Dr. W. Wayne Soble

A couple of previous unhappy dalliances with stewardship promotion companies made me hesitant to explore what J. D. Klote and Associates had to offer Edith Rankin Memorial United Church (Kingston, Ontario) as we headed into a major capital campaign to fund an exciting new building expansion project. Then we met Jim Klote. His warmth, personal integrity and the model he proposed all combined to persuade us that taking advantage of his company and its excellent track record was a no-brainer. While the “Klote method” has some essential components, our resident consultant, showed tremendous respect for our congregational culture and context and worked tirelessly with us to develop a campaign strategy that was true to us and our needs. We raised $1.5 million in cash and pledges. Key to the campaign’s success was the unique Klote provision of a resident consultant. He became part of our faith community throughout the campaign, sharing our vision and helping to recruit and train volunteers for the varied tasks that only we could do. And months later, on the eve of construction, when we needed help to raise a bit more cash to deal with some increased costs to the project, J. D. Klote and the consultant were right there to help us develop a strategy that would enable us to complete the good work God had begun in us.

As J. D. Klote and Associates expand their financial consulting services globally, I recommend them unhesitatingly to Canadian congregations and faith communities who are considering major capital projects or who are simply ready and willing to develop more faithful practices of grateful and generous stewardship.