A Simple Plan for a Success in Your Faith Community

Special campaigns and projects are often intimidating for congrega-tions and their leaders. A congregation may be struggling with its own budget, have its own projects to consider or is dealing with internal difficulties. Sometimes, leader-ship is hard to find and volunteers difficult to recruit.

One of the most helpful remedies in these situations is for the con-gregation to experience a success in reaching out to the needs of others. This brochure outlines an opportunity for a success in your congregation. More than that, it is an opportunity for your congregation to reach outside of its walls to provide benefits to many others for years to come.

A comprehensive plan, outlined in our manual, will work - it has worked in thousands of congregations for over 30 years.
The plan is simple, and it requires a minimum amount of planning and work with very satisfying results.

Opening Doors Campaign materials:
Brochure (pdf)
Plan for Success (25 page pdf)
Appendices (12 page pdf)


Three Phases of the Campaign

The campaign will be successful in your community when each phase of the effort is fully completed.

1. Weeks One through Four - the public awareness phase. These weeks will have members being educated about the importance of the Opening Doors Campaign and the need for their support.
2. Week Five - the response phase. Beginning on Commitment Sunday, each member should be asked for his/her gift of support to the campaign and will have the opportunity to respond.
3. Week Six – Celebration! An-nounce results to the community.

Organizing a Campaign Committee

A committee of 3 to 5 persons can easily conduct the Opening Doors campaign. They can plan the effort, gain approval for timetables and commitment opportunities and recruit others to help. Committee members should be creative people who know the congregation well, who have an appreciation for the outreach and programming at Shelter House, and who are willing to organize and follow through on tasks. Begin meetings of the committee with prayer for the ministry of Shelter House, for your community's effort, and for God's guidance in your task.