One of the first questions I ask a prospective client is, “How will this campaign help achieve the mission and vision of your church?”

Capital campaigns aren’t just “fundraising projects” anymore. They’ve become moments for the church to pause and say, “Here’s what we believe God is calling us to do and here’s how we can do it together.”

Yes, there’s a financial goal, but the heart of a campaign is the vision it casts, the stories it tells, and the way it draws people closer to the mission. When they’re done well, campaigns lead a church to more fully live into its calling.

With that said, let’s dive into our six trends.

1. From Building Projects to Missional Purpose

In the past, capital campaigns were often synonymous with construction projects. And while buildings still matter, today’s most successful campaigns lead with why, not what.

Increasingly, congregations are aligning their campaign goals with broader missional impact: affordable housing, climate-conscious facilities, partnerships with nonprofits, or adaptive reuse of church buildings to serve community needs. The facility is a tool for ministry, not the finish line.

This shift requires a story-telling approach that connects the dots between dollars raised and lives changed. Donors respond not just to floor plans but to visions that are rooted in gospel values and public witness.

2. Vision Must Be Shared, Not Just Stated

In 2025, vision casting is no longer a one-way street.

Church leaders must still offer bold and compelling visions. But increasingly, those visions must be shared and not just delivered. That means listening sessions, surveys, vision retreats, and all along the way, transparency and inclusion.

Campaigns succeed when people help shape the vision. A vision created and owned by the congregation builds trust and shared ownership. And in a post-pandemic world, where many are reevaluating their relationship with institutions, trust is currency.

3. Younger Generations Are Giving Differently

Millennials and Gen Z haven’t stopped giving, but they are giving differently. They value:

• Authenticity over formality
• Monthly commitments over traditional pledges
• Specific impact over general appeals
• Stories over statistics

(Actually, don’t we all?)

Many grew up outside traditional church rhythms. That means terms like “pledge” may feel outdated or unclear. Churches that adopt accessible language (see “Do Young Members Pledge?”) and culturally resonant tools (recurring online giving, campaign videos, giving impact dashboards) are better equipped to inspire younger donors toward greater generosity.

The heart of stewardship hasn’t changed. But the way we talk about it has.

4. Communication Is Digital, Visual, and Integrated

A decade ago, leveraging online experiences during a church campaign was forward-thinking. Today, it’s a baseline expectation.

Digital tools are key. Think QR codes in bulletins, short-form video stories on social, real-time progress bars online, and mobile-first donation platforms. Tools like Canva and Mailchimp have made quality design accessible. Imagine these tools working together. Your Sunday bulletin QR code linking to an inspiring video, and your video pointing people to the online giving page, all while your website shows live updates on the campaign’s progress.

Still, the most effective campaigns combine digital savvy with human touch. It’s not one or the other. It’s both.

5. Leadership Is Collaborative and Equipped

Strong leadership is still the backbone of a campaign. But in 2025, leadership doesn’t mean doing it all yourself.

Today’s campaigns are team-based, coach-supported, and role-defined. Lay champions, clergy leaders, and consultants work together with clear expectations and shared goals. The rise of interim pastors, bivocational ministers, and lay-led congregations has also made collaborative models more essential than ever.

Campaigns aren’t successful because one person carries the load. They succeed because everyone plays their part.

6. Readiness Is More Than a Checklist

Perhaps the biggest shift over the past decade is this: wise churches don’t just launch campaigns. They prepare for them.

Being ready for a capital campaign isn’t just about timing or feasibility. It’s about culture, capacity, and clarity. A successful campaign begins with an honest assessment: Is the vision clear? Is the leadership team aligned? Is trust high? Is communication strong?

A well-executed readiness process can surface challenges early, strengthen the case, and build confidence for the journey ahead.

One Final Thought

If you’re seeing signs that your building needs renewal, your mission is growing, or your congregation is poised to take on a bold new chapter, pay attention. That’s often how campaigns begin. And in these times, a campaign isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a season of vision, discernment, and shared commitment.

With the right approach, it might just be the moment your church finds new energy and purpose for the days ahead.