"God used it [the TLC Scriptural Funding Campaign] not only to help fund the expansion, but also draw us closer to God and each other."
We offer a 15 minute DVD that contains answers to many of the questions that church leaders would normally ask about the Scriptural Funding Campaign. We asked TLC pastors some questions, and we have recorded their unscripted and unrehearsed comments which are typical of the experiences of all our campaigns.
You are certainly welcome to request a copy by contacting TLC Ministries, or if you'd rather, it is also available to view directly on our website! In order to view it, you will need Adobe Flash Player (available for free) and the minimum system requirements to support it. We are offering it in three formats, available for you to choose in accordance with your connection speed.
Small - Ideal for a connection speed of 384 kbps or faster.
Medium - Ideal for a connection speed of 768 kbps or faster.
Large - Ideal for a connection speed of 1.5 Mbps or faster.
The following comments from church leaders reflect churches of all sizes, a great many cultural variations, churches with denominational ties as well as non-denominational and independent churches, and churches from a variety of locations throughout North America. They are not arranged in any particular order.
TLC's Campaign can cross all these natural barriers because it is based on the Scriptures, not on culture, denomination, theology, tradition, or local circumstances. We do, however, take all these factors into consideration as we design and build a campaign that is customized for each church.
These are typical of the many, many letters we receive, and all have one thing in common — their appreciation for TLC's ministry approach to raising major funds. We have used their own extended comments instead of "one liners" to help you realize the context in which these comments were made. Hear the heart beat of these church leaders as they describe an experience that goes far beyond the raising of funds.
Also note the significant role of the TLC Consultant in successful campaigns. These letters refer to several different TLC Consultants, and reveal how important it is to have a Consultant that will partner with the church leaders to give the kind of both professional and spiritual guidance to the campaign.
Browse at your own pace, or click on a leader's name to go directly to that person's comments. Keep in mind that some of these Pastors may have retired or moved on to other ministries since their Scriptural Funding Campaign.
Pastor Larry C. Collins, Ontario, Ohio
Pastor Douglas Watterson, Stuart, Florida
Pastor Mark Hoffman, El Cajon, California
Maysel & Stan Teeter, Campaign Directors, Russellville, Arkansas
Pastor Mark Powell, Jackson, Georgia
Gene and Margaret Logan, Campaign Directors, Salina, Kansas
Pastor Hal Robbins, Newport News, Virginia
Pastor Andrew Sass, Fredonia, New York
Pastor Donald P. Leonard, Defiance, Ohio
Pastor Dan Cook, Lakewood, New York
Kathleen Burris, Campaign Director, Dayton, Indiana
Pastor Dan Pietrzyk, Salina, Kansas
Pastor Danny J. Janes, Kalamazoo, Michigan
David and Linda Woodruff, Campaign Directors, Livonia, New York
Pastor Brent L. Oliver, Delphi, Indiana
Pastor Art Barnes, Linesville, Pennsylvania
Pastor Randy Haithcock, Trinity, North Carolina
Pastor Mackey Yokem, Russellville, Arkansas
Pastor B. Dale Watts, Hickory, North Carolina
Pastor James Swanson, Horseheads, New York
Jack and Karen Schrader, Campaign Directors, Wheaton, Illinois
Pastor Clarence D. Croscutt, Washington, Pennsylvania
Pastors Jim Riggle & Mark McFadden, Jamestown, Ohio
Pastor Tom Hostetler, Bremen, Indiana
Pastor Max Edwards, Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Greg Clarke, Campaign Director, Denver, North Carolina
Pastor R. Kevin Kline, Salina, Kansas
Ken Bowen, Campaign Director, Osco, Illinois
Pastor Renee Lawrence, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Pastor Charles F. Murry, Conway, Arkansas
Pastor Ken Long, Everett, Washington
Rev. Mike Schafer, Lubbock, Texas
Pastor Ferman Yoder, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Pastor Dennis Adams, Glendale, Arizona
Pastor Gary Gilman, Filer, Idaho
Senior Minister Jim Gibson, Fairborn, Ohio
Pastor Mark A. Ellcessor, Selma, Indiana
Pastor Scott Sims, Charleston, Illinois
Pastor Jeff Richards, East Helena, Montana
J.W. & Elaine Burton, Campaign Directors, Lynchburg, Virginia
Bob & Ginnie Wolfe, Campaign Directors, Rockville, Connecticut
Pastor Tim Burchill, West Lafayette, Indiana
Pastor Duncan Ross, Duluth, Minnesota
Dave Johnson, Campaign Manager, Mooresville, North Carolina
Pastor Debra Quilling, Manning, South Carolina
Pastor Paul VanCise, Bryant, Indiana
Rev. Thomas F. Parsons, Jr., Hartford City, Indiana
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Pastor Larry C. Collins
Ontario, Ohio
I am writing to simply say thank you for a wonderful Scriptural Funding Campaign. It could not have gone any better than it did. I am also so very glad to have gotten to know you. God surely blessed this church through your patience, gentle spirit and strong Godly leadership.
You may well remember that I told you that I was a bit skeptical about you and your company since I knew nothing about you. I remember you were a bit skeptical also about taking on a campaign to raise money for debt retirement. My skepticism is entirely gone and I am recommending you to every person I see who might be in need of a capital campaign.
In the past I have used five different companies to lead campaigns. One of those companies was the one who does more campaigns each year than anyone else in the country. From my experience, your company is the absolute number one. We not only reached our Vital Goal; we reached the Victory Goal and are on our way to the Vision Goal. The campaign far exceeded any campaign I have been part of in the past. Our church also received the largest single gift of any campaign I have had.
The process you led me through of helping me make sure we had the leaders God wanted to lead the campaign was vital to the success. Your numerous trips on sight to give expert leadership and your meticulous attention to details certainly made a huge difference. The scripture based stewardship approach was a real blessing and growth opportunity for us. The total involvement of our people has been the best. The feelings we have about what we went through has been so positive.
Thank you again for your significant leadership in our midst. It will be a blessing to generations to come.
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Pastor Douglas Watterson
Stuart, Florida
I have been a pastor for 54 years this June. During that time I have engaged in many campaigns for capital funds and building fund drives. In churches quite small and very large we have conducted the program in multiple ways: doing it entirely by ourselves, participating in denominational programs, and with professional assistance as in the present.
Never have I encountered such a meticulously organized and executed program as the one just concluded with TLC Ministries. It was thoroughly biblical, not overbearing, and it intruded little into our weekly worship hours. Our professional [TLC] Stewardship Consultant truly conducted a Christian Ministry in our church. He made many visits to the church to conduct training periods for the committees and for report meetings. His warm, personal rapport with our people was a major contributing factor in their willingness to follow his leadership. He was and is available to us by cell phone 24/7. We took full advantage of that.
Every detail of the program was carefully recorded on a day by day basis in the manuals distributed to each committee. We had only to read and to execute what we had been taught. The work was widely divided between the committees, and the division both involved a great many people and prevented the overworking of a tiny few.
The committees functioned flawlessly and all of the gears engaged at the proper moment. Each committee took "ownership" of the program as their own. We have been marvelously successful in a very short time period. We virtually accomplished our first two goals on Celebration Sunday and the pledge cards continue to come in by mail and through the offering plate. Our "dream goal" is no longer a dream but a real possibility. The pledges already received exceed our annual budget by more than a multiple of three. Our church is certain that the Lord directed us in the choice of TLC Ministries. We would recommend TLC to any church.
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Pastor Mark Hoffman
El Cajon, California
Wow! In my wildest dreams, I never would have imagined that we would get this kind of response. We're nearly $1 million over our "miracle goal" now! Yesterday I was discussing with several staff members the fact that getting some outside help in our financial campaign was one of the best things we ever did.
