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Launch a capital campaign—in this economy? After a year of bankruptcies and bailouts, church leaders would seem crazy to take on big-money projects right now, according to conventional wisdom. The financial atmosphere in many churches is one of scarcity, with congregations tightening next year's budgets, trimming staff, and freezing or cutting salaries. Early in the downward spiral, one in five regular church attenders surveyed by the Barna research organization said they had cut their giving. In a Your Church budget priorities survey of nearly 1,200 church leaders conducted in the spring, 40 percent reported decreased giving ("Budget Bullseye," July/August 2009).

If money going into the plate is down, should a church take on an ambitious ministry that requires special fundraising? Or build a new building?

At least three experts offer a qualified "yes." In fact, a capital campaign at this time may be your church's avenue to spiritual growth.

And don't shy away from asking for large donations. Just make certain you know how to ask.

Researcher George Barna reports onethird of U.S. churches have given special attention to the subject of money in recent months. For instance, Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale developed a series of classes on financial responsibility, including study of a book, 40 Days Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life. The book, written by Pastor Brian Kluth of First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs, is a devotional guide through dozens of scriptures on money. Kluth says the current economic climate mirrors the time of Haggai.

"God allowed some cold economic winds to blow," Kluth says, "and his message was 'It's time to consider your ways.' The people had made generosity a low priority, while spending lavishly on their own things."

Today's recession illuminates a 40- year decline in giving to churches. "This is a time to call all people back to giving to God as their top financial priority," Kluth advises.

Kluth is also founder of Maximum Generosity, a ministry for teaching stewardship to churches and leaders. He points out that the economic status of most households falls into one of four categories: surplus, stable, struggling, and sinking. Those who are fighting to stay above the tide of debt get the most news coverage right now, and, appropriately, they may need emergency aid and decisive teaching by the church.

But the newly unemployed and the potentially homeless aren't the only ones who can benefit from a new view of money. So can the rich, even if they aren't as rich as they were a year ago. Stock portfolios and property have lost one-third of their value, and even people of means are feeling panicky.

"Because we have some families who are struggling doesn't mean we should pull back from the Lord's work," Kluth warns. That's why church leaders and members need to understand where the money for capital campaigns usually comes from, and its impact on what goes into the offering plate.

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