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"We had worked with other consultants through the years and things went well, but we wanted more in the area of stewardship. We wanted teaching and preaching directly from the Scriptures ... [Now] we're enjoying a sense of enthusiasm, energy, joy and even privilege that we can be a part of so many things going on in God's kingdom."
Our Consultants
For the biography of a consultant, click on their name.
Financial Planning & Stewardship
Now that your vision is clear, plans are developing, and members and your community partners are preparing, you must align your resources.
LCEF is a partner to LCMS ministries, understanding that financial plans and Capital Stewardship Campaign, Consecrated Stewards, Journey of Discovery and Joyful Response must be rooted in our Lutheran faith. We want your members to thrive in giving, not be stifled by the effort.
Financial Plans Propelled through Capital Stewardship Campaigns
Your ministry members have a deep desire to grow the faith. LCEF's Capital Funding Services (CFS) consultants help inspire generosity because they bring a distinctive set of assumptions and practices to bear upon your ministry's campaign.
The goal is never about dollars raised, but the joy and stewardship that comes from a ministry that knows how God intends for its people to serve.
Our experience indicates that achieving this success requires three careful and comprehensive steps:
- Allow people to grow spiritually through giving.
- Invite as many as possible to share your vision and actively take a role in making it a reality.
- Raise the highest dollar amount possible by ensuring that members stay focused on the goal for the full three-year giving period.
Each campaign is designed for your ministry members' unique circumstances and is based on God's Word. Our consultants will design a program that is Christ-centered Gospel-motivated and theologically sound. We serve the LCMS exclusively because we know you — we are you.
Your consultant is onsite as needed during the first four months of the campaign, seeking 100% involvement of your members. Not only will your CFS consultant continue to guide your ministry throughout the campaign, our support staff at the national LCEF office can answer your questions and provide tools and resources.
Online samples will assist those producing communication and creative pieces. This continuous service helps keep the campaign momentum steady and invites new members to see the vision and become a part of it.
To schedule an onsite visit or to learn more, contact the Ministry Support Team at 314-885-6444.
| Current Campaigns | ||
|---|---|---|
| Divine Savior Lutheran Church | Hartford, WI | Goal: New facilities, renovation of current facilities, debt reduction Other Services Used: Architects |
| St. John Lutheran Church | Red Bud, IL | Goal: New building/renovation of school Other Services Used: CFS (this is the second Capital Stewardship Campaign with CFS) |
| Concordia Lutheran Church | Macungie, PA | Goal: New building/renovation Other Services Used: Architects |
| St. John Lutheran Church | Cypress, TX | Goal: Debt reduction, capital improvements, and mission projects Other Services Used: CFS (this is the second capital stewardship campaign with CFS) |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Manning, IA | Goal: Renovation of facilities Other Services Used: Architects |
| Trinity Lutheran Church | Pinckney, MI | Goal: Building expansion and renovation Other Services Used: Architects |
| Trinity Lutheran Church | Orlando, FL | Goal: Build a Child Development Center that serves families throughout the greater Orlando area that work in downtown area Other Services Used: CFS (Consecrated Stewards), Architects |
| Our Savior Lutheran Church | Washington, IL | Goal: Renovate current office and meeting spaces and build new office, classrooms and fellowship area Other Services Used: Strategic Planning for Ministry |
| Peace Lutheran Church | Washington, DC | Goal: Renovation of main facilities Other Services Used: CFS (this is the second capital stewardship campaign with CFS) |
| Word of Life Fellowship Lutheran Church | Schertz, TX | Goal: Build New Facility Other Services Used: VisionPath, Architects |
| Redeemer Lutheran Church | Chandler, AZ | Goal: Debt Retirement Other Services Used: Generative Thinking Process, Strategic Planning for Ministry |
| Resurrection Lutheran Church | Quartz Hill, CA | Goal: Building Addition |
| Peace Lutheran Church | Antigo, WI | Goal: Debt Retirement |
| Immanuel Lutheran Church | Waterloo, IA | Goal: New Worship Facility |
| Mount Hope Lutheran Church | Bloomington, MN | Goal: New Construction, Renovation and Debt Reduction |
| First Lutheran Church | Gainesville, FL | Goal: Build new sanctuary |
| Shepherd of the Coast | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Goal: Debt retirement and completion of campus project |
| Salem Lutheran Church | Orange, CA | Goal: Build new preschool and add parking; renovate and upgrade gymnasium |
Financial Stewardship
Our church body defines Christian stewardship as the free and joyous activity management of life and life's resources for God's purposes. Stewardship is not just a matter of money, but also a sharing of the Good News of Jesus, using our time and talents for ministry, and taking care of God's creation and our own bodies.
