“I am writing to convey our gratitude for the assistance of Kirby Smith Associates, Inc., in our "Living the Vision" Capital Campaign. Kirby Smith's services were crucial to the great success we have had during our campaign. They patiently worked through all our questions, and helped us put together a successful campaign...always sensitive to our theological and practical concerns, and always respected our questions and opinions. As we near the end of our campaign, I would like to commend your company for all your assistance...and we will gladly recommend your services to others who may benefit. ”
Pastor Michael Linderman
“Clark’s Valley Zion has explored the possibility of creating additional space for ministry in the past. Even under the direction of competent leadership we have never been able to move forward in this endeavor. We hired Kirby-Smith Associates to assist us in this process. Our campaign consultant, Mr. Knauer, conducted himself in a professional manner at every level of interaction, whether through personal interviews, congregational presentations, or dealing directly with the Board. His services were especially valuable to us as he conducted individual interviews that allowed our congregation the opportunity to express their opinions and desires. This process gave our leadership the clear direction of the congregation and clarified our path. Thank you to Kirby-Smith, through your representative, for assisting us in our endeavor to follow God’s direction for the body of Christ at Clark’s Valley Zion.”
Rev. Mike Knapp
Clark’s Valley Zion EC Church, Dauphin, PA
“Our campaign was a huge success! We raised more money than was needed for the organ, so we were able do some renovations to the choir area and start an organ endowment fund. Also, one contributor to the capital campaign decided to annualize their contribution in order to fund an ongoing concert series. As I have often said, 'A rising tide raises all the boats'; we have seen raises in giving. We have nothing but good things to say about Kirby-Smith Associates!”
Reverend Mark Collins
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Glen Rock, NJ
“St. Andrew’s parish is a dynamic parish and school. As a smaller community of faith with a school, we are always in need of more; more funds, more volunteers, more students, and more resources. We needed to expand our school to offer grades K to 8, and to use the expanded space for parish meetings and religious education. This was a big job for a small parish. Kirby-Smith Associates was terrific in leading our campaign efforts. They helped us set a realistic goal from the beginning to assist in establishing our building plans and to gain diocesan approval. Through their directions, we conducted a very successful capital campaign. Thanks you Kirby-Smith Associates.”
Rev. Augusty Valomchalil
St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Waynesboro, PA
“St. Ambrose Parish buildings and grounds were in need of renovations, much of which were deferred and long overdue. We had no idea how much we could raise or the level of support of our parishioners. We selected Kirby-Smith Associates to help guide us and raise the necessary funds. Our consultant meticulously and patiently led us through a campaign process – establishing a vision, conducting a feasibility study, and leading a successful capital campaign. We exceeded our campaign goal and, at the same time, saw no decrease in our weekly giving. However more than the money raised, the parish has been rejuvenated with the confidence of what they accomplished together. I highly recommend the services of Kirby-Smith Associates if you are in need of a capital campaign.”
Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik
St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, PA
“Kirby-Smith Associates conducted a successful capital campaign on our behalf at St. Catherine Labouré Parish, meeting and exceeding our goal. We raised more funds from more parishioners then at any other time in our history as a parish. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates to assist in your next capital campaign.”
Very Reverend Neil S. Sullivan, VF
St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Harrisburg, PA
“Kirby-Smith was not the only fundraising group we interviewed but it was the one we chose. I do not regret it at all. Gene was present to us, a team of people, whenever we needed him and provided the guidance, support and phone call labor we needed. He knows how to raise money and has been successful at it for a long time. He knows the Diocese of Harrisburg and is located within it. We exceeded our pledge goal that he estimated for us based on the data we gave him and his analysis of it. So give Gene Musser and Kirby-Smith your strong consideration. I highly recommend them to you.””