When we began interviewing to bring in a financial consultant, you and TLC were certainly a breath of fresh air. Your sincere, gentle spirit set the tone in laying the foundation for this campaign in the hearts of our people. I never heard a single complaint that this campaign was contrived or manipulative.
Additionally, the campaign was as much a success spiritually as it was financially. There's a new, more positive and faith-filled attitude in our congregation. The celebration dinner was a highlight in the life of our church.
We're grateful for the genuine, loving approach of TLC. Please feel free to use my name as a recommendation. I would be happy to enthusiastically recommend you and your organization to any pastor.
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Maysel & Stan Teeter, Campaign Directors
Russellville, Arkansas
This letter is not adequate to describe the admiration that we, as Campaign Directors for our church's Scriptural Funding Campaign, have for [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries. As a result of his guidance, and utilizing the program devised by TLC Ministries, our campaign has been able to reach our highest goal. Over a three year period, our congregation has pledged more than $4,600,000 for our building project. This will enable us to complete the first phase of a 25-year Master Plan with little or no debt.
We are overjoyed by the generous response of our congregation. [TLC Consultant] expertly orchestrated a slowly developing campaign based on prayer and meditation to lead us to arrive at a truly sacrificial commitment which gave us the joy in the giving. Our theme, "Not Equal Giving, but Equal Sacrifice" resulted in both large and small gifts of equal importance.
The spiritual growth of our church has been just as important as the financial gain. Through ministry visits and a prayer vigil, our congregation has been drawn together as a church family. Through sharing testimonies and involving over 400 people in the work of the campaign, we have developed new friendships and have increased our love for each other and for Christ.
TLC Ministries' game plan was described in detail by [TLC Consultant] during several visits. We appreciated his attention to detail as we implemented the program and his inspirational talks were always very motivating.
I am convinced that if we had not followed the step-wise approach to arrive at a sacrificial commitment, we would not have raised half the amount that we did. I can personally say that going through the process allowed us to find ways to increase our gift eight-fold over what we had initially planned to give. Many others describe changing their commitments upwards as well.
In summary, the TLC Ministries plan was extremely well designed and provided maximal spiritual and financial benefits for our church. [TLC Consultant] presented the plan and walked us through it step-by-step. He was always available by phone for questions, and we had many. He never failed to respond and his help was invaluable. It is obvious that he has a strong Christian commitment to the churches he serves, and to God. I have grown spiritually through working with him and I am grateful for that.
We can enthusiastically endorse TLC Ministries and [TLC Consultant] for any church fund raising campaign.
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Pastor Mark Powell
Jackson, Georgia
I want to thank you for allowing [TLC Consultant] to come and lead our Scriptural Funding Campaign. Our "Breakthrough 4Him" campaign was a glowing success. We were able to raise 3 times our annual budget. We are grateful to God for moving among our people and grateful to TLC for their unique, encouraging and Biblical approach to stewardship. We realize than any organization can put a plan on paper, and yours is a good one. But without quality people like [TLC Consultant], even the best of plans can fail.
[TLC Consultant] instilled confidence in our people with his seasoned leadership. He also generated among our people a heart to work and a sense of ownership in the building project. [TLC Consultant] pastor's heart enables him to teach, train and encourage. He was available to our people throughout the entire process and that was a great relief to me.
You are aware that one of my concerns was how much time and effort I would have to invest in the campaign. Being a busy pastor leaves virtually no time for additional activities. [TLC Consultant] assured me that once the campaign cabinet was in place, he would train the people to carry the load. And he was true to his word.
I can honestly say that we are better off as a church for going through this campaign. The spiritual emphasis was enriching. The total involvement of our people is amazing. We realize what we are capable of if we all pull together and every individual does his or her part. The humble, gentle and confident leadership of [TLC Consultant] facilitated these benefits, and many more. Thank you for giving us the privilege of working with him.
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Gene and Margaret Logan, Campaign Directors
Salina, Kansas
What a great 17 weeks! The 120 days of our Stewardship Fund Campaign was truly one of the most challenging, focused and rewarding periods of our lives. It is now a memory that we will always have, to remind us of the powerful way that God worked in the life of our church.
The response of the individual members and friends of our church is something that was definitely not a result of human effort. God revealed Himself in a new and special way, as acquaintances became friends, as established friendships were strengthened, as new relationships developed, and as each was encouraged in his/her faith.
We are so very grateful for the ministry of TLC. And we are especially appreciative for [our Consultant's] leadership as we witnessed God using you to help us not only reach our financial goals as a church, but to help us experience both a spiritual and a stewardship growth as individuals.
To see the value of [TLC Consultant] as a Stewardship Consultant, one needs only to look at the end result . . . both individually and corporately. In order to proceed with our $5,700,000 Phase I Project, it was necessary to have a minimum of $1,700,000 in commitments, to be paid over a three-year period. The $4,000,000 committed was literally overwhelming!
It's difficult to put into words our joy and gladness as we saw our anticipation become a reality. Our "Building Up . . . Reaching Out" Relocation and Building Project was definitely one grand experience.
Thank you for being available as our Stewardship Consultant. And thank you for encouraging us to attain our goals.
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Pastor Hal Robbins
Newport News, Virginia
Thank you so much for your expertise and valued partnership in our Stewardship Campaign. We have quickly moved through our Challenge and Victory Goals are moving toward our Miracle Goal… There is a sense of victory and thanksgiving among our people. Who knows how high it may go?
The campaign brought our people together spiritually and personally. New friendships were formed. Commitment began before we asked for a financial commitment as people committed themselves to the responsibility of serving on a cabinet team or chairing a team. The home visits opened new experiences for the people. Now they want to do home visits. Our prayer vigil was a tremendous blessing to the people and they want to do another.
How can we adequately describe the sacrificial commitments made by the people? Again and again as people prayed and sought God's guidance as to what they should commit to the campaign they significantly increased their commitments.
Was our campaign a success? Yes! It was a success in so many ways. People stretched themselves as they listened to God's call and as a result they have grown in their faith. A victorious spirit prevails among the people. People demonstrated leadership that had not been previously discovered. New and deeper friendships were formed. So many intangible benefits were derived from the campaign.
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Pastor Andrew Sass
Fredonia, New York
We once again would like to thank you for such a successful campaign. Your approach was scriptural and very productive. We are now in our new facility, and experiencing the fruit of our capital campaign.
Early on in the process we were offered an opportunity to have a Christian institution do our campaign for us, free of charge. While the organization is very competent, and their offer very appealing, I'm glad we instead chose to use TLC Ministries. The initial cost was much greater, but in the end we really believe your scriptural campaign produced much greater results. Thank you for the awesome job, and the high level of commitment you gave to our church.
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Pastor Donald P. Leonard
Defiance, Ohio
I just want to write and express what a pleasure it has been to work with you during our "Building To Share His Love" scriptural funding campaign. Helping to take our church board through the decision process to hire a consultant was a very positive step in receiving a unanimous vote to proceed with the campaign.
The level of commitment you brought our leadership team to impressed me. The time and energy spent was worth all the sacrifice as we celebrate the success of our campaign. The pledge total came to more than 3 times our average annual income. And our "Firstfruits" offering was 10.3% of our pledges. Our District Superintendent believes this to be the most successful campaign (proportionally) of any church on our district.
I sincerely appreciated your humble spirit throughout the entire campaign. I consider you a friend as well as a consultant. Remember to stop by as you travel S.R. 24. I'll send you the dates of our men's golf outings.
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Pastor Dan Cook
Lakewood, New York
I just wanted to express my appreciation to you for being our consultant during our vision expansion capital funds campaign. Our church leadership had entertained the idea of doing our own fund raising to save money. How thankful I am that we went the direction of TLC Ministries. Not only did we meet our challenge goal, but we far surpassed our miracle goal. I believe this was a direct result of your emphasis of involving an extensive number of lay people in the process as well as training all of us in what the Bible says about sacrificial giving.
