Much of what I read about stewardship say you should never try to focus a campaign on debt reduction. People won't give to debt. People only give to exciting new things. The only effective campaigns are for brick and mortar projects.
New hymnals? Can't do that. We don't have the budget money and no one will give to that.
New bells? New paint in the fellowship hall? Can't. Won't. Never happen.
Let me just say this.
My church has carried a $57,000 deficit from 2008 when the economy crashed and we didn't make our budget. In 2012, we asked the congregation to give to a debt reduction fund on fifth Sundays so that we could move on to the mission God had in mind without this anchor.
The fifth Sunday in September, the deficit was retired, less than two years after we begin the campaign. Why? Because there are people in our congregation who are moved by the Spirit to give mightily to debt reduction. "They hate debt."
Never say never. God knows what needs to happen in your congregation. God knows the plans for good God has for God's people.
Stop assuming that God cannot work to solve a problem or meet a need. Speak the need. Pray mightily. Give generously as leaders. Watch the miracle of God at work in our lives!
And don't let um tell you it can't be done!
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