- Built to Change, Edward Lawler and Christopher Worley, Jossey-Bass, 2006
- Master Your Money, Ron Blue, Moody Publishers, 2004
- Mind Set!, John Naisbitt, Collins, 2006
- Off-Road Disciplines, Earl Creps, A Leadership Network Publication, 2006
- Practicing Greatness- 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders, Reggie McNeal,
A Leadership Network Publication, 2006
- The Emotionally Healthy Church, Peter Scazzero, Zondervan, 2003
- The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell, Back Bay Books, 2002
- The Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey, Nelson Books, 200
Mindy Lathan
Loan Administrator
765-644-2555 ext: 248
mlathan@cbplus.org
Who does Church Builders Plus represent?
We have established a number of strategic loan partners from a variety of sources to meet your specific needs and secure the best terms. Loan funds may come from a church denomination fund, a religious foundation, a Christian credit union or a commercial lender. We are positioned to negotiate at the senior level for your church loan to get the very best rates, terms and conditions.
What does Church Builders Plus do for churches, Christian schools and ministries?
In working with us, we become your in-house financial counsel. Understanding church finance is a specialty and a science. In our experience, many churches have good hearted and motivated boards made up of volunteers and church staff, but most of these individuals have never negotiated or obtained a sizable loan especially in a commercial setting. We have the proper expertise, understanding, knowledge and skill to “ do battle” with commercial lending institutions.
When should our church begin?
Your church can generally begin immediately once it completes and submits a loan application form on-line or sent from our office. Our analysis will determine the amount the church can qualify for and can safely afford.
What can our church organization do to better improve its financial position?
Capital fund campaigns are very important in the area of church financing. A poor campaign can damage the church emotionally and its ability to service church debt, while an excellent campaign can bring a church together as a team with sacrificial giving for the Kingdom. Properly planned and executed stewardship campaigns are vital to the funding process because they reduce the risk for lenders and provide an additional means of servicing the mortgage debt.
How long does the loan process take once we begin?
Once your church has gathered all of the requested documentation and completed the application packet, we begin immediately. After completing the underwriting and loan package, our goal is to have one or more commitments in the shortest amount of time possible.
Cecil W. Watson
Executive Vice President, D.Min.
765-644-2555 ext: 255
cwatson@cbplus.org
Why should a church have a capital campaign?
In order for a church to maintain its momentum of growth, it will often have a succession of building needs, which cannot be funded from the operational budget. A capital fund campaign can provide the focus and spiritual growth within the congregation to generate additional funds.
When should a church have a capital campaign?
A church should have a campaign only when the leadership has a clear vision of what is needed to support and expand the ministries of the church. There must be a clear, compelling case for the project in relationship to meeting people needs and a sense of urgency critical to meeting ministry objectives.
How much can a church raise for a new project?
There are many factors that can influence the final amount – community demographics, type of project, sense of ownership of the project within the congregation, but as a general rule a church should be able to raise at least twice to three times their annual operating budget for a building campaign. Churches that raise more than three times their annual budget generally require large gifts that significantly influence the total.
How long does it take to successfully conduct a campaign?
Much of the work of a successful campaign takes place behind the scenes and before presentation to the entire church. It is important to schedule your campaign 6 to 12 months in advance. The work of individual committees and campaign commitments normally take place within an 8-week time frame.
What should a church expect from Church Builders Plus?
Expertise – Successful capital campaigns require well-trained leadership and volunteers. We bring the competence and experience necessary to provide quality training and counsel for every phase of the campaign.
Experience - We have worked with a wide variety of capital campaigns both small and large for over 30 years. We will do everything in our power to help your church have a successful campaign.
Involvement – We will lead in the design and launch of every major phase of the campaign. We take the time to know and understand your leadership and unique qualities of your congregation.
Follow-up- When you secure our services, it is not just for the campaign commitment period but the entire pledge fulfillment period. We will monitor the pledge giving and consult with your leadership to minimize attrition and maximize pledge fulfillment.
Can’t we conduct our own campaign?
While on the surface it seems logical a church would save money by conducting its own campaign it may be shortsighted. To be sure, the church “saves” the consulting fee, which with some organizations can be considerable, but all other costs will still be incurred along with the cost of developing campaign materials. The real evaluation however is not the cost of the consultants or campaign but how effective are the results. Experience has shown that professionally led campaigns raise two to six times more than self-led programs. The most expensive aspect of any in-house program is the money that could have been raised but wasn’t.
Charles R. Shumate
President, Ed.D.
765-644-2555 ext: 233
cshumate@cbplus.org
Why and when should our church consider a consultation?
In general, church leaders are often so close to their church it becomes difficult to see with clarity opportunities and barriers to growth. It is not so much that a consultation is indicated for some kinds of churches and not others as much as it is a matter of discerning the right time in the life cycle of each for this kind of planning process. Some key indicators might be:
- When attendance is plateauing or declining.
- When a church is planning a major effort in its ministry – building expansion, capital campaign,
- After a shortfall in planned giving or offerings.
- When there is a need to discern a new vision and create a strategic plan.
Church Builders Plus consulting team is equipped to guide you in the planning process in four essential areas – ministries, staffing, facilities and planning.
How much does a consultation cost?
This three-day consultation will vary depending on size of the congregation and complexity of the consultation. Our minimum fee is $1,500. However, some state ministries provide support for their churches.
What areas are covered in a comprehensive church consultation?
Regardless of the issue, most consultations will require focus and analysis in the following areas:
- Finance
- Planning and goal setting
- Growth barriers
- Community analysis
- Mission/vision
- Assimilation effectiveness
- Perceptions and attitudes
- Programming and ministries analysis
- Facilities and property analysis
- Data and statistical analysis
Can we talk to others who have used your services?
Certainly. In fact, we encourage you to call churches we have served in ministry. We will send names of churches that were facing issues similar to those your church is facing.
Kathy A. Whalen
Executive Assistant to the President
765-644-2555 ext: 229
kwhalen@cbplus.org
- A Conversation with Peter Drucker and Peter Senge, Leading in a Time of Change,
The Drucker Foundation.
- Everyday Creativity, Dewitt Jones, Star Thrower Distribution
- The Business of Paradigms, Joel Barker, Chart House International
- The Power of Vision, Joel Barker, Chart House International
- Wealth Innovation and Diversity, Joel Barker, Star Thrower Distribution
Church Builders Plus has prepared a free resource center and private office for your use at our headquarters office. You will have full computer, phone, copier, fax and internet access during your stay. In addition, we have a well stocked library of books, manuals and videos to help you in all aspects of stewardship and church facilities. To schedule your visit contact, Kathy Wahlen, 765.644.2555 x 229
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