You have selected your capital campaign leaders and committees, written your Case for Support, and now you're ready to start taking pledges and gifts. What's the best way to approach the members of your congregation?

Method 1 - Every Member Visitation

With this method, you make personal contact with each member of your congregation at home, or even at work. Volunteers are recruited and trained to make these personal visits.

Strengths: Face-to-face interaction, builds relationships, typically raises more funds, and there is less need for follow-up. Limitations: Recruiting and properly training enough volunteers.

Method 2 - Small Group Gatherings

This method relies on members attending a gathering in another member's home. These meetings can also take place at the church if it is more conveniently located. Volunteers are trained and lead the gatherings.

Strengths: Group discussion among members, stronger fellowship, and fewer volunteers are needed. Limitations: More coordination and planning, reaches only members who attend, and more follow-up.

Method 3 - Celebration Sunday

This method focuses on asking for a commitment to the campaign during Sunday worship. The goal is to promote a large attendance at the worship service.

Strengths: Puts the commitment in the context of worship and requires less planning and training. Limitations: Offers no dialogue, reaches only those who attend, and requires substantial follow-up.

All three methods use mailings, phone calls, emails, and presentations to reach members. All three incorporate elements of each other. Which method is best for your congregation?