Rev. Mark R. Burnham

I am writing to highly recommend our Capital Campaign Consultant of James D. Klote & Associates for his recent work at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, NC. He joined us in July to conduct a feasibility study to ensure that all of our members were engaged in the process and that all of the possible issues were addressed in a planned Sanctuary/ Pipe organ renovation. The consultant quickly became an integral part of our church staff and helped us to orchestrate 17 focus group meetings. I can attest that the consultant was not only knowledgeable and professional, but he was also committed to the life of the congregation, worshiping with us and even filling in to teach a Women’s Bible Study! It was an enormous blessing to have a full-time person who was responsible for keeping us all on track so that we could continue to perform our daily ministry responsibilities. He met weekly with the Steering Committee, trained our volunteer visitors, maintained all the campaign records, and helped is make key decisions as the campaign progressed. His experience and personality were exactly right for First Presbyterian. The consultant helped us understand the importance of one-on-one personal contact with each individual family or giving unit and we now heartily endorse the practice of inviting pledge commitments to both annual stewardship drive and the Capital Campaign at the same time.