to do to get there’.”

Varner’s ability to guide First Round Rock is due in part to his background in pastoral ministry and the expertise that comes with a 20-year career in stewardship consulting. Adkins noted that Varner had the “moxie” to handle a large congregation and exhibited extreme professionalism and self-confidence.

Adkins also feels that the Foundation’s stewardship methods exhibit an interest in the overall wellbeing of a church that goes beyond earning a fee. “There’s a trust level there you can’t put a price on,” he said. “The Foundation is not only interested in our financial success, but in our spiritual success as well.”

Adkins believes that the expansion and improvement of facilities is fundamental to a church being able to welcome and “accommodate a larger family.” He finds that younger members of his congregation want the security of a church home, a place to raise their children and teach them about God’s love.

“This is where my child is going to get married. I can see my daughter’s wedding here or my first grandchild being baptized here. This is what I helped to build,” said Adkins of the remarks his members make about supporting the church’s building campaign.

This type of enthusiasm was fueled by Varner’s ability to respond to First Round Rock’s needs before, during and after the campaign. Adkins wasn’t so sure he’d get that type of support through a for-profit firm. “The day the campaign’s over, they’re just not that interested,” he said.

In addition to stewardship consulting, First Round Rock has also utilized the Foundation’s loan program and plans to build a permanent endowment to help maintain its sanctuary now under construction. – Spring, 2003

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