You continually reminded our steering team that giving is a spiritual decision first and that when our attitude about the Lord and giving is right, abundant giving will be a natural outcome. Thank you for being sensitive in your approach to this delicate subject, yet continually challenging us to rise to the level of the kind of sacrifice that would please God. I simply would not have had the time nor expertise to guide our people in such a significant venture. I felt like you filled the role of "Assistant Minister" in this entire process and that allowed me to keep my focus of being an effective Senior Pastor to my congregation. I look forward to future involvement with you as the Lord continues to bless our ministry.
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Kathleen Burris, Campaign Director
Dayton, Indiana
Having worked with [TLC Consultant] on both of our successful financial campaigns, I have had the opportunity to see his work from two perspectives.
I first worked with [TLC Consultant] as the Banquet Director of our first campaign back in 1993. I found him to be well informed and always available for any questions or concerns that may have arisen. He was sensitive to our needs and wants as a church and I valued his instruction.
On our second financial campaign, I had the honor of being the Campaign Director and was able to learn even more about his integrity and wisdom. His manuals are concise and made my job easier as well as the Directors of the Steering Committee.
I feel that because of [TLC Consultant] and his professional manner and certainly his knowledge and expertise in this area, our campaigns would not have been the successes that they were without him.
One of the things that I appreciate most about [TLC Consultant] information is that it is firmly grounded in the Word of God and I believe that [TLC Consultant] truly is a man of God.
I count it an honor to be involved in a campaign that [TLC Consultant] is overseeing and I would do it again should the occasion ever arise in the future.
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Pastor Dan Pietrzyk
Salina, Kansas
We have just completed a fundraising campaign for relocating and building. We did more than raise funds. We raised more responsive disciples. I am so grateful we chose [TLC Consultant] to be our partner in this journey. His scriptural approach to fundraising puts the emphasis where it needs to be — on a deeper relationship to Jesus Christ. Everything overflows from this.
We have been growing numerically for some time. We are completely landlocked. After significant review it became clear relocating was the only responsible option for our church. However, we have not had the history of easily raising money for projects.
[TLC Consultant's] approach was organized, gentle, and Biblical. He saved us from making all the mistakes we would have made on our own. He led us step by step through each part of the campaign. The results were humbling:
• We raised over 6 times our annual budget for the project;
• We received commitments of $4 million for our $5.7 million project;
• We connected deeper relationally;
• We prayed for each other more intelligently; and
• We were challenged scripturally and responded to the challenge.
The result was joy and an enlarged vision of what God can do. I would recommend the services of [TLC Consultant] to any congregation. He was/is God's gift for us.
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Pastor Danny J. Janes
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Please allow this opportunity to thank you for your help in our Scriptural Funding Campaign, and to endorse your ministry to other churches who are looking for a stewardship partner.
During the months of February — May 2004, our Church worked with TLC in the capital funding phase of our building and relocation program. We were successful in raising over… three times our annual income. Needless to say, we were thrilled with the results.
But beyond this financial victory — our church experienced a spiritual awakening and growth never before seen. Through the Cabinet and Team training, VIP visits, Report Service, Prayer Vigil, Stewardship Lessons, Leadership and Celebration Dinners — we witnessed a unity of spirit obvious to everyone. New people rose to the challenges of leadership. Long-established members were rekindled with fresh enthusiasm. Prayers were answered. And people who had never before tithed, started giving 10% - and beyond!
When [TLC Consultant] tells you it's about more than raising money — believe him! Our entire church has been lifted and impacted in ways beyond our highest expectations. We appreciate the strong Scriptural emphasis that permeates the TLC approach to building believers — not just raising funds.
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David and Linda Woodruff, Campaign Directors
Livonia, New York
It has been our pleasure over the past few months to work with [TLC Consultant] through TLC Ministries, on a fund raising project for our Church. The purpose of the fund raising was to provide funding for the construction of a new church building to replace our present, outlived facility. [TLC Consultant] came on board at a time when we had conceptualized our new facility, and had to finally come to grips with raising the money that we will need for its construction.
There was a great deal of concern in the congregation that we would not in fact be able to raise the amount needed to begin the project at all. With the help and guidance of [TLC Consultant], however, we did in fact reach our goals, and have actually exceeded them. What seemed like an impossible task was indeed possible with the right guidance and professional leadership of [TLC Consultant].
[TLC Consultant] provided two essential ingredients for our campaign. First of all his scriptural approach to fund raising has had the effect of strengthening the congregation in their commitment to our faith community far beyond the giving of their money. If we never did build our new church, our congregation is in a far, far better place now than when we started the campaign. We are more committed to each other, to our church, and to doing God's work in the world, than we were prior to working with [TLC Consultant]. Secondly, his program is so organized that you can hardly "goof" it up if you just follow the procedures that he provides. His materials are organized down to the last detail, and make it very easy for any group to run a successful campaign. Our roles in this campaign were that of overall campaign directors, and we can attest to the fact that we had very little to do ourselves. This was because the organizational program provided, spread the work throughout the congregation in a manner that everyone was involved, but no one had an unfair burden.
We would highly recommend that any church group thinking of raising funds use the services of [TLC Consultant], and TLC Ministries.
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Pastor Brent L. Oliver
Delphi, Indiana
Two years ago our congregation unanimously approved a building addition. For lack of finances we waited until… we believed God prompted us to take the steps towards building that building. Yet, we remained convinced that the Lord wanted us to do it without incurring a large, long-term debt. The dilemma: I didn't want a "professionally led" capital funds campaign. I had heard too many horror stories.
To make a long story short, the Lord changed my mind. After talking with more than a dozen other pastors/churches for whom you have led campaigns, the Lord convinced us that your ministry was what we needed at this time. What you said would happen and what the other pastors said would happen, happened here:
1. The campaign brought the involvement of more people in our church than any other single thing we have ever done;
2. The campaign saw many new people rise up in leadership;
3. A greater percentage of our people are genuinely excited about the vision of our church, whereas before some didn't have the same "ownership" of it;
4. The blessings of the ministry visitation are still being talked about; and
5. We raised much, much more than we could have by ourselves.
I appreciate your strong, yet gentle leadership. I appreciate that Biblical principles are the foundation of the campaign. I appreciate that while funds needed to be raised and it was your job to help us do that, you cared about the people more than their money.
We thank God for giving you to us for this time.
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Pastor Art Barnes
Linesville, Pennsylvania
One of the first things that sold us on TLC Ministries was their philosophy … that it was a spiritual campaign with financial results! When we actually got into the campaign, it proved to be very spiritually based. And the results were stunning.
First of all, by the end of the campaign, our regular giving had increased by over 10%. [For the capital campaign] we were beyond words when the final number of commitments received exceeded [their highest goal by over 20%].
From start to finish, the campaign ran very smoothly. [TLC Consultant's] strong emphasis on the spiritual and gentle approach to the financial were well received. The whole campaign brought us as a congregation closer to God and to each other. It helped to solidify our goals and objectives. TLC's program is well put together, well thought out, well managed. We as a church felt confident during each step of the process because of how well organized everything was.
My church and I would recommend TLC Ministries, Inc. to anyone.
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Pastor Randy Haithcock
Trinity, North Carolina
We recently purchased a Stewardship Campaign with TLC Ministries. It was an extremely positive experience for us. Though some entered the "paid consultant" approach with hesitation or skepticism, they were quickly "won over" or at least "quieted" by the scriptural principles taught and the congenial, low key mannerisms of our [TLC] consultant. His personal interest in helping us be better kingdom builders and the sincerity of his own love for the Lord was evident.
