The two partners and primary consultants of Wittenberg, Donna Linnemeyer and Rev. Dr. Timothy Rossow, sat on the client side of the table for four different capital campaigns over the years from four different companies. We learned that too often congregations are underserved and over-charged capital campaign companies. We began knocking around the idea of starting a church consulting company that addresses these issues. During that exploratory phase a couple Pastor Rossow's colleagues asked him to do some consulting in their parishes and here we are.We took the best that we learned and shored up the weak parts from other approaches and developed a program that over-serves, is creative, is rooted in spiritual renewal and most importantly is genuinely Lutheran. Read on for a list of the ten of the things that make a Wittenberg campaign different and better than others.
We formed Wittenberg Church Consulting after sitting on the client side of the table for four different capital campaigns with four different companies. We noticed that the typical campaign was over-priced and under-served so we set out to change that.
Most capital campaigns and goal setting programs are rooted in non-Lutheran legalistic theology, even some Lutheran companies. The theology behind Wittenberg's consultations is Christ-centered and properly balances law and gospel. The law is used to show sin, not to motivate. The Gospel is used to forgive sins and set God's people free for unhindered giving.
Every church consulting company will tell you their work is based on spiritual renewal but Wittenberg is the only company that really does it. In our capital campaigns we conduct a spiritual renewal phase even before we say a single word about financial stewardship. For our parish planning work each member of the parish committee will be taken through a study of Walther's "Proper Form of the Christian Congregation.
Most capital campaign companies have some sort of boxed program. Wittenberg has a standard program but we spend time with each parish studying the systems of the congregation and then customize the program to fit the parish. This process is described in the next secti0n.
Here are three examples of customizing a program.
case we felt it was important to develop an entirely seperate school module, which we did at no extra cost.
pastor's home, that raised a great percentage of the final pledge total for the campaign.
and brought the leaders the assurance that a campaign would further the mission of the Gospel.
For capital campaign programs we will come and spend 2 days with you, interviewing the pastor(s), other staff, administrative assistants, and lay leaders to learn about your parish so we can customize the program to fit your needs.
Unlike other companies, Wittenberg will have two consultants involved in your campaign or strategic planning process and in most cases it will be the two partners. This allows the clients to identify with Wittenberg on many different levels. Donna Linnemeyer has a degree in business and provides a practical eye for detail. Tim Rossow is an ordained LCMS clergyman with a doctorate in ministry focussing on church structures and provides theological and creative insights for your project.
Pastor Rossow earned his Master of Divinity from Concordia - St. Louis and earned a doctorate in ministry from Concordia - Fort Wayne. His doctorate is in church structure. He also has 25 years experience in the ministry, with 20 years as Administrative Pastor. This expertise is available to your congregation for capital funding or strategic planning.
Donna Linnemeyer has a degree in business and has served in the parish as a Program Administrator for nearly 20 years. She has an eye for detail and the bottom line. This expertise is available to your parish for capital funding or strategic planning.
We have mentioned elsewhere that most capital campaign programs are bosx-like, one size fits all. Wittenberg prides itseldf on a program that is customizable. Both Pastor Rossow and Donna Linnemeyer have created, planned and implemented numerous banquets, celebrations and various other church parties.
Wittenberg provides a three year outline, once a quarter follow up program that is easy to follow. It includes newsletters, minute-man talks, letters and other creative strategies to keep the program in front of the congregation for the duration of the pledge period.