Elk River Lutheran Taking Initial Steps Towards a Capital Campaign
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The Elk River Lutheran Church Council is excited to be taking initial steps toward launching a capital appeal later this year. We want to share with you the steps that have already been taken, and we want to invite you to get involved in this exciting process by attending a Special Congregational Meeting on April 28 at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary.
Pastor Nathan and the ERLC Council |
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Why do we need to do a capital campaign? Six years ago, Elk River Lutheran Church (ERLC) entered into an agreement with Mission Investment Fund (MIF) to purchase and renovate our current building. MIF is the funding branch of the ELCA that primarily helps churches fund building projects. Back in 2013, MIF purchased this building and since that time has been renting it to ERLC, with the agreement that within three years ERLC would initiate a mortgage and take over ownership of the property. We have exceeded that original three year window and so MIF is rightly pressuring us to move forward with securing a mortgage and taking ownership of the building. The current debt that we owe on this building is $1.6 million. Without a capital campaign to help reduce the indebtedness and manage the monthly mortgage payments, our day-to-day ministry to people will be greatly stifled. Possible targets for the appeal:
Much listening to everyone will be factored into the early weeks of the appeal, so each of you will be able to have a voice and help us to shape these plans! |
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How will this appeal be implemented?
Last fall, the ERLC Church Council formed a Capital Campaign Interviewing Taskforce, whose members included: Pastor Nathan Mugaas, John Natwick, Angela Schwarze, Greg Pouliot, Mike Roden, and Ann Hove. That group contacted six capital campaign companies/consultants and after conversation with those six companies recommended three for the council to interview. Last month, the ERLC Church Council held interviews and recommends that the congregation hire Blair Anderson of New Horizons Congregational Consulting.
Blair Anderson served as an ELCA pastor for many years, including 21 years as Senior Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey. He has been conducting capital appeals for the past twelve years with small and large congregations throughout the USA. The council was impressed with Blair’s proven method for running a successful campaign but also his general approach. As a former pastor, he has a very spiritual approach to all aspects of life, including financial stewardship. The council is excited to work with him and for you to meet him.
Laying the groundwork for this campaign would begin later this spring, with the campaign officially kicking off in the fall.
Why do we need to hire a consultant to help lead our capital appeal?
By hiring a professional consultant like Blair Anderson, this campaign will be set up to succeed in ways that will dramatically further the mission and ministry of ERLC. The cost of hiring a capital campaign consultant is significant, but he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be able to dedicate the massive amounts of time necessary to lead us toward successful results. By investing in a qualified consultant, we are contracting for time, training, talent, temperament, LEADERSHIP and ENERGY—a wise investment, indeed!
Last fall, the ERLC Church Council formed a Capital Campaign Interviewing Taskforce, whose members included: Pastor Nathan Mugaas, John Natwick, Angela Schwarze, Greg Pouliot, Mike Roden, and Ann Hove. That group contacted six capital campaign companies/consultants and after conversation with those six companies recommended three for the council to interview. Last month, the ERLC Church Council held interviews and recommends that the congregation hire Blair Anderson of New Horizons Congregational Consulting.
Blair Anderson served as an ELCA pastor for many years, including 21 years as Senior Pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey. He has been conducting capital appeals for the past twelve years with small and large congregations throughout the USA. The council was impressed with Blair’s proven method for running a successful campaign but also his general approach. As a former pastor, he has a very spiritual approach to all aspects of life, including financial stewardship. The council is excited to work with him and for you to meet him.
Laying the groundwork for this campaign would begin later this spring, with the campaign officially kicking off in the fall.
Why do we need to hire a consultant to help lead our capital appeal?
By hiring a professional consultant like Blair Anderson, this campaign will be set up to succeed in ways that will dramatically further the mission and ministry of ERLC. The cost of hiring a capital campaign consultant is significant, but he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be able to dedicate the massive amounts of time necessary to lead us toward successful results. By investing in a qualified consultant, we are contracting for time, training, talent, temperament, LEADERSHIP and ENERGY—a wise investment, indeed!