We are a church plant 4 years old… our families have average incomes and there are a number of single wage-earner families. We knew that the only way we could meet our needed goal to purchase property was for our people to be led by God into truly sacrificial giving. Through stewardship principles heard in a fresh way from our consultant, and regular reminders to seriously pray through the Personal Spiritual Journey questions, as well as the significant impact of personal testimonies — God did enable a willing people to make sacrificial commitments that met our need.
Significant spiritual growth in faith and obedience came out of the campaign also. The month our campaign giving began, we also received the largest amount of general tithes and offerings in the history of the church. As pastor, I found myself personally challenged to a higher level of faith and joy in sacrificial giving. I also discovered a new boldness to preach stewardship messages without "softening" the realities of biblical truth.
Additional campaign benefits included a greater concern and prayer effort for the church and each other's needs as a result of the ministry visits and prayer vigil. We also discovered some new ministry leadership potential and an increased involvement of others in the life of the church as a result of their service on one of the campaign teams.
God used [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries as instruments of rich blessing to our church. I highly recommend them.
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Pastor Mackey Yokem
Russellville, Arkansas
I am writing on behalf of TLC Ministries and their representative, [TLC Consultant].
TLC Ministries, Inc. has preformed a true "miracle" in our midst. From the first meeting when [TLC Consultant] introduced TLC to our committee it was obvious to us that this was the group to lead our congregation through our Scriptural Funding Campaign. Now that we have completed the campaign and are continuing in our planning, what we had hoped and been promised has been confirmed.
TLC did everything they said they would do, as stated in our interviews and contract. [TLC Consultant] has been available to us and guided us superbly through every stage of the campaign. He was not only knowledgeable about the fund-raising process, but quickly became of one us.
The methods used in the campaign were new to us but highly successful. What they afforded us was the challenge to grow spiritually. This has truly been a spiritual journey with financial results. Our congregation thinks, prays, acts, and now gives on a much deeper spiritual level than ever before, and it is due to the Scriptural Funding Campaign. God did bless us when TLC came into the life of this congregation.
I would be pleased to visit with anyone, at anytime about TLC, and the progress we made as a congregation.
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Pastor B. Dale Watts
Hickory, North Carolina
Our Church stood at a crossroad in our ministry. We needed to build or limit our church growth. Finances presented a difficult problem because we were a young church with an existing debt. Our weekly offerings were good, meeting the church budget. We called TLC Ministries concerning a Capital Stewardship Campaign. [TLC Consultant] who later became our Consultant met with our church leadership. He has a heart for church ministry. He quickly put our financial concerns in perspective for us. After that first initial meeting our church leadership recognized the need for a scriptural fundraising campaign guided by the leadership of [TLC Consultant]. The benefits of our Campaign has enabled our church to move beyond the plateau to reach new heights for our Lord and Savior. [TLC Consultant] became a friend to New Hope.
The TLC Ministry Plan was used by God for a financial miracle. Our Firstfruits Sunday offering was… the largest single offering in the history of our church. Thanks to TLC Ministries, we are preparing to break ground and our budget gifts are approximately 15% over the budget, and we have discovered new leadership through the Campaign as well.
I can without reservation recommend to you TLC Ministries and [TLC Consultant] as a Consultant.
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Pastor James Swanson
Horseheads, New York
So, you need to raise funds for a building project and you are wondering if TLC Ministries could work for you. We just finished a campaign last month and we raised over four times our annual income, in the midst of a national economic recession!
I would like to say that I had that kind of faith when we started the campaign, I was hesitant and full of apprehension, just as you might be now. But over the last few months my questions have been replaced with amazement.
Because TLC Ministries focuses on building leaders, building community and responding to God's leading, not man's pleading — our church is stronger than when we started the campaign. We have watched new leaders rise up and our entire congregation was given the opportunity to be part of what God is doing in and through our church.
One of your greatest questions probably is — is it worth paying TLC Ministries to run this campaign for you? Yes! Your consultant is your experienced advisor, your confidant who wants to see your church succeed as much as you do. One of the greatest advantages to paying for this service is that your people have to make a commitment to the campaign before it even starts. As the campaign unfolds they will remember their investment and they will work hard to see a fruitful return.
If you have questions, please give me a call. I would strongly recommend TLC Ministries to guide you through your fundraising campaign.
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Jack and Karen Schrader, Campaign Directors
Wheaton, Illinois
Our church had previously come through two funding campaigns, and had experienced some of the typical ebb and flow of excitement and disinterest, and skepticism coupled with the faithful submission of the loyal givers. But we were very wise to have chosen TLC Ministries for our recent (third) campaign, for the scriptural approach that was taken.
Our people deepened their walk with the Lord, and as a direct result, became more visionary in their giving. [TLC Consultant's] approach was gentle. His keynote message to the congregation was not filled with "Thou shalts" but rather with very loving, positive messages about this special opportunity to express ourselves to the Lord in gratitude for all he has provided for us, and the blessings of whole-hearted involvement.
Our committee signed on to serve in their positions with a degree of apprehension, but soon found that they had placed themselves in the hands of a very patient and competent leader, [TLC Consultant]. He led us with the wisdom bred of much experience, and never made us feel like we had asked a stupid question. He even allowed us to tailor his template to our unique situation.
Currently, our campaign is two-thirds complete and we are right on track in our expected giving, or even slightly ahead. The follow-up has been helpful, and some new giving units have been enlisted since the start of the campaign. We had hoped to pledge at least $1.1 million, and ended up with over $1.5 million, which has been a great blessing. The consensus has been that [TLC Consultant's] expertise was well worth the price, and that without him we could not have expanded our ministry nearly so much.
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Pastor Clarence D. Croscutt
Washington, Pennsylvania
Embarking on a journey of raising funds is to say the least a formidable task in these days of transition and volatility in the markets. Yet, when God is moving in the hearts of His people to do something significant for the Kingdom, He will always make a way.
We have seen his hand at work over the last four months as we have traveled down this path with [TLC Consultant] giving us careful direction at every turn. At the very beginning of this campaign, there were some who were hesitant about the course we were taking, but having now seen the results during the FirstFruits Offering and the positive impact the campaign had on our congregation, we stand in awe of what God has done. He not only has brought us near to our highest goal, but there has been an increasing sense of unity concerning the task vision before us. I believe what was even more positive for our people was the Prayer Vigil and the Ministry visits. These events seemed to draw us together.
We all personally appreciated the sensitivity with which [TLC Consultant] and his staff worked with the character of our church in customizing the campaign to who we are as a people. It all fit together extremely well.
If you and your congregation are seeing God moving in a way that demands significant funding of your vision, you will do well in talking with [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries.
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Pastor Jim Riggle
Pastor Mark McFadden
Jamestown, Ohio
The future for each of us is a mystery, yet one thing remains clear and true: our God is always faithful! This is especially true as we reflect on our recently completed Scriptural Funding Campaign. By the grace of God and the help of TLC Ministries, we will soon begin building an addition to our church that we know God will use to further His work here. TLC Ministries has been an aid in refreshing our perspective on God's faithfulness.
Perhaps a good way to help you see the process we have been through is to give you a peek at some questions we addressed to our leadership and congregation. You will realize, as we have, that taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by TLC Ministries is a wise choice.
Why is an-house stewardship campaign risky?
• An in-house campaign would require many hours of oversight. The most natural individuals for this role are the pastors. Yet, this would be destructive to the purpose of this ministry, and harmful to the ongoing life of our church.
• An in-house campaign could only be an amateur effort at best, to say nothing of the high degree of risk to building plans and, more importantly, the people of the church.
• It would be highly improbable that goals would be achieved.
Why would using TLC Ministries be a wise choice?
• TLC Ministries has a proven record. They have successfully helped hundreds of churches.
• The well organized plan of TLC Ministries would promote the ministry and mission of the church by both drawing our people together for a common purpose and by not diluting the efforts of the pastoral staff.
• TLC Ministries makes a long-term commitment of three years. They train, advise, consult and promote thorough follow-through.
