Mickey Dorsey

When I think about my time spent with our Klote consultant and James D. Klote & Associates I am reminded of the late Pat Summerall’s book entitled BUSINESS GOLF: THE ART OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH GOLF.  To my knowledge there was no actual golf involved in the St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church’s “Deep Roots Campaign”.  However, relationships and friendships were built.

 

Unlike other capital campaigns I have been involved in, neither our consultant, nor our Vicar, nor fellow parishioners spoke “at us” but rather spoke with us.  The conversation was not about money but how we as an Episcopal Community came together.  We worked from positions of both strengths and weaknesses as individuals and collectively.  We were encouraged to engage in conversations that for some were easy and for others difficult.  As our Klote consultant joined us as a congregation he was able to determine whether or not we were like the kid who only wants only the biggest toy in the store or a church that knew it’s future came from its faith in God and it’s trust in each other.  That we can move forward with our plans for a new campus.  A larger facility that would not be just for our own growth alone, but for the growth of relationships within our ever changing community.

 

I am not saying that the process was painless, but it was for more comfortable than previous experiences.  The selection of James D. Klote & Associates provided a new way to address  the elephant in the room.  The guidance, encouragement, and friendship provided by our consultant was an unexcepted blessing.

 

Am I completely comfortable asking a fellow congregant to consider a pledge?  No!  Do I feel better prepared?  Do I feel more at ease?  Yes!

 

My sincerest gratitude to James D. Klote & Associates and our Klote consultant!