10/27/2026
October 27, 2026
A capital campaign and a church mortgage should be planned as one financial picture: not as two separate decisions.
Before taking on new facility debt, church leaders and boards should evaluate these factors together:
• Capital campaign assumptions: Are participation, timing, and gift estimates conservative and well-supported?
• Giving projections: What does historical giving show, and how could economic conditions affect future contributions?
• Operating cash flow: Can ministry operations remain healthy while construction and loan payments begin?
• Existing debt: How do current obligations affect total debt service and financial flexibility?
• Reserves: Are adequate funds available for unexpected costs or slower giving periods?
• Borrowing capacity: What level of debt fits the church’s actual financial strength?
The plan should also be tested against realistic scenarios, including slower fundraising, higher construction costs, changes in giving, and project delays. Transparent communication with the congregation and clear board-level oversight are essential.
Conservative planning is not a lack of faith. It is disciplined stewardship: understanding the assumptions, preparing for uncertainty, and protecting the church’s mission.
With 35 years of commercial banking and financing experience, and 15 years as an Army officer, David Pack helps church leaders approach facility finance with clarity, discipline, and sound strategy.