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On September 11, 2001, terrorists struck more than just the World Trade Center. In addition to the individual lives lost, there were economic and emotional costs that affected every American. Churches in the midst of capital campaigns had to reconsider their expansion plans alongside fears of additional terrorism, economic instability, and general uncertainty. While attendance was up at most churches immediately following the attack, leaders debated whether it was an appropriate time to request money to expand the sanctuary or erect a new building.

The following churches were in the beginning or middle stages of capital campaigns on September 11. Given these situations, what would you have done?

• The effects of 9/11 hit the Colorado Springs area hard. Members of a local church were being laid off from their high-tech jobs just as the church planned for a major expansion. A feasibility study revealed concerns about the ability to raise the projected $1.2 million. To decrease anxiety and ensure success should the church delay the campaign?
• A Baptist church in Tennessee was preparing to start their capital campaign when the events of 9/11 unfolded. They had to decide whether to begin the campaign as scheduled or postpone it until the economy picked up. A previous campaign in the late 90s, during the "good times," raised only $3.5 million; their current goal was more than twice that amount. Their needs were also greater now. Should the church proceed with the campaign, or was the past an indication that they would fail to meet the new goal?
• A Congregational church in Connecticut needed to relocate from their 300-year-old church to a new building a quarter of a mile down the road. With an annual budget of around one million dollars, experts would expect a successful campaign at this church to raise somewhere between two and three million dollars. A few church members were capable of making very large gifts to the church, but had never done so in the past. With a membership of only 214 families and a recent drop in the stock market that had slashed their portfolios by as much as 50 percent, could these individuals come through? And would they do it now?

"Uncertainty is the biggest obstacle to raising money during hard economic times," says Matthew Carter, vice president of Impac Services. "You don't know if you'll have your job, and even the value of your home may be up in the air." Writing a check or making a commitment for three years can be overwhelming for members who aren't certain about what the future holds. "It's sort of a litmus test for believers," says Carter "You're making a commitment when nothing else is committed to you."

Even something intangible, such as the emotional climate of the congregation, can become an obstacle for a successful campaign. "It's the fear, the caution, the attitude that says we can't do this," says Scott McKenzie, senior vice president of Cargill Associates.

Even Wall Street recognizes the significant role emotion plays with the economy, which is why it tracks consumer confidence in spending. But how do you track spiritual confidence?

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