• TLC Ministries is based on biblical principles of stewardship, not merely business principles of raising money.
How is securing TLC Ministries an investment in our churches future?
• The purposes of TLC Ministries are directly in line with the purposes of our church.
• The broad-based ministry of the TLC program prevents possible burnout of key church leadership.
• Significantly, a successful stewardship campaign will limit the amount of debt and save our church hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest.
• The program of TLC Ministries will demonstrate in a very practical way how faith and theology work together.
• Working through the program and issues of the stewardship based campaign will foster ownership in the ministry and mission of our church.
As a result of God's use of TLC Ministries in our church, our people have committed… approximately four times our annual income and the successful achievement of our top goal. Ultimately, however, the real success has been in the church-wide understanding of what it means to sacrifice for the Savior.
We make ourselves available to anyone who has questions regarding the program and success of our stewardship campaign with TLC Ministries, whom we heartily recommend.
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Pastor Tom Hostetler
Bremen, Indiana
It is my pleasure to share our congregation's appreciation for TLC Ministries' Scriptural Funding Campaign. Their approach is distinctly refreshing, and brought spiritual renewal to many of our members. It helped to develop leadership, unity of purpose and a sense of "holy motivation." We expected them to help us raise money, but in addition, they helped us raise the level of interest in the vision of the church, the work of ministry, and in doing something significant for the Lord. [TLC Consultant] is a person with a big heart for helping the church be all it can be, and a strong professional and Christian character to match.
I am delighted to report that our initial commitments toward the Campaign represent an amount that is 6.6 times our annual income. This is a tremendous act of faith for us, and shows how far God can take people who are willing to step out in faith. Of course, the work is just beginning, and as the campaign continues, TLC has promised to be available to us whenever we need them.
I highly recommend TLC Ministries' Scriptural Funding Campaign for any church contemplating any major capital fundraising project.
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Pastor Max Edwards
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
I am writing on behalf of the staff, stewards, and membership of [our church] to thank you for the wonderful job your firm did in guiding us through our capital fundraising campaign this summer. Your professional and carefully documented approach made what would otherwise be drudgery a distinct pleasure. That is not to say that it came without effort, because a very many folks worked a very long time during the challenge phase of the campaign, but that in itself has been a tremendous blessing. Laity involvement in our church is at an all-time-high, and the tone or spirit of the church is extremely positive. As a matter of fact, our membership meets tonight to set the building committee loose to construct the building we so desperately need.
As of today we have committed just over 5 times our general fund income… We are very pleased, to say the least… Praise the Lord for His goodness!
There is no doubt in my mind that we could not have received commitments anywhere near those numbers without your direction, guidance, and inspiration. Retaining TLC will be remembered as a great decision, and we will highly recommend you and TLC to anyone interested in securing professional guidance for their capital fundraising project.
Please feel free to use this letter as a recommendation to other prospective clients should you choose to do so. You not only have our permission to use our name and affirmation — we encourage you to do so!
Thanks again for your sincere Christ-like leadership throughout the entire process. We know beyond doubt that the clear blessing of the Lord, along with your insightful and experienced supervision is the reason for our success!
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Greg Clarke, Campaign Director
Denver, North Carolina
Please accept our heartfelt thank you for all of your assistance during our recent "Building on God's Foundation" campaign. The campaign has been a tremendous success both spiritually and financially. We could not have done this without your guidance and TLC's program.
As of today (with the campaign completed one month ago) we have received commitments of $1,922,000 which is just shy of our Heritage goal of $2,000,000. We have well surpassed our Celebration goal of $1,000,000 and our Harvest goal of $1,500,000. I am convinced that God called you and TLC to Denver to help us expand His ministries.
More important than the commitment of money has been the spiritual growth and outreach that occurred during the campaign. This campaign teaches, it requires that your grow in Christ and it brings churches together. The Prayer Vigil, Ministry Visits and the Celebration Dinner were unbelievably powerful and brought our church family much closer.
I told the Campaign Cabinet at the beginning of our program, that if we did not raise a dime, yet our church grew spiritually, then we will have the goals of this campaign. With TLC and your deep love for this ministry we have far exceeded our goals. Thank you for you commitment to God's Kingdom.
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Pastor R. Kevin Kline
Salina, Kansas
This past February the people of [our] Church embarked on a journey of faith with TLC ministries to raise money for a rather ambitious building project. It became apparent to us some time ago that our building was hindering our church's growth and programming.
Our mission statement states that we are to "love, welcome and serve all of God's creation." Keeping this in mind it quickly became apparent that we were being called not just to build for the needs of our congregation, but for our whole community, indeed, for God's entire Kingdom. What we ended up with was a proposed building project of 1.9 million. Now for a congregation who's annual income was just $118,000.00 last year, one would have to admit that we were embarking on an incredibly ambitious project .
When we began searching for a fundraiser we knew we had to be very careful that we chose one who would work well with our congregation and share our enthusiasm for what we were attempting. Our selection process involved an incredible amount of prayer, and no little research. We interviewed several very good and capable organizations, but I will have to admit, we were impressed with [TLC Consultant] and TLC ministries from the get go.
TLC's organizational structure was very impressive, but what was really the clincher was TLC's focus on prayer and scripture. Using God's Word, and God's communion in a capital campaign just seemed natural for us. Our people are still talking about the ministry visits and prayer vigil, and we fully intend to make this an annual event.
So, what were the result of our campaign? We have pledged over the next three years… over 9.5 times our annual income. Thanks be to God! Words cannot describe the amazement we feel at what God has bestowed upon us. [TLC Consultant] and TLC ministries has given us the tools and means to more fully grow God's Kingdom. Again I'll say, "THANKS BE TO GOD."
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Ken Bowen, Campaign Director
Osco, Illinois
As I reflect on our Scriptural Funding Campaign, we stand in awe at all God has done at [our] Church. As you know, we raised over [5 times our income] in pledges and completed the building of the Christian Education Center. In the past 15 months we have collected approximately [one half that amount].
But our campaign was about much more than finances! The spiritual growth of our members, the increased confidence in our Lord, the bonding of our membership and the increased opportunities for service are amazing blessings I never expected. And we had fun also!
I would, once again, like to express our deepest gratitude for your work here with us. We would not have accomplished this without your wise leadership and dedication to our campaign. Jody and I sincerely appreciate the guidance and confidence you provided to us as Campaign Directors. If you remember, we told you the campaign had been an extreme success, before the total pledges were even accumulated!
I highly recommend TLC Ministries, Inc. and would consider it a privilege to be a reference for you.
God has uniquely gifted you through the work of TLC Ministries. May God richly bless you as you continue to share your talents.
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Pastor Renee Lawrence
Port St. Lucie, Florida
With joy, I write to heartily recommend TLC Scriptural Funding Campaign to any church wishing a loving, non-threatening, totally biblical and well-organized capital campaign. Our goal for the campaign was $2.5 million and we have felt very confident that with the leadership of TLC we will make our goal.
We are especially blessed to have [TLC Consultant] as our consultant during the entire campaign. From the first to last, he was gracious, organized, motivating and knowledgeable. The Building Committee knew he was the man for the job the first night we met him and we are thankful that God led him to us.
We feel that TLC, with [TLC Consultant] at the helm of our project, has taught our church leadership many spiritual truths and given us leadership tools for the future in all our on-going ministries. We know that the level of general giving is already up. We are also seeing greater spiritual depth in our congregation. Those on the Campaign Cabinet have been thankful for the role they have played, always a great sign that laity have been blessed by a service they undertook to do sacrificially for God.
As a pastor nearing retirement, I know this is probably my last capital campaign. I did a campaign on my own previously and would never do so again. However, if God chooses and I am sent to lead another church in such a wonderful venture, TLC will be the first phone call I make.