For a whole-congregation approach to stewardship, LCEF offers the Consecrated Stewards program. To target smaller groups through Bible study, consider ordering the six-week Bible study called "Journey of Discovery."
Your youngest members can also become involved in stewardship education through the K.I.D.S. (Kids Into Discipleship and Stewardship) Stamp Program and K.I.D.S. Count curriculum resource.
Consecrated Stewards
Based on the need of the giver to give, not the need of the church to receive, Consecrated Stewards is not tied to the church budget. Most congregations that participate report increases in annual commitments of 15% to 35%.*
Features:
- Ties the commitment process to the Sunday morning act of worship.
- Does not have members asking other members one-on-one for a financial commitment.
- Can be used any time during the year.
Going beyond the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program, it provides:
- Solid Lutheran Bible study materials and sermon outlines.
- Guidance for stewardship witness talks.
- A process to celebrate congregation ministries.
- Publicity and communication aids.
- An optional workshop for leaders.
- An LCEF trained and certified Guest Leader.
* Individual results vary. Increases in amounts committed to annual envelope giving typically range between 15% and 35%. A congregation's results could be more or less. LCEF cannot guarantee results in a Consecrated Stewards program or the fulfillment of the commitments. Success depends upon the cooperation and participation of congregation members.
"Journey of Discovery" Bible Study
"Journey of Discovery" is based on a travel theme, with the ultimate destination of a deeper spiritual understanding of God's intentions. Participants are encouraged as they make their prayerful decisions about the financial offerings given to the Lord through their church.
By taking this stewardship journey of Bible study, discussion and prayerful consideration, your congregation members will grow closer to each other and Jesus.
The five-session study takes participants through different "gates" of giving and sharing as they seek to answer the question, "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?"
Ordering Information
Materials include a leader's guide, 10 student workbooks, a DVD and CD-ROM, promotional posters and bulletin inserts, luggage tags, and traveler's checks.
The complete kit (item no. S00322WEB, cost $59.99) may be ordered online at www.cph.org/discovery or by calling 800-325-3040.Management Tool — Joyful Response®
LCEF offers e-tithing and e-tuition payments through its Joyful Response program, a free stewardship service for congregations, schools and ministry service organizations. LCMS Congregations should use the Joyful Response Electronic Offering Program so members...
- Give offerings consistently.
- Fulfill their stewardship commitments.
- Share their financial blessings efficiently and predictably.
LCMS education programs (preschool through college) should use the Joyful Response Electronic Tuition Payment Program so families...
- Make tuition payments reliably and conveniently.
- Fulfill their tuition payment commitments with ease.
- Enjoy saving time and cost of writing checks.
LCMS ministries (i.e. LWML, districts, RSOs) should use the Joyful Response Electronic Donation Program so your supporters...
- Complete their contribution pledge timely and dependably.
- Share their generosity with ease and convenience.
- Help ministries concentrate on actual ministry and less on budget issues.
- LWML TREASURERS: Order the Electronic Mites Program Enrollment Form to help give your participants a convenient way to fulfill their mite donation commitments!
Order your Joyful Response packet today.
Rev. Robert Besalski
Regional Consultant
Bob joined CFS in 2011 as a Regional Consultant. He has served a variety of schools, congregations and new church plants, and understands the challenges organizations face as decisions are prayed over and made. He believes we are stewards of God's possessions and lives his life accordingly.
Bob serves as a board member for Veterans of the Cross and as chair of the Florida-Georgia District Mission Board. He is serving as interim pastor at St. John Lutheran Church and School, Ocala, Fla. Prior to serving St. John, he was interim pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Fla.
From 2005-2008, Bob served as coordinator for the "Forward Together" district campaign, which had a $10 million goal, as well as serving as a member in 2007-2009 of the district's "Fan into Flame" capital fund campaign, which had a $5 million goal. His other district service has included Campus Ministry board member, circuit counselor, synodical convention delegate, Mission Board secretary, district office building project coordinator and stewardship committee member.
His first call after graduating Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., was as a mission planter in Mobile, Ala. Since that time, Bob has planted three congregations in Florida and mentored 30 vicars.
Bob holds a master's in education from the University of Florida, and is a graduate of Concordia University Texas, Austin, as well as Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
He and his wife have two children and four grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Jock Ficken
Vice President, Large Church Ministry
As vice president of Large Church Ministry for CFS, Jock develops capital stewardship campaigns and related services specifically for large congregations. His pastoral experience enhances his ability to successfully assist congregations in capital stewardship development.
