We have received to date pledges totaling more than $5.1 million over the next 5 years, an amount which is almost seven times our annual giving! More importantly, already we are showing a net increase in pledges of $89,514 with respect to giving toward next year’s annual budget. I cannot help but recall the two principles stressed in the initial presentation of JD Klote’s overall approach to financial stewardship: (1) the importance of one-on-one personal contact with each individual family and giving unit, and (2) the belief that inviting pledge commitments to the annual budget and a well-planned capital fund at the same time will most likely result in a significant increase in annual gifts. Having been guided by the exceptional on-site leadership of our gifted campaign consultant, our church family is a living testimony to the truth of the above fundamental convictions.
It is an understatement to say that the four months following our consultant and his wife’s arrival in Belmont have been perhaps the most rewarding and transformational period for me as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Our consultant’s calm, quiet, yet steady and faithful guidance born out of his love for Christ and his love for people served as a spark for igniting within our leadership a deeper understanding and commitment to regular and “sacrificial” giving to the ongoing ministry and capital needs of the church. In worshiping, working, and living among us, they became a part of our congregation and, we pray, our church family will forever be a part of their lives. We have loved them and they have loved us, and together God has done what none of us ever believed possible.
Presbyterians are by nature a suspicious and cautious bunch. As a result, many of our longstanding traditions and practices were challenged throughout our capital campaign experience, but in a manner that was always affirming, non-threatening, yet spiritually enriching.
We are not the same church we were before this effort began! Without reservation I gladly give James D. Klote & Associates my highest possible recommendation.
I enthusiastically refer them to any congregation seeking to grow in financial stewardship. Most of all, I express my gratitude for lessons learned these past several months based upon the solid foundation of biblical principles which have yielded a personal experience of spiritual renewal and a corporate experience of increased energy and enthusiasm for our common future together in service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
First Presbyterian Church
Belmont, North Carolina