Over the last 26 years I have served as a Congregational Stewardship Consultant for the UUA.  During that time I have worked with over 135 of our congregations, some of them more than once.  I have had the opportunity to talk with many people about how they made their decisions to support a capital campaign in their congregation.  One technical note:  Financial commitments to a capital campaign are usually paid over a three year period.  Here are a few of my favorite stories.

These stories are illustrative.  They contain one common element.  Persons with commitment to the vision of the church will find a way to give generously.  Each of these stories involves people who “gave until it felt good.”  And that really is the criterion for our success.  Each pledge is important.  Each person will give according to her or his commitment and will want to feel good about it.
David L. Rickard
UUA Congregational Stewardship Consultant

John had retired several years ago.  He had a small pension in addition to his Social Security payment, enough income for the necessities of life with little room for luxuries.  He gave considerable thought to whether he could make a pledge to the capital campaign.  In the end, he committed to $1,100 to be paid over three years.  His reasoning?  He would set aside a dollar a day to pay the pledge.