Jock helps both congregation leaders and members alike to be creative in their approach to stewardship and congregation ministries. He desires to help congregations be successful in accomplishing all God has envisioned for them. He has been consulting in stewardship for 11 years and is author of "CHANGE: Learning to Lead It and Living to Tell About It." Jock has served Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) board as its chairman.
Jock received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb., a master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and a doctorate of ministry from Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.
Before accepting his call to CFS, Jock served as senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora, Ill., for 25 years. Jock and his wife live in Illinois.
Rev. Dr. Karl Galik
Regional Consultant and Pastor Coach
As a Regional Consultant for CFS and a member of the Large Church Team, Karl provides exceptional professional and spiritual consultations to larger congregations, schools and agencies in their stewardship and strategic journey. Karl particularly celebrates the spiritual growth that occurs through campaigns and events designed to lean into the Lord's promises of hope.
In 2010, Rev. Dr Galik was also named to CFS's Pastor Coaching Ministry. In this role, he comes along side pastors and leaders with spiritual, stewardship or leadership growth mentoring. Rev. Dr. Galik also coaches strategic planning by helping pastors and key leaders develop a process to reveal God's future plans.
Karl's ministry experience spans 30 years, from the smallest of dual parishes to one of the largest in the Synod. He has served on Ministerial Health Commissions in Texas and Minnesota and authored workshops for pastoral well-being. He holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Florida; a Master's of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas A&M, Commerce; and a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Karl is author of The Love Paradox: Lead Others by Loving Your Self. He currently resides in Gainesville, Florida with Marilouise with whom he has been married since 1976. Together they have three married children and five grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Victor Hippe
Stewardship Consultant and Pastor Coach
As a stewardship consultant and pastor coach for CFS, Vic provides professional, spiritual guidance to pastors and congregations in their stewardship journey.
In 2010, Vic was named to the CFS Pastor Coaching Ministry team, joining Dr. Jock Ficken, Rev. John Kieschnick, and Dr. Karl Galik. He delivers coaching services to Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) pastors, helping open doors to spiritual and leadership growth. He is also a part of LCEF’s Large Church Ministry.
Vic served as senior pastor of the large congregation at Community of Christ at St. Luke, in Federal Way, Wash. He has been a student of leadership and demonstrated it effectively throughout his ministry. Vic also developed the Parent School, an innovative approach to building bridge with the unchurched community in Seattle. He has served as a mentor in Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI), which provides advanced leadership training for pastors within the LCMS.
Before joining St. Luke's in 1979, Vic served as pastor of First Trinity Lutheran Church, an inner-city congregation in Oakland, Calif. He and his wife reside in Washington state.
Rev. John H. Kieschnick
Stewardship Consultant and Pastor Coach
As a stewardship consultant and pastor coach, Rev. John Kieschnick’s direction regarding planning, management, leadership, and stewardship is frequently sought. John delivers on-site consulting and mentoring services to congregations and their pastors, helping them open doors to spiritual, stewardship, and leadership growth.
Prior to joining CFS, John served as senior pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston for 33 years. During that time, he shepherded the church from 400 to more than 3,300 baptized members, making it the fifth largest LCMS congregation in the country. Under his pastoral leadership, Gloria Dei conducted seven building and capital stewardship campaigns.
John received a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia Teachers’ College (now Concordia University Chicago), River Forest, Ill. After serving two years as teacher/principal/youth director at Calvary Lutheran Church and Day School in Havertown, Penn., John entered Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill. (now Fort Wayne, Ind.). He received his bachelor’s degree in divinity from the seminary in May 1970, and his master’s degree in divinity in May 1985.
Throughout his ministry, John has served on a variety of synodical boards and committees, both national and district (Texas). He has authored numerous stewardship Bible studies and programs, many of which became models for national efforts. John also helped found the Samaritan Counseling Center in Houston and served as a founding member of the Pastoral Leadership Institute Board of Directors. He presently serves on the Board of Regents of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
John and his wife live in Texas.
Dave Kuerschner
Consultant, CFS
Dave began his work with CFS in 1998, and served as director from 2005 until his retirement from full-time work in 2011. As director, he worked to establish and foster relationships between CFS and LCMS congregations, high schools, camps, retirement homes and other service organizations. He also contributed greatly to expand the services offered through CFS.
Since retiring, Dave continues his work as a part-time consultant, allowing him to return to leading campaigns at the local level.
