Five Biblical Foundations for a Church Capital Campaign

When you hear the term “capital campaign”, it may evoke thoughts of aggressive tactics or secular fundraising methods. However, the Bible provides guidance for gathering resources to fulfill the mission of making disciples. Grounding your church capital campaign in biblical principles is essential to growing disciples as you set out on a capital campaign. Let’s explore five foundational truths to guide your congregation’s campaign:

1. The Tabernacle (Exodus 25-40): After leaving Egypt, the Israelites built a portable sanctuary according to God’s instructions. They gave willingly and generously, exemplifying sacrificial and proportional giving (Exodus 25:2; 35:21-29). The tabernacle serves as a model for how God’s vision inspires His people to contribute their time, wealth, and talents sacrificially and proportionally.
2. The Temple (1 Chronicles 28-29): King David planned a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, completed by his son Solomon. The vision for the temple was even more magnificent and expensive than the tabernacle, and it required the participation and support of the whole nation. David led by example, contributing generously from his own resources. He then challenged the leaders and the people to give willingly and joyfully (1 Chronicles 29:1-9). Here we learn the important truth that in giving, leaders go first and invite others to join them.
3. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44): Jesus praised a poor widow who gave a small offering out of her poverty. Her two small coins mattered more than the large sums given by others. Jesus emphasized that the value of gifts is not measured by the amount but by the level of sacrifice and commitment they represent (Mark 12:43-44). The widow’s mite teaches us that every contribution matters, regardless of its size.
4. The Macedonian Churches (2 Corinthians 8-9): Despite poverty and persecution, the Macedonian churches generously supported relief efforts in Jerusalem. Paul commended their grace, their generosity, and their eagerness to participate in the ministry of giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). He also encouraged the Corinthian church to follow their example and to excel in the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7). Here we learn that generosity is an opportunity to express our gratitude to God for His grace and to share our resources with others in need.
5. The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37): Acts 2 introduces us to the very first church—the initial community of believers. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They also shared everything they had, sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to anyone who had need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). Their unity resulted in incredible generosity with and for one another, reflecting the oneness of the Body of Christ. This oneness of heart and mind, even expressed through our giving, continues to be our strongest witness (Acts 4:32-33).

Your church has its own unique story, and is made up of a unique collection of people, each with their own unique collection of gifts. You also have a unique God-given calling to your community at this moment. Hence the opportunities and the challenges you face are going to be unique. Understanding these biblical foundations, however, provides the foundational structure and model for your work. 

If you’d like to discuss how Cargill Associates can work through this scripture foundation to build a strategy for your unique congregation and calling, reach out to us today.