We appreciate the scriptural approach, the unfailing grace and wisdom, and the overall philosophy of TLC. Our congregation will work for three years, and I believe we will have a sense of joy for all that time because of the work [TLC Consultant] did among us.
This reaches you from a very grateful Senior Pastor, and is on behalf of an appreciative Building Committee.
I pray God will bless your continuing ministry in service to local churches.
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Pastor Charles F. Murry
Conway, Arkansas
I want to thank you for your ministry with us. The results of Faith Foundations, our scriptural funding campaign, were phenomenal. Your guidance was on target; our people have pledged and are giving more than ever before, and we had a First Fruits offering that went over $300,000.00 That figure alone represents 12% of the total pledged, and it is received in cash from Sunday's collection.
There were times when our leaders thought of short cuts, but upon attempting the perceived easier path, they found the workload doubled. It became humorous to hear the phrase repeated, "[TLC Consultant] was right!". I confess those three words passed my lips once or twice. Your analysis was accurate not only on the process, but on the outcomes.
In total, this has been a spiritually renewing experience for this parish. We are already planning another prayer vigil from Easter Eve until the morning of Easter Day. Our follow-up leaders are working on the timing of another set of ministry visits. One tremendously valuable by-product has been the opportunity to up-date our membership rolls. The Celebration Dinner sent this congregation to the mountaintop. Thank you.
We still have work to do, but your commitment to work with us as pastors and congregation, to install the best leaders possible, and to conclude with a meaningful ministry was outstanding. Please accept our deepest gratitude. God bless!
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Pastor Ken Long
Everett, Washington
I consider it a privilege to write this letter of recommendation for TLC Ministries, Inc., and particularly, [TLC Consultant]. We had a huge challenge facing our church and it required special consideration from whomever we chose as stewardship consultants. I had previously been involved in two campaigns for relocation and used [a big name company]. We were inclined to do the same for our debt retirement campaign but our leaders and I agreed to go with a fresh approach from TLC Ministries and we have not regretted it once.
I would have been thrilled had we raised $4 million in pledges. At the end of the campaign our pledges totaled in excess of $5.8 million! The spiritual climate grew as well. I would simply say that [TLC Consultant] and the ministry of TLC delivered in every area. Most of all they allowed room for God to do what only He could do.
I highly recommend TLC Ministries and would be glad to discuss their ministry further.
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Rev. Mike Schafer
Lubbock, Texas
I want to highly recommend TLC Ministries to those of you seeking to raise capital funds in the local church.
This past spring [our church] embarked on our third capital campaign in the last 10 years. We had used a different company in the first two campaigns and had been pleased with their ministry. But we felt God leading us to look around before we started this third campaign. In the process, we discovered TLC Ministries. We are very thankful we made this discovery!
Our experience with TLC has been a great blessing. [TLC Consultant] was very easy to work with, led us effectively through the campaign process, and listened when we needed to make adjustments. TLC's focus on the spiritual and biblical side of sacrificial giving had a powerful impact on our church family. On the more technical side of the campaign process, TLC's attention to detail was unlike anything we had experienced before with other campaigns. They followed through on countless small things and we saw great fruit flow from this passion to take care of the little things. The total commitments in this campaign were over three times what we had committed in our last campaign just a few years ago.
I would highly recommend anyone considering a capital campaign to visit with the representatives from TLC before making a final decision. We are very glad we did, and many more people are going to be reached for Jesus because of our relationship with TLC. If I can be of further assistance, feel free to contact me.
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Pastor Ferman Yoder
Sugarcreek, Ohio
We just finished a "Scriptural Funding Campaign" with [TLC Consultant] at our church. We added a much need "Multi-Purpose Building" to our church, which gives us an additional 11 Sunday School Rooms, extra Restrooms, a new Kitchen, a new Sewing room for our ladies, a 60' x 96' Recreational area, and Expanded parking. The cost is around $1.2 million.
It has been exciting to see the work God that has done in the hearts and lives of our people through our campaign. I appreciate [TLC Consultant's] servant hood attitude in teaching what it means to give sacrificially. It melted the hearts of some critics. TLC teaches "Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Giving" and everything is based on the word of God, and nobody can argue against the word of God or what the Bible teaches. I also appreciate TLC's approach to raising funds. There is no arm twisting or persuasive methods used, but it is between you and God, and by going through a 4-step process you allow God to speak into your heart and life.
Some of the highlights of the Campaign were that every person had an opportunity to be involved, including our youth and children, it made them feel like a part of the church. Another highlight was to see people work through "My Personal Journey To A Sacrificial Commitment" (the 4-step process) and then to hear their testimonies of how God worked in their lives. I saw God work in the hearts of people that had not allowed God to do so in the past. Another highlight was the "24 Hour Prayer Vigil" — almost every person was involved in our 24 hour prayer vigil, people that never came to a prayer meeting before were there. For our congregation it was much more then raising money, it was allowing God to work in our hearts and lives.
The commitments that people have made for the next three years is a little over 7 times our average income. Our "First Fruits Giving" offering was [70% of annual budget]. I give God the glory for all that has been accomplished in our congregation.
I would highly recommend TLC Ministries to help you in any building project that you may be doing in the future. I would also be glad to answer questions that you may have.
Thank you [TLC Consultant] for coming and sharing your heart and life with our congregation — it was greatly appreciated. May God continue to use and bless the ministry of TLC Ministries.
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Pastor Dennis Adams
Glendale, Arizona
I want to thank TLC for their partnership with TCAA in Building His Way — our scriptural faith raising campaign.
[TLC Consultant] was our TLC Consultant. His leadership and encouragement were essential to the success of the campaign. I found [TLC Consultant] to be personable, optimistic and available. The time he spent directly with leadership teams was critical to developing ownership of our vision for Building His Way.
TLC's approach is based on scripture and powered by prayer. Our people appreciated the approach to seek God's will for sacrificial giving. We heard moving testimonies from those who were serious about seeking the face of God and asking for God's leadership in making a sacrificial commitment.
Our people committed $4,500,000 million over three years to Building His Way. These funds will allow us to build three buildings — more than 30,000 square feet — with no debt!
I was impressed with [TLC Consultant] and his service to TCAA during the intense process of enlisting the cabinet, training the leadership and teams, and preparing us for the harvest. His on-going commitment to serve us over the next three years is certainly "second mile" service.
I found TLC to be flexible, focused, and committed to a standard of excellence. I recommend you contact TLC as you consider choosing a partner to help you reach your ministry goals because they have a proven track record and an unwavering commitment to serve Christ in Kingdom ministry.
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Pastor Gary Gilman
Filer, Idaho
What a joy it has been to work with TLC in our just completed "Commissioned To Grow" Capital Funds Campaign. This last Sunday was our Firstfruits Sunday, What a powerful worship time that was! God's presence was very evident as our people gave their first offering toward their commitments. My heart is still overflowing with gratitude toward God for what He has done in our people and in my own life.
Most of our people have experienced wonderful growth and joy in taking their Personal Journey of Sacrificial Commitment… It was announced at our Firstfruits Sunday Service that [we surpassed our goal]. This Campaign Commitment represents 4.9 times our budget for 2006. (Even our regular offerings have increased since we began the Campaign.)
We are especially grateful that you assigned [TLC Consultant] to be our Campaign Consultant. He inspired trust and confidence in the Campaign. It has been a joy to work with him. We all recognized [TLC Consultant's] competence, integrity, and his own commitment to Christ. Our hearts connected with him from the very beginning of our campaign.
As a pastor, I especially appreciate your deeply spiritual and Christian approach to the campaign, the lack of pressure, [TLC Consultant's] servant attitude and your company's servant attitude. Thank you for doing this work in such a Christ-like way.
I and my congregation would highly recommend TLC to any church who is considering a capital funds campaign.