Throughout his career with CFS, Dave's emphasis has been creating tailored campaigns in order to create awareness and unity. By addressing local needs, he strengthens ministry through quality service. He strives to facilitate joyful, willing participation and success with sensitivity and integrity.
Before joining CFS, Dave was vice president of a national church stewardship company, where he served for seven years. He became a full-time stewardship consultant in 1992 and conducted more than 110 capital stewardship programs for congregations, as well as more than 15 capital campaigns for school associations. In addition, Dave has conducted 20 ministry vision planning processes and close to 50 feasibility studies with partner churches and agencies. He is author of the stewardship Bible study, "Journey of Discovery," published in 2010 by Concordia Publishing House, and "What Kind of Giver Am I?" Bible study.
For 20 years, Dave served as a parish pastor, leading his churches in three successful building programs. He also served as area coordinator for three national church fund drives.
Jon Lorenz
Regional Consultant
LCMS congregations turn to Jon when they are ready to move boldly from envisioning their ministry plan to implementing it. He offers biblically based, capital stewardship services to help congregations identify and fund capital needs in support of their local and global missions.
As a consultant for CFS, Jon helps churches make smart decisions based upon God’s calling, encouraging growth and motivating volunteers for ministry.
Jon serves congregations from coast to coast, helping members respond to God’s command to make disciples of all nations. While each congregation is unique, they share one mission—God’s work. Jon strongly believes that a clear understanding of the work to which God is calling us provides purpose, direction, and motivation.
Prior to joining LCEF in 2002, Jon worked for Unisys Corp. as a project manager. In that capacity, Jon worked primarily in the public sector, providing customers with strategic planning, system design and implementation, and project management services.
Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Nebraska), Seward, Neb. Jon has served his own congregation and the church at large in many capacities, including as a member of the board of directors of a high school association, a member of a district finance committee, and many congregational positions. Jon also serves on the board of a family foundation.
Mark Marshall, CFRE
Vice President, Core Region
Mark assists the CFS ministry by offering on-site consultative services to LCMS congregations. His involvement helps these congregations identify and fund their capital needs, expanding their local and global missions.
His career in God’s work began in 1983 by joining the LCMS’s department of Stewardship and Financial Support (His Love—Our Response). In 1992, Mark helped create CFS and is currently serving as vice president of the Core Region. He has conducted over 80 capital stewardship campaigns as well as numerous feasibility studies.
Mark received his bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing at the University of Tulsa, Okla. As a member of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives, Mark networks with others in similar ministries to continue learning as well as teaching his peers. He received his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 1999 from the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP).
Mark and his wife live in Missouri.
Rev. Larry L. Reinhardt
Regional Consultant
Larry’s mission at CFS is to "help God’s people freely and joyfully practice sacrificial living and giving so that the mission and ministry of the local congregation expand." He helps congregations and their leaders grow in the grace of giving through biblically based, capital stewardship campaigns.
Prior to joining CFS, Larry served as the director of stewardship ministry for the LCMS Board for District and Congregational Services. He worked full time in that position from 1996 to 2006, then in a part-time, deployed capacity until 2008. Before 1996, he was part of the staff of Iowa District West as executive for education, missions, and stewardship. Previously, he served for over 16 years as a parish pastor in Washington state following his seven-year tenure as a Lutheran school teacher in New York and Wisconsin.
Larry graduated St. John’s College, Winfield, Kan., Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Chicago), River Forest, Ill., and Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Ill. Stewardship has been a passion for him throughout his church career. He brings this passion to his current position as a regional consultant for CFS and partners with congregations by designing customized stewardship services that produce God-pleasing results.
Larry and his wife live in Nevada.
Rev. Dr. Arthur W. Scherer
Regional Consultant
Art is president emeritus of the Southeastern District, LCMS, and, as regional consultant, helps congregations and their leaders grow in the grace of giving through biblically based, capital campaigns and stewardship workshops.
In addition to his work with CFS, Art serves on the Board of Regents of Concordia College—New York, Bronxville, N.Y.; as an Ablaze! Ambassador for the LCMS; and as chair of the Development Advisory Group for Augsburg Lutheran Home, Baltimore, Md. He has been called upon as a presenter and facilitator for workshops, seminars, and conferences in many LCMS districts. Art authored "Becoming a Trustee of Lutheran Values," an orientation guide for governing boards, published in 2005 by Lutheran Services in America. "Consecrated Stewards: A Stewardship Program to Grow in Proportionate Giving" was developed by Art in 2006 for LCEF and is used by many congregations annually.
Art previously served as mission and ministry facilitator for the Northern Region of the Southeastern District and was a parish pastor in the Southeastern District for 28 years. He also has served as a mission developer, pastor, and senior pastor of several congregations.
