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In our experience, the need must be very compelling and very self-evident to the majority of the congregation to move forward with a major campaign in a tough economic climate. But you can go forward with a capital campaign in a tough economy. You just have to be a little more sure of your footing before you launch.

What would be a compelling need?

We have found that there's a hierarchy of needs for projects that challenge and motivate people to give. The most motivational projects are those that actually increase the capacity of the congregation to meet and conduct their ministry.

Do you have any advice for churches interested in starting a campaign right now?

Do all of the preparation and all of the legwork—but carefully weigh when you decide to launch a capital campaign, because timing is everything. The few campaigns we are in right now are proceeding despite the day-to-day drumbeat of tough economic news. The churches have said. "Look, we feel this is God's will, we've launched this and we're going to finish it out."

But I would say to churches that have not yet launched: Get everybody informed and on board, but don't declare the launch of the campaign until you're convinced that the timing for your church and the general economy is appropriate.

We're hearing that giving to some kinds of charities goes down in a recession but that church giving stays pretty much the same. Do you have any thoughts on why that would be?

In some ways the church is unique among charities. It's God's work. It's where people are getting their weekly fellowship, their weekly spiritual nurture, and is something that is seen as family—the family of God. [Also, church giving may go up because] when times get tough, people seem to get more serious about their faith again. Recall the weeks and few months after 9/11—there was a surge in church attendance. The same kind of thing happens when times get tough economically.

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The Chronicle of Philanthropy has advice for capital campaign fundraisers.

Christianity Today has a special section on the economic crisis, which includes:

Q & A: Dave Ramsey | The popular Christian financial adviser on why he thinks the bailout is a disaster. (September 26, 2008)

After the Bailout, Government-Owned Churches? | But law profs say church-state problems are unlikely. (October 1, 2008)

A Christian View of the Economic Crisis | Is the economy really driven by greed? (September 29, 2008)

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October (Web-only) 2008, Vol. 52