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Senior Minister Jim Gibson
Fairborn, Ohio
[Our church] began our relationship with TLC Ministries to assist us in raising funds to build a new ministry center. So much more has happened than just raising money.
As a result of [TLC Consultant's] wisdom in getting as many people involved as possible, to the VIP visits and prayer vigil, we have grown closer together as a congregation. TLC has helped an already growing church remember some very basic things we have been overlooking. We are a family and we need each other.
We were pleased with TLC's biblical approach to stewardship. To be honest our congregation was afraid to even talk about money. [TLC Consultant] helped to remind us that we are stewards of God's resources and that we need to use those resources to Glorify Him and serve others.
TLC brings us a very organized and concise approach. As a result of our Scriptural Stewardship Campaign we have commitments nearing three times our annual budget. We continue to see this number increase as more people realize the importance of reaching our community for Christ.
I would recommend TLC to help other churches through this process.
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Pastor Mark A. Ellcessor
Selma, Indiana
Yesterday was a day that will live in the memory of [our church] for decades to come. On that day we celebrated the victory God had given us in a capital campaign for the construction of a new Education Center for children and youth. TLC Ministries, under the leadership of [TLC Consultant], was at the very core of this Scriptural Funding Campaign.
The work of TLC Ministries is extensive and thorough. [TLC Consultant] capably led us through all the details of leadership selection and training, eventually including nearly every adult in the congregation! The campaign process was extremely well organized, including every detail imaginable for every team. Still, his style allowed for flexibility to meet the needs of our particular congregation.
Most importantly, the spiritual emphasis had the deepest impact on our church, with prayer and Bible study forming the foundation of the effort. After a five month campaign in which we received over $1 million in pledges, our congregation is actually closer to God and one another than before we started!
Some people have asked me why I chose [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries. The answer is simple — pastors I know have given me positive recommendations. One friend even said, "The best testimony I can give is that we used him twice." Well, let me say this: when we get ready to enter Phase 2 of our master plan in a few years, the first and only phone call we'll make for a capital campaign is to [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries.
I highly recommend [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries for any church interested in a Scriptural Funding Campaign.
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Pastor Scott Sims
Charleston, Illinois
This letter is written to extend my appreciation to TLC Ministries and to provide for them my exuberant recommendation. We worked with them on a campaign during early 2006 and it was very successful.
I was skeptical at the beginning. Knowing that while churches were using a variety of methods to raise money these days, I was not convinced that it was the way to go. I felt that there would be much emphasis on gathering the dollar and the real needs of people would get lost in the shuffle. We made an attempt to raise the needed capital on our own and fell very short of our goal.
It was at this point that TLC came into the picture. [TLC Consultant] led our campaign himself and our people responded well to him from the beginning. The focus never shifted to just scoring the dollar. He did a nice job of helping us keep focused on the building as a tool to reach people. He dealt well with challenging people on difficult issues. It was obvious that in his years of experience he had "heard it all." We also appreciated the incredible organizational support upon which the campaign rested.
As far as results… We exceeded our giving goal. Our people were very excited about that, but maybe even more so about some of the other affects. For instance many new people stepped up to get involved in leadership as well as service positions. Many of them have stayed connected in ministry. People got to know people that they had worshipped with for months and even years but never really knew. Our body came out of the campaign with a sense that God had just accomplished something through them that was significant. Not only for the time being but something that would altar our course of ministry for years to come.
Without hesitation the leadership of [our church] and I recommend the ministries of TLC in the realm of Biblical Stewardship. They will do an awesome job!
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Pastor Jeff Richards
East Helena, Montana
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to your company and especially to [TLC Consultant], who worked with us on our recent capital campaign. His presentations and the organization and administration during this initial season was invaluable. His availability to answer questions was especially appreciated, as was his guidance in choosing the campaign directors. The messages that he brought to the congregation were a source of inspiration and caused many in the body to partner with this process. By doing so, we have reached a new level in our relationship with the Lord and will be forever changed by that. I would not hesitate to recommend TLC Ministries and specifically [TLC Consultant] to any church needing to fund a capital project. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
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J.W. & Elaine Burton, Campaign Directors
Lynchburg, Virginia
When you and Pastor Carl asked Elaine and me to serve as Campaign Directors we were shocked. It was the last thing we were expecting, but we prayed and now was the time to decide if we were going to be obedient.
You may not have known, but I had done some due diligence on TLC Ministries, and as much as I tried I could not find anything negative.
Our experience with you was, and is, very positive. Your spirit has been such a blessing to our body at [our church]. We had a challenge that few churches have — a back to back campaign. As you are aware, we were just finishing a campaign of three years and preparing to start a new one. I was kind of wondering if we had lost our minds.
Our pastor kept saying to us, "We have to do it now." Our Leadership Team said, "Let's do it and recommend TLC Ministries to the church body."
We have more than doubled our commitments from the last campaign with only about 281 commitments in to date. Only God knows where he's taking us. I praise Him for allowing Elaine and myself to be a part of it. I know in my heart without your consultation we would not have been successful. You kept us focused on the spiritual as opposed to the money. Without the "Treasure Principle" and prayer, the campaign would not have been a success. "Becoming the Church of Tomorrow" has not only been a success, it's been a blessing! Thank you for all you do to God's Glory. I've already been recommending you to other churches.
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Bob & Ginnie Wolfe, Campaign Directors
Rockville, Connecticut
We wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the process and the results of our Scriptural Funding Campaign.
Our "Praise for our Past — Faith for our Future" was intended to fund our All Church Access Project. This included a freestanding building adjoining our North Wing with a commercial elevator and stairwell connecting 5 levels of our Sanctuary and the North Wing… While we, along with a few others, were early believers in the process, it is safe to say that NO ONE really expected to reach the Miracle goal.
Here it is 2 weeks after "First Fruits Sunday" and pledges amount to [4.4 times budget]. That amount from [our] church… is truly amazing.
This was truly seen as a miracle of the Lord working in our church body. It was made possible, however, only through a very thorough process and your very able Stewardship Consultant, [TLC Consultant]. Your material provided even more detail and great ideas than we could use so it gave us the opportunity to select those that fit us best. It further made sure we overlooked no details. It required 3 months of very intense activity and was a plan that was complete from the start.
[TLC Consultant] was very effective with his easygoing manner and intense style. He provided excellent guidance for our Pastors in the selection of our Cabinet, detailed instructions for the Cabinet to implement their assignments and emphasized the importance of attending to details.
Most importantly our Church finished with a more unified body, more Scripturally uplifted, and with greater commitment to our purpose. This instead of the division and resentment that often accompanies other fund raising programs.
We wish to thank you, [TLC Consultant], and your staff for providing an unusually effective and rewarding direction to this Campaign that was so successful in so many respects.
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Pastor Tim Burchill
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why not tell it like it is? I had some up front concerns about TLC Ministries. [TLC Consultant] knows his scripture and he knows stewardship, but my fear was that he would portray them in conventional evangelical ways that might not resonate with my congregation. It seemed at first glance as if TLC was more comfortable with "traditional" churches, and ours is anything but traditional. Planted within spitting distance of a Big Ten University, our people have a decidedly modern sensibility. Frankly, I was a little worried how things were going to work out.
What I discovered is that [TLC Consultant] is a humble and effective servant of God. He's got his own way of doing things and that wouldn't always be mine, but I've come to realize that would be true for whoever we bring in to work with "my congregation." What [TLC Consultant] is really "selling" isn't [TLC Consultant] and isn't successful fundraising. What he is offering is a tried and true spiritual process through which hearts and minds are opened and seeded with biblical insights of sacrifice and faithfulness. He is selling nothing less that a huge dose of discipleship disguised as scriptural fundraising.
The process of our scriptural funding campaign required a lot of our independent minded leaders to put aside all their analytical objections and critiques, and simply follow the path laid out for them. Sometimes they understood exactly why they were doing what they were doing, and at other times they did not. But the beautiful thing of it is that the leadership training and congregational preparation for the campaign parallels the stewardship process of allowing God to lead us into making sacrificial gifts. Form and content are wedded in powerful ways through TLC's approach.
It wasn't until the end of our active partnership with TLC Ministries that I saw a recommendation letter from Pastor Brian McLaren in back of our manual. I asked Bob if that was THE Brian McLaren — the Brian McLaren selected by Time Magazine as one of our day's Most Influential Christians, the reigning guru of the Post Modern or Emerging Church. Indeed it was. I had to really laugh. [TLC Consultant] and TLC Ministries worked with a congregation that is on the cutting edge of innovative ministry and they both benefited from that experience. So what was I nervous about? TLC Ministries is effective because their process is faithful and because it works — period.
Oh yeah, through the guidance of TLC Ministries our congregation exceeded our highest financial goal. We have been able to raise more than four times our annual operating budget. Frankly, it is a goal we had little expectation of meeting. But by the end of our campaign we no longer worried about practical expectations, we'd turned it over to the wide open expectations of a congregation being guided by one amazing God.
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Pastor Duncan Ross
Duluth, Minnesota
Almost one month ago, our church held our Celebration Dinner capping off a three month, intensive capital campaign. With a $1.9 million projected facility expansion for our church of 300 and with a desire to build debt free, we needed to see God do a God-sized work for us to raise this kind of money. As I sit here, we have seen people pledge to sacrificially give $1.41 million and with funds we have on hand, I expect to by God's grace be able to build our new expansion debt free.
Although we give God full honor for this, it is important for you to know that two of the main instruments He used to make this happen were TLC Ministries and their excellent consultant, [TLC Consultant]. [TLC Consultant] and TLC worked closely with us and walked us through a God-honoring process that enabled virtually every one of our regular attendees to become involved in the capital campaign. It was an unprecedented show of unity and hard work and God has used it not only to help fund the expansion, but also draw us closer to God and each other. Some of the ministry principles we learned from [TLC Consultant] in this campaign we are continuing to use as a church as we seek to ever better utilize his resources here.
[TLC Consultant] was everything you would want a Christian financial consultant to be. Wise, sensitive, patient and with a heart to see God honored. He was a delight to work with and we felt consistent support from him through his many important phone calls, emails and letters as well as the sacrificial time and energy he put in during his frequent visits to our church during the campaign. He is an able teacher and mentor and knows the local church very well. He reads well the local context and gives counsel that is tailored to meet the unique dynamics every church has. Though there is a definite process that is to be followed, this is NOT a one-size-fits-all program or consultant.
I without hesitation recommend [TLC Consultant] and TLC to you. We have counted it a special privilege to work with them and I feel strongly you will respond similarly if you hear God's call to work with [TLC Consultant] and TLC. We would happily utilize both again should the Lord bless us with the need to do so. God bless you.
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Dave Johnson, Campaign Manager
Mooresville, North Carolina
Even though we at [our church] have just entered into our three-year journey, I want to express my appreciation and thoughts about the initial phase of our capital campaign with TLC Ministries.
I was fortunate enough to be on the selection committee when we chose TLC Ministries to lead us in our capital campaign. Your approach, theme and results are impressive and I'm glad to say you did not let us down.
I believe that your utilization of as many members of the church as possible, your concept and approach to a capital campaign is the best I have ever seen. Your materials and examples are well organized and extremely helpful. As I'm sure you are aware, one way does not fit every church. The essence and core of your concept and approach should never be changed but allowing us the flexibility to "tweak" a meeting, an agenda, or a means for our specific church, it's background, and the congregation itself was truly beneficial. Your concept of not asking for money but letting the individual and the Lord determine how much each person should give is beyond reproach. Currently, our commitments total four times our annual budget and we expect this to increase.
Most of all, getting to know other cabinet and committee members within the church, rallying around a shared need, and enjoying each other's company was an unexpected and most fulfilling ministry in itself. I truly believe we are a better church just because of this ministry.
Thank you to [TLC Consultant], our consultant and to TLC Ministries. May your ministry always continue to be successful.
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Pastor Debra Quilling
Manning, South Carolina
[Our church] has been blessed by your work with us in countless significant ways. The Scriptural Funding Campaign has brought us to our knees, to one another's homes, and to a deeper understanding of God's claim upon every part of our lives.
I cannot thank you enough for your steady, clear, loving leadership, which kept us moving forward in God's vision for our ministry in this community.
We had a highly successful campaign financially, but even more meaningful we have grown spiritually and intend to make prayer vigils and every member ministry visits an ongoing part of the ministry program of our church.
You are to be commended for your fine organizational skills and kind demeanor. We could not have asked for more responsive, available leadership from our TLC Consultant. You were terrific! God uses your life and others see Christ in you.
We are forever grateful to you and TLC Ministries, Inc. for helping us reach to heights only God can imagine. We plan to begin construction of our new fellowship hall and youth center and other major renovations in early summer!
Grace, peace and continued blessings on you and your ministry.
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Pastor Paul VanCise
Bryant, Indiana
From my personal contacts with you and TLC in the past, I knew that if we were going to go with an "outside" consultant, you would be the one. However, convincing a traditional, rural church that this was within Biblical wisdom was a challenge. But you put our minds at ease and answered all their questions at the first presentation. The value of this investment became evident right from the beginning.
I'm sure we are one of the smaller churches you have worked with, but we never felt slighted. You came with professionalism and brought Biblical insights and clearly explained Christian stewardship. Our people rose to the challenge to get involved. Most of our congregation got involved somehow. Even the few skeptics came around and recognized the benefits and pledged their support.
We needed this campaign to fund our building project. But we also needed the campaign to bring us to a deeper level of commitment to our Lord. We needed to "put our money where our mouth was." To profess Christ but to hold out on Him is not true discipleship. We learned these lessons by getting involved, working together, visiting in homes, by listening to Biblical teaching, and praying for one another.
I knew from experience that this campaign would have spiritual benefits, and I impressed this on our people early on. But I was beginning to wonder if I had underemphasized the funding part of the campaign. Would the money come in? Would we reach our goals? In the end our people caught the vision, responded to God through this process, and committed over three times our annual income in three-year commitments.
Thank you for helping us to understand what Christian stewardship is all about. May God bless you. TLC is truly a ministry. It was great partnering with you, and I recommend others to do the same.
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Rev. Thomas F. Parsons, Jr.
Hartford City, Indiana
I am writing to thank you and TLC Ministries for your outstanding assistance in helping lead the charge with [our church]'s Scriptural Funding Campaign. Not only has your approachability, accessability and attention to detail been nothing short of excellent, but your personal teaching and training have far exceeded our expectations. Summarily, this local outpost has been positively challenged to examine and accept the truth that a walk with Christ is certainly enhanced by the sacrificial giving of oneself through time, talent and treasure.
We have risen to this challenge! Not only has [our church] made a three year finanical commitment toward our building project that nearly quadruples the yearly budget, but, as an added blessing, there has been a marked increase with our tithing income. Furthermore, and of a more personal nature, this journey has probably been the greatest period of spiritual growth I have undergone since becoming a Christian. In my walk with the Lord, even though I have always striven to live openhandedly toward Him, through the Scriptural Funding Campaign, I (as well as my wife) have recognized a need and willingness to stretch even further.
In conclusion, please know TLC Ministries has done a mighty work on both a corporate and individual level. For some, your time with us has served as a revival of sorts. For others, it has been a period of new learning. In most cases, both. Needless to say, I am more than happy to fully endorse and recommend you, your team, and your mission. Feel free to use my reference in any way you may see fit.
TLC Ministries, Inc.
488 Shelly Lane
New Castle, Indiana 47362
Phone: 800-473-5352
Email: info@tlcministries.com