Art graduated Concordia, Bronxville, Concordia Senior College (now Concordia Theological Seminary), Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. His Doctor of Ministry, earned at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., focused on the ministry of the laity. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia, Bronxville.
Art and his wife live in Maryland.
Rev. Dr. John Sproul
Vice President, CFS
John serves as Vice President and Consultant for Capital Funding Services, a ministry of Lutheran Church Extension Fund. In this role, he guides congregations seeking to achieve the vision God has for them.
John's heritage was shaped by generations of family who served as Lutheran pastors, educators and musicians. In each of his calls to four congregations— ranging from a new, contemporary mission congregation to a mid-sized traditional church to two mega-churches—his passion for stewardship has been formed and expressed by our precious Lutheran emphasis on grace; that our generosity is to be empowered and inspired by the Gospel of our Savior.
His creativity is expressed in his love for writing, designing and implementing worship and special events, during which people are inspired to respond generously to the future God has for a congregation or institution. During his 25 year in the ministry, he has worked with over three dozen congregations around the country, causing heritage to converge with creativity in their capital campaigns, vision seminars and worship workshops.
John is a graduate of Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario, and earned a doctorate of ministry degree from Northern Baptist Seminary, Lombard, Ill, having studied Christian worship under the late Dr. Robert Webber.
John resides in St. Louis, Mo.
Rev. David Thiele
Consultant
David serves as a Capital Funding Services consultant as well as the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) District Vice President for the English District. David has a contagious passion for helping people and congregations achieve the vision God has given them within their local context and culture.
Through Capital Funding Services (CFS), David shares the joy of giving he has grown up with and cultivated throughout his life. As a District Vice President, he connects congregations with needed resources to expand their ministry.
David brings a grace-filled focus to each congregation he serves, including the inner-city congregation for which he was the pastor for nearly 20 years. At this congregation, each new vision was achieved by God's grace and the response of God's people. During David's tenure, membership included refugees from 10 different nations as well as lifelong U.S. citizens, all united around the Gospel. The congregation became a church of significance within the community.
David earned a Masters in Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and has served on a variety of district and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) boards and committees. He has served as a mission executive and consulted with many congregations. With his extensive background in missions, he has created workshops intent on moving congregations to a community focus, based on our Lutheran identity.
Rev. Edward Wm. Trost
Regional Consultant
Ed joined CFS in 2012 as a Regional Consultant. He has served as a pastor and in leadership roles within the Kansas and Michigan districts.
His first call after graduating Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., was as pastor to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Wamego, Kan. He has also served as a pastor to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kan., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flint, Mich., and Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kan.
Ed has led each of the congregations he has served through Capital Stewardship Campaigns. In each instance, not only did these stewardship emphases raise capital needed for facility expansion, but overall giving for mission and ministry increased as well. When God's people are focused on Lordship living, Christian giving becomes a way of life.
During his years in the Kansas District, Ed served as a member of the District Youth Committee, chairman of the Circuit Counselors' Conference and member of the district's Board of Directors. He also served nine years as the First Vice President of the Kansas District. While in the Michigan District, Ed served as chairman of the district's Pastoral Conference and chairman of the Task Force for the Reorganization of District Staff. He also served as the pastoral member of the district's Property and Finance Committee and member of the Michigan District Board of Directors. He has served as a pastoral delegate at five synodical conventions.
Ed holds a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., and a bachelor's degree from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind.
He and his wife live in Olathe, Kan.
Jerry Wendt
Regional Consultant
For over 25 years, Jerry has been helping congregations, school associations and other Christian organizations make good financial decisions so that their ministries can flourish. He assists both congregations and associations with feasibility studies and capital stewardship campaigns. His extensive experience in the area of loans and real estate enhance his ability to help organizations achieve their ministry objectives through their sites and facilities.
Jerry joined CFS in 2008 to extend his service to the Church through LCEF after he retired as its Senior Vice President, Loans and Real Estate. Before joining LCEF in 1984, Jerry was a commercial/industrial real estate broker specializing in undeveloped land in Green Bay, Wisc. He had also been an Aid Association for Lutherans district representative and a managing partner for a convention hotel in Madison, Wisc.
Jerry first became involved with church development as an LCMS North Wisconsin District board member. He felt drawn by the Holy Spirit to become more involved in the Church, therefore felt divine intervention when offered the opportunity to move to St. Louis, Mo., from Green Bay and help launch LCEF’s loan department.
Jerry and his wife reside in Missouri.