Rev. Msgr. Lyons, Pastor
St Joseph Parish, Hanover, PA
“It has been quite some time since Immanuel has undertaken a capital funds campaign, and as a priest, this was my first. Kirby-Smith was extraordinarily helpful in guiding us through this process. Their dedication to their work, their desire to see the campaign succeed, and their willingness and ability to be flexible with us has been excellent. They were able to get a sense of our parish and church family, and was willing and able to tailor the program to fir us, our needs, and 'personality'. Our capital campaign launched with a goal of receiving $800,000 in faith pledges. After our 'Thanksgiving Sunday' and the early stages of the campaign, our pledge total was $838,000. We are well on our way to the successful completion of our campaign! Over the next few years, as we continue with the Conservation phase of our campaign, we are confident that we will continue to receive excellent and generous provision and the completion of our campaign. To God be all glory, honor, and praise, in this and in every endeavor.”
The Rev. Caleb A. Miller, Rector
Immanuel Anglican Church, Destin, FL
“I am more than happy to recommend Kirby-Smith Associates. We at Victory Valley Camp contracted Kirby-Smith in January 2016 as we anticipated the building of a much needed new dining hall and kitchen to accommodate our growth. This is our first major Capital Campaign and we have appreciated their guidance and expertise every step of the way. We are grateful for their help in planning and implementing strategies to accomplish our goal. Their focus and creativity are exactly what we needed to give us direction. Their Christ centered approach kept us grounded in our true goal of glorifying God throughout this project. ”
Doug Manwiller, Director
Victory Valley Camp, Zionsville, PA
“I am more than happy to recommend Kirby-Smith Associates. We at Brick Lane Community Church engaged Kirby-Smith as we anticipated undertaking a significant project to expand our church building in support of our growing ministries. Kirby-Smith assisted us in executing a feasibility study, interpreting the feedback we received through the study, and in effecting our Capital Campaign. We would overwhelmingly recommend the team at Kirby-Smith. Their expertise coupled with their faith-based approach have been invaluable to us, and to the kingdom of Jesus Christ.”
Clifford J. Montgomery, Finance Communications Committee Chairman
Brick Lane Community Church, Elverson, PA
“This is the first Capital Campaign I have been involved with and the first one in our parish in many years. The materials that were provided by Kirby-Smith Associates were so very helpful, especially in helping us with timing and sending the appropriate information at the correct time. Parishioners are still commenting on the wealth of information they received and how prepared they were to become involved in the project. We are very excited with the results of our campaign, and we are sure we couldn’t have done it without the materials, support, and guidance of Kirby-Smith Associates. They were always available to answer questions and advise us on successful approaches...to support our goal!”
Rev. Michael E. Williams, Pastor
Saint Leo Catholic Church, Murray, KY
“I have hired Kirby-Smith Associates twice to provide consultation for our capital campaigns at St. Sylvester Parish. I greatly appreciated their hard work, professionalism, and the efforts made by the entire Kirby-Smith team to ensure our success. I would hire Kirby-Smith a third time if needed and recommend their services to any church considering a capital campaign!”
Rev. John Kelly, Pastor
St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, FL
“I appreciate all Kirby-Smith did for me and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. You inspired us and gave us confidence. Your efforts allowed us to march forward into the future and allows me to retire with a sense of peace. Thank you for all you have done!”
Rev. Robert Mitman, Pastor (Retired)
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Perkasie, PA
“After many years of strategic planning and reevaluation of the plan, Delone Catholic High School reached the point at which it was ready to begin work on a capital campaign directed at the full renovation of its facilities. Kirby-Smith conducted a feasibility study testing the feasibility of raising the $6.8 million needed to renovate the entire complex. Through Kirby-Smith’s efforts, we exceeded our goal and have been able to complete all three phases of our capital plans ahead of schedule. At our dedication for our new facilities, Bishop Gainer said, ‘I rarely can state a capital campaign exceeded goal and construction was under budget. Congratulations to Kirby-Smith and Conewago builders for a job well done.’”
Eric Lawrence, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA
“In only our second year of our 3-year Capital Campaign, we have already collected more than our original campaign goal. I have conducted Capital Campaigns with and without outside counsel. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates as outside fundraising counsel. Their guidance and directions provided was instrumental in our success.”
Rev. David Lutcher, Pastor
Grace Lutheran Church, Hatfield, PA
“I was very impressed with the way in which Kirby-Smith Associates listened to our plans, laid out a strategy for success, and worked tirelessly to ensure we met our goal. I was impressed with the spirituality brought to the project by the Kirby-Smith staff and their caring spirit. I could not recommend a better firm of professionals committed to meeting the needs of their clients and doing the work of the Lord than Kirby-Smith Associates.”
Rev. William Worley, Conference Minister, PA Southeast Conference of the UCC, Former pastor of First Reformed Church, Lancaster, PA
First Reformed UCC, Lancaster, PA
“As pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg, PA, I reached out to Kirby-Smith Associates to help us with the largest single capital expansion in the history of the parish... $6 million. Kirby-Smith Associates was great to work with as they listened to our needs, were always responsive to any request, and demonstrated that they are the experts in their field. I highly recommend their services and the professionalism that they bring to a Capital Campaign.”
Rev. Msgr. William J. King, Pastor
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, PA
“Kirby-Smith Associates did a wonderful job on behalf of Christ (Mertz) Lutheran Church. We are on our way! Thanks so much for your help and support.”
June Heller, Conservation Chairperson
Christ (Mertz) Lutheran Church, Fleetwood, PA
“Hiring Kirby-Smith is the best decision that the church has made. I highly recommend the services of Kirby-Smith Associates. ”
Rev. Dr. Tim Duchesne, Senior Pastor
St. Paul’s UMC, Wilmington, DE
“I am delighted we once again chose the services of Kirby-Smith Associates to lead the second phase of our capital appeal... $5 million for a new Parish Life Center to benefit both the parish and the parish school. From the very beginning of our planning efforts through completion of Phase I & II, the leadership, direction, and assistance provided by Kirby-Smith Associates has been invaluable to me as pastor. Through our two Capital Campaigns and with our additional funding, we raised $11 million for renovations and new construction. Thank you to Kirby-Smith Associates.”
Rev. Peter Hahn, Pastor
St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Lancaster, PA
“As Pastor of St. Paul's Parish in Reading, PA, I have had the opportunity to again contract services with Kirby-Smith to plan and direct a Capital Campaign drive to replace a boiler to supply heat for our church and rectory buildings...We have been successful in reaching our pledge goal, and have actually already collected about one third of the amount pledged. We are now continuing in our long term collection phase. Our big concern from the outset of the challenge we faced was the complexity of our parish make-up, being English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The track record of Kirby-Smith in dealing with mixed language groups has served us very well. I look forward to continuing on the successful path on which we have embarked. ”
Rev. Msgr. John J. Grabish, Pastor
St. Paul’s Church, Reading, PA
“Trinity High School, Camp Hill, PA was greatly served by Kirby-Smith Associates during our Capital Campaign and Feasibility Study. We found Kirby-Smith to be extremely professional, honest, and demonstrated an extremely high level of integrity. While you encountered situations and personalities that demonstrated negative attitudes toward the campaign you always maintained a positive attitude and up-beat personality. This allowed our Campaign Committee to not dwell on the negative, but rather to see the challenges of the campaign as something that was achievable. Even though the relationship with Kirby-Smith ended, our Development Director continued to seek and received advice from Kirby-Smith at no additional cost to us. For this we are greatly appreciative! I cannot thank our staff, alumni, and contributors enough, but without the guidance and direction of Kirby-Smith, our campaign would not have succeeded. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates to any school in need of a Capital Campaign.”
Joseph E. Gressock, Principal
Trinity High School, Camp Hill, PA
“Kirby-Smith conducted an increased offertory program/capital campaign for us. In addition to many families committing a campaign gift, a good number of families increased their commitment. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates!”
Rev. Paul Mullen, Pastor
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Milford, PA
“I am delighted to write a recommendation for Kirby-Smith Associates. This is the second time All Saints' Episcopal Church has engaged Kirby-Smith in a successful Capital Campaign. As a priest and pastor, it is my role to empower the people of God to do Jesus' work in the world. This process with Kirby-Smith has only strengthened All Saints' to continue its mission and ministry. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith.”
The Rev'd Timothy H. Burger, Rector
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Glen Rock, NJ
“I want to thank you for the wonderful working relationship we had with Kirby-Smith during the Feasibility Study and Capital Campaign phase. Kirby-Smith gave me the confidence to move forward at the right time with our $2.1 million dollar building project. Kirby-Smith's insight and wisdom through the Feasibility Study helped us realistically look at our project and move forward with a working plan. The responsibilities of a Capital Campaign were broken down and everyone was made to feel capable of accomplishing our goal. Kirby-Smith's diligence not only helped us reach the goal set in the Feasibility Study, but go beyond our goal for the Capital Campaign. It was truly a pleasure working with your company! ”
Rev. Philip Rodgers, Pastor
Church of St. Benedict, Mohnton, PA
“I would highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates for any kind of Feasibility Study and/or Capital Campaign. Our church begin considering a Capital Campaign with another organization and completed a Feasibility Study with that organization. The board unanimously decided not to move forward with that organization for many reasons, one of which we did not feel they had our best interests at heart. Upon connecting with Kirby-Smith Associates, our hope was renewed that we would be able to move forward with a Capital Campaign with someone who actually took time to listen to our needs and customize our campaign accordingly. We are so grateful for God connecting us with Kirby-Smith Associates and look forward to possible future endeavors working side by side with them!”
Rev. Phil Good, Senior Pastor
Mill Creek Bible Church, Lancaster, PA
“Thank you for the excellent direction and leadership for our Capital Campaign! Kirby-Smith provided us with the whole process, and successfully and with great sensitivity guided us through it. The printed materials were outstanding, going far beyond ordinary printing to excellent graphic presentations. With the inspiration and encouragement provided, we were able to obtain commitments that totaled 3.3 times our annual giving for the budget of the church, far beyond our original expectations. A measure of the satisfaction of our church’s leadership is that just as we were finishing the initial 'ask' phase of our Capital Campaign, the congregation council requested consultation and help with our regular fall stewardship program. This is something that this church has not done in recent years, but wants to do now. A measure of the congregation’s satisfaction is the fact that our regular giving to the budget is significantly higher than it was before the Capital Campaign began. It seems that when a church learns good stewardship, it learns to practice good stewardship.”
Rev. Stanley Ellison, IMN, NALIP, Interim Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Teaneck, NJ
“We have recently completed the first stage of our Vision 2020 Capital Campaign and are pleased to commend your firm for a job well done. Kirby-Smith did an excellent job in working with our Capital Campaign team to prepare for and help launch our campaign. As we move forward with the next phase of the campaign, we look forward in continuing to work with Kirby-Smith Associates.”
Martin C. Gillen, Vision 2020 Campaign Chair
Trinity Episcopal Church, Buckingham, PA
“We are pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Kirby-Smith Associates. Throughout the entire campaign process, Kirby-Smith has guided us step-by-step. Their counsel, based on leading many other campaigns, has been invaluable. We highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates to other churches contemplating a Capital Campaign.”
Rev. Ryan Whitley, Rector and Jack Tinkler, Capital Campaign Committee Chair
St. George’s Episcopal Church, Ardmore, PA
“Our church has been wrestling for some time with the challenge of how to expand our facilities to meet the needs of our growing congregation. One aspect of that challenge that had been particularly dreaded was the fundraising piece. Over the past seven months…our fears have been relieved. Kirby-Smith helped our Campaign Committee walk through the steps of a successful Capital Campaign, and their insight and experience has been a great comfort to us. We are currently in the first year of our three-year collection process, and our process could not have gone more smoothly. Our congregation understands the steps ahead of us and we are excited about what is yet to come. Thank you so much for the work that your firm has done for us. It’s been a blessing!”
Rev. Jesse Johnson, Pastor
Media Mennonite Church, Oxford, PA
“Prior to my arrival to Quakertown Christian School, the school selected Kirby-Smith Associates to lead our Capital Campaign. We were most fortunate to have Kirby-Smith, who went above and beyond the call of duty as they compiled, analyzed, evaluated, and triangulated data from our Quakertown Christian School community in order to launch us forward with an aggressive, but appropriate Capital Campaign. We could not be more pleased! Kirby-Smith's ability to present to our diverse community was extremely professional and always appropriate for the audience which was before him. Our school has been blessed by Kirby-Smith's presence and I know they will serve your constituents and community well.”
Mr. Mark Slider, Ed.D, Executive Director
Quakertown Christian School, Quakertown, PA
“From the time of the steering committee’s first meeting with Kirby-Smith Associates, everyone felt very comfortable. They offered clear guidance and helped us over rough spots whenever we needed. They made us aware of strengths we had not recognized in ourselves. The steering committee and the congregation caught the spirit, got involved, and now we are enjoying a level of success we never dreamed of at first! Kirby-Smith provided helpful materials and accounts of other campaigns to move our work along, and spark our vision. It was wonderful working with Kirby-Smith Associates. ”
Rev. Dr. Jane E. Strohl, Pastor
Zion Lutheran Church, Indiana, PA
“It has been a pleasure to consult with Kirby-Smith Associates on our two most recent capital campaigns. Our return to Kirby-Smith is testament to our satisfaction throughout. In each case, we experienced a gracious presence with the consultants provided us. They consistently offered professional, caring, timely, and gospel-centered input into our process. We exceeded significantly the amount indicated in the Feasibility Study, which we consider a welcome success for our campaign. We offer our gratitude to Kirby-Smith Associates for their splendid process, materials, consulting, and professionalism.”
Rev. Dr. Lyle McKee, Pastor
St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IN
“We wish to express our deep appreciation to Kirby-Smith Associates for their fine work in our recent capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of much needed program space. They went above and beyond the requirements of the contract we signed and expressed a genuine concern and commitment to the well-being of the congregation and to me personally as its pastor. All of this made for a successful and parish-renewing experience. There is nothing I could say that would not be positive about our experience with Kirby-Smith. Their commitment to and experience with church fundraising were obvious and beneficial to us in our fundraising efforts. I am sure that our campaign would have been much less successful without the aid of Kirby-Smith.”
Rev. Rodney Eberhardt, Pastor
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Farmingdale, NY
“Since we launched our campaign, our debt, which affected all aspects of our ministry, has almost been paid. We expect to be debt free in the near future, which has fostered a sense of renewal and a real can-do attitude. We could not be more pleased with the work of Kirby-Smith Associates.”
The Reverend William J. Neat, Rector & Virginia G. Fox, Campaign Chairperson
Church of the Ascension, Frankfort, KY
“After interviewing several consultants the vestry of St. John’s Memorial Episcopal Church unanimously agreed that Kirby-Smith was the best fit to conduct a Feasibility Study for our church. We have not regretted that decision. Our Feasibility Study revealed much more information than we would have been able to discover on our own. Whether they were for or against a capital project, the congregation felt that they were heard and their opinions honored. Kirby-Smith guided, organized, motivated, helped put results in perspective, provided suggestions, and become a very real presence at St. John’s as they enabled us to focus on our goals in both construction and ministry. Kirby-Smith showed us that a Capital Campaign should be a joyful, inclusive endeavor that unites the parish and clarifies the mission of the church. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates to guide your church through the process of embarking on a Capital Campaign.”
Janice Hardy, Chairperson
St. John’s Memorial Church, Ramsey, NJ
“Kirby-Smith's leadership and insights were crucial to our campaign’s success. We were very pleased with the quality of materials supplied by Kirby-Smith, particularly the brochures and other publicity pieces. They were of professional quality and were very well received. We would highly recommend Kirby-Smith to any church considering a Capital Campaign, and would not hesitate to use them again should we have that need in the future.”
John Burns, Chairperson
Summit View Church, New Holland, PA
“Hill Church has been praying about a campaign to replace our educational and office building for 5 years, or more...We made a covenant with Kirby-Smith Associates. We have not regretted that decision! While we have much work to do, Kirby-Smith's guidance has helped us to work smarter, not harder. They have also kept us from letting the spiritual dimension get lost in the campaign preparation. I recommend Kirby-Smith Associates as competent and committed to their calling.”
Rev. Donald Austin, Pastor
Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, Canonsburg, PA
“We, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, have recently completed a rather extensive maintenance campaign and we have exceeded what we felt we could initially obtain. Many felt we would be happy with our projected feasibility goal of $750,000, and yet this campaign has now exceeded one million dollars. We have currently pledged about $1,030,000. I would, therefore, give Kirby-Smith our thankful recommendation. The initial interview was impressive because there was a sensitivity to the spirituality of our parish. I would highly recommend Kirby-Smith as your Professional Fundraising Counsel.”
Rev. John Doris, Pastor
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore, PA
“I would like to thank the whole Kirby-Smith team involved in our recent capital appeal. Because this was our second campaign, following immediately on the heels of one led by another consulting firm, we were aware of some of the needs and pitfalls of capital appeals. Kirby-Smith steered us around those we knew about and helped us avert a few we hadn’t considered. They were particularly helpful in incorporating ideas generated by people on our team…so that it became, looked, and felt like our appeal, not a cookie-cutter approach that we simply adopted. I was particularly impressed with the downloadable materials and graphic design resources available to us. Kirby-Smith’s graphic artist was able to incorporate our previous appeal’s logo into a new design that gave our effort both continuity and a fresh look…a tough balance to achieve. I would encourage any church to put Kirby-Smith Associates on their short-list of consultants!”
Rev. Craig Endicott, Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church, Waldorf, MD
“We have recently completed the first stage of our 'Building on Faith' Capital Campaign and are pleased to commend your firm for a job well done! When we began this process, there was a fair amount of caution in enlisting an outside firm. We wanted to be sure an outside firm was spiritually sensitive to our congregants and leadership. Now that we have completed the first phase, I can affirm that Kirby-Smith did an excellent job and was always sensitive to our concerns while still being very pro-active in the campaign. As we move forward with the campaign, we look forward in continuing to work with Kirby-Smith.”
Kenneth Musser, Campaign Chairperson
Calvary Bible Church, Mount Joy, PA
“I am writing to endorse and recommend the fundraising and stewardship ministries of Kirby-Smith Associates. I have been extremely well guided through two major capital campaign efforts by this organization and could not be more pleased. Both times, our campaigns exceeded expectations and significant building renovations have resulted. In the first campaign, at New Hanover Lutheran Church in Gilbertsville, PA, we raised about $750,000 over a three-year period; but perhaps more importantly, we saw a growth in giving to the general budget which impacted ministries far beyond the bricks and mortar. We saw about a 15% increase in overall stewardship giving. I am still in the midst of the second campaign and am expecting similar results. I found all those associated with Kirby-Smith Associates to be friendly, professional, deeply spiritual, reliable, and diligent. If you are considering a major fundraising effort or simply in need of some wise guidance in matters of stewardship, I urge you to contact Kirby-Smith Associates and get started today!”
Rev. Ric Elliott, Pastor
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus, PA
“St. David’s Lutheran Church chose Kirby Smith Associates for our building campaign because of their experience in working with churches of all sizes and denominations; their expertise in getting a 'barometer' reading of member’s commitment and support of a capital campaign through a feasibility study; and, their detailed plan and structure for doing a Capital Campaign. The commitments Kirby-Smith Associates made to us were fulfilled. They provided a detailed manual for carrying out the campaign from the beginning and all the way through the conservation phase. They were on-site and met with our committees at key points to equip us for leading the campaign. Although there were points along the campaign where some leaders felt unprepared for the tasks, they always had a way of helping to simplify the process and give us confidence to move forward. Kirby-Smith Associates were also very helpful in lifting up creative ways to give and support the Capital Campaign. Whenever we had questions, wanted to fine-tune something, or needed other assistance, the staff of Kirby-Smith Associates was friendly, hospitable, and willing to go the extra mile. In addition to the money raised through the campaign, St. David’s saw a significant growth in the spiritual life of the congregation. Kirby-Smith Associates holds priority on helping people grow in their relationship to God, which then also affects their generosity. We see this spiritual growth experienced during the capital campaign spilling over into other ministries and opportunities beyond the campaign.”
Rev. LaDonna Thomas, Pastor
St. David’s Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA
“I am writing to highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates for a Capital Campaign…We approached Kirby-Smith because we knew they had been the consultants for the New Hope Campaign for the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, which raised more than $4,000,000 for our partnership diocese of Kajo-Keji, South Sudan, and the needy in northeast Pennsylvania. Almost all the people who worