Heard It at Council (March 2015)

March 10, 2015

Council met with new leadership and faces present. New Moderator Deb Washington led a round of welcome and introductions by posing two questions: Who is your favorite Old South Church historical personage? What draws you to a leadership role? Samuel Sewall, Sam Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Phyllis Wheatley were widely mentioned. The historical musings set the tone for an evening of reflection on the church’s Vision and a new resolve to chart a path for the future. The major topics were the Capital Campaign and the Boston Warm Day Center.

Wayne Davis and Tom Grant of the Capital Campaign 350 Committee presented the history of the Committee’s origin and recent events to seek a consultant. Tom, chairing the Readiness Subcommittee, introduced the firm ‘Alexander Haas’ as the selected candidate, represented at the Council meeting by partner Jerry W. Henry.

The Capital Campaign Committee was formalized by Council last fall after a two-year ad hoc period. It is co-chaired by Wayne and Todd Krohne. The recent growth in the church as well as a focus on the three Vision task forces over the past five years form part of the reason for a capital campaign that will culminate with the church’s 350th anniversary in 2019. Since the ambitions of the congregation are wide, it is timely to assess resources. Often, a positive effect of such a campaign can be development and transformation of the church itself.

Tom described the process that the Readiness Subcommittee took to seek and vet a consultant. First, a review of church staffing showed that there is little room to add campaign activities. Also, talking with local leaders who have capital campaign experience, it became apparent that a campaign will put such a large burden on staff and leaders that the result could be detrimental rather than positive. Therefore, a decision to find a consultant was made. Importantly, the committee engaged church members and Council along the way for input.

Next, the Subcommittee prepared key criteria and a request for proposal. The goal is to engage an independent mediator who will embrace the spirit of Old South Church and bring efficiency and focus. The firm should be able to speak the ‘language’ of churches. Next, a short list of four consulting firms was drawn. Among this list, Alexander Haas rose to the top. The Haas firm has deep experience working with churches and has a national presence.

Consultant costs are estimated at 162,000 over several years, including a feasibility study. Note, there exists an anonymous donation of 60,000 to fund the feasibility study. Overall, the consultant's fees are self-funding in such a process.

Jerry W. Henry, representing Alexander Haas, addressed Council. He described the firm's philosophy as transforming institutions that transform lives. The firm’s deep ethics and connections to faith-based organizations are apparent in its work. Jerry himself is ordained. He described the campaign process not as fundraising but as formation. The church will discover and grow through this process. People give to organizations that have needs, not needy organizations. Therefore, establishing the congregation’s Vision is a key step. The church must also assess its resources and structure. In the end, there can be long-lasting revitalization as the church develops itself through the campaign process.

Jerry gave an overview of the basic steps a campaign would follow. The first step is feasibility: to assess infrastructure, resources, and the current level of stewardship. Haas will give early feedback including issues of internal resources, readiness, staffing, software, websites, and social media. Haas will survey the congregation using discernment groups, helping to tease out issues, and finding church strengths. A second step is personal interviews. The next step is to produce a series of recommendations and a plan of action.

Jerry noted that the idea of church campaigns has evolved over the years. These can be thought of as ministry expansion opportunities and spiritual journeys of stewardship. Communication has changed rapidly and the church must adapt to modern methods. Haas’ approach is to assign a team which includes senior staff to integrate with the committee. However, the approach is to engage and strengthen every volunteer. The goal is to build a strong foundation in the church as it relates to Stewardship.

Council posed questions to Jerry. The Haas firm mainly has experience with Southern churches but is ready to adapt to New England culture. The success rate is high, mainly meeting targets over the last five years. Incremental costs can be managed tightly. A major advantage of having an independent consultant is the honesty and objective view it can bring. Church members may feel more comfortable speaking with a third party observer in certain situations. There is a concern about stewardship plateau in the years following a campaign, but it depends on the levels and source of donors and the growth that is created through the process. The campaign will mainly be internal, however Old South Church’s historical presence will be highlighted. Jerry sees passion, vision, and strong leadership at Old South.

It is anticipated that a motion to formally engage Alexandar Haas will be made in the near future. In the meantime, Council will reflect and seek additional information from the Readiness Subcommittee.

Rev. Nancy Taylor gave an update on the Boston Warm Day Center. The Center is running adequately, although there have been some disruptive events. Overall, the goal of providing warm respite and storage access is meeting a great need. Since the City’s new Southampton Shelter is not yet complete, and since funding remains, Old South will extend Boston Warm through the end of April. A motion was made and approved. Rev. Taylor noted an idea to open a weekend-only Boston Cool Day Center during the summer months.

The Lenten season is upon the church and includes a Thursday night Love Feast meal and service as well as a weekly book discussion.

Trustee Tom Wetherald updated Council on the sale of the church’s silver – three of five pieces have sold for 146,000, somewhat below the estimate. The remaining two items will likely be presented for auction in 2016.

Lisa Loveland of the Leadership Committee offered a few additional names for Committee membership, which Council approved.

The all-church retreats continue. In February, the focus was Faith at the Crossroads and was very well attended. In March, the focus was Christians in Formation.

Council closed with a prayer.

Lisa Mahnke, Clerk