At INJOY Stewardship Solutions, we’ve had the privilege of guiding churches across the country through successful capital campaigns. We’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. While every church is unique, there are common pitfalls that can hinder a campaign’s success.

If your church is preparing for a capital campaign, here are five critical mistakes to avoid and how you can lead your congregation to a season of generosity and growth.

1. Lack of a Clear and Compelling Vision

Your congregation doesn’t give to projects—they give to vision. If your campaign is simply about raising money for a new building, people may struggle to connect with the “why” behind it.

Solution: Before launching a campaign, craft a compelling vision that ties financial generosity to life change. Show your congregation how their giving will make an eternal impact. Whether it’s expanding worship space, launching a new ministry, or eliminating debt to free up resources for outreach, people need to see the bigger picture.

2. Not Engaging Leadership Early

One of the biggest mistakes churches make is waiting too long to involve key leaders in the process. If your staff, elders, and influential members are not fully bought into the vision, the rest of the congregation will struggle to get on board.

Solution: Start with your leadership team. Hold vision-casting meetings, answer tough questions, and ensure they are personally invested before launching the campaign publicly.

3. Treating the Campaign Like a One-Time Fundraiser

A capital campaign is not just about reaching a financial goal—it’s about cultivating a culture of generosity. Many churches treat campaigns like short-term fundraisers, focusing only on the financial need rather than the spiritual transformation that happens through giving.

Solution: Teach biblical stewardship throughout the campaign. Help people understand that generosity is a journey, not just a one-time event. Incorporate testimonies, prayer, and discipleship into the process to make it a faith-building experience for the entire church.

4. Ignoring the Power of Personal Engagement

Mass communication alone—emails, sermons, and announcements—won’t inspire your congregation to give sacrificially. People are most moved to give when they hear personal stories and are engaged in meaningful conversations.

Solution: Use a relational approach. Train leaders to have one-on-one conversations with members, sharing the vision and inviting them to participate. Host small gatherings where people can ask questions and hear testimonies from others who have seen God move through their generosity.

5. Failing to Provide Multiple Giving Options

In today’s digital age, churches must provide various giving options. Limiting your congregation to in-service giving only can hinder participation.

Solution: Offer multiple ways to give, including online giving, text-to-give, recurring contributions, and traditional check/cash options. Make it easy for people to participate in the way that works best for them.

Position Your Church for Success

At INJOY Stewardship Solutions, we believe every church can run a successful capital campaign—one that not only meets financial needs but also strengthens faith and unites the congregation around a shared mission. If your church is preparing for a campaign, we’d love to help guide you through the process.