The right guidance can unlock generosity, clarity, and momentum. See how outside counsel supports faithful leadership. A few months ago, I tried fixing a plumbing issue in our bathroom. I watched a few videos, made a trip to the hardware store, and gave it a go. It worked. Until it didn’t. By the end of the week, I was calling a professional plumber, which I should’ve done in the first place. It’s a good reminder – there are times when bringing in someone with the right tools, training, and experience isn’t just smart – it’s necessary. The same is true for funding your church’s big dreams.

When your vision outpaces your resources… You know that feeling. You’re sitting in a church council meeting, and someone says what everyone’s been thinking: “We really need to do something about the roof.” Or maybe it’s the parking lot, the HVAC system, the accessibility issues, or the growing ministry needs. You look around the table, and every head is nodding. The dream is clear. The need is urgent. But where do you begin? It’s tempting to think, “We’ll just figure it out ourselves.” After all, your church is filled with smart, capable people. You know how to form a committee. You know how to make things happen. But leading a capital campaign is an entirely different kind of work, and the difference between success and frustration often comes down to one choice: whether or not to bring in experienced outside counsel. Let’s talk about why.  1. Campaign Strategy That Actually Works Some pastors and church leaders lead one, maybe two, capital campaigns in their lifetime. Most haven’t led any. But at CCS, we’ve led hundreds. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. We bring field-tested strategies, help you avoid common missteps, and craft a timeline that energizes your people rather than exhausting them. We help you set bold but realistic goals. Not guesses. Goals.  2. A Theological Approach to Stewardship Talking about money can be difficult. That’s why we approach fundraising not just as a financial transaction but as a spiritual practice. Our consultants are grounded in a theology of generosity and stewardship, and we bring fresh language that helps your congregation see giving as a way to live out their faith. We help turn anxiety about “the ask” into an invitation to grow spiritually.  3. Stronger Leadership, Not More Work We know you don’t need another full-time job. That’s why we don’t just run your campaign for you – we build your team’s capacity. We coach your lay leaders, help you recruit the right people for the right roles, and walk alongside them with just enough structure to keep things moving. A successful campaign isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about raising up leaders.  4. Trusted Guidance When Things Get Complicated Every campaign hits a few bumps: communication hurdles, legacy gifts, differing opinions. When things get tricky, CCS consultants bring a calm, thoughtful presence. We’ve helped churches navigate sensitive conversations with clarity and grace, always keeping the mission front and center. When challenges arise, you won’t be alone.  5. Real Results That Speak for Themselves Churches that use professional counsel typically raise 2 to 3 times their annual giving in capital campaigns. For debt reduction campaigns, the range is 1 to 1.5 times. Participation rates are higher too, often 50–60% greater than internal efforts alone. These aren’t just numbers. They represent lives changed, ministries expanded, and congregations empowered.  6. Less Risk. More Confidence. Campaigns that are poorly planned can actually harm a congregation, creating division, burnout, or disappointment. But a well-executed campaign builds trust, unites people, communicates clearly, and invites everyone to be part of something bigger than themselves. When you bring in outside counsel, you lower the risk and raise your team’s clarity, capacity, and confidence.  7. An Investment in Your Church’s Future We get it. Outside counsel is an expense. But we see it differently: it’s an investment in your future, your mission, and your people. Our fees are not based on a percentage of what you raise (unlike many for-profit models). They’re based on the services you need and are typically just 3–6% of total funds raised. The return on a well-run campaign is clear when you consider the financial, spiritual, and relational benefits.  8. You Lead the Church. We Lead the Campaign. The truth is simple: Congregational leadership is an inside job. But campaign leadership? That’s an outside job. Your role as a church leader is to cast vision, guide your congregation, and help bring your mission to life. Our role is to bring structure, strategy, and spiritual depth to the fundraising journey – so you can focus on leading well, while we help you build the resources to do it. Ready to Talk? If your church is considering a capital campaign – or if you’re just starting to imagine what could be next – let’s talk. We’d love to help you explore what’s possible and what outside help could make possible. 📩 Just hit reply or send a message to michael@churchcampaignservices.org 📞 Or give us a call at (888) 558-6873 Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans fail; but with many advisers, they succeed.” Let’s succeed together.