wfn.org | ABCUSA: Capital Campaign Feasibility Study Process Outlined

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (11/15/02)--The American Baptist Churches USA
General Board, in semiannual meetings today, heard details of the process
underway for a feasibility study focused on a denomination-wide capital
funds campaign.

The board at its June 2002 meeting had authorized the study for the possible
campaign, which would fund new church planting and other priority goals.
The Capital Campaign Steering Committee since that time has contracted with
Skystone Ryan, Inc. of Cincinnati to conduct the study.  Charles R.
Stephens, a Skystone Ryan managing partner, and Robert Crandall, campaign
readiness director, reported on the process focus and timeline.  

The presentation provided background on Skystone Ryan's mission philosophy,
its extensive history of work with faith-based groups and its expectations
for an initial report next February that eventually will be considered by
the General Board.

Crandall, former associate general secretary for World Mission Support, will
assist Skystone Ryan to set the stage for a campaign if the feasibility
study confirms its viability.  He will be working to build donor lists and
conduct related research, contact potential donors to inform them of the
potential campaign, set in place a computer plan for the campaign, develop
campaign policy, create the early stages of a campaign design, set up a
campaign office, plan for staffing and space needs, and work with the
regions and local churches to facilitate a campaign being ready to start
immediately if recommended and approved.  

Plans for a national campaign will take shape as the results of the
feasibility study are known.  It is anticipated that the results and
recommendations related to a campaign will be brought to the June 2003
American Baptist Churches USA General Board meeting for consideration.	

02ABN161

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (610)768-2077; fax:
(610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org; richard.schramm@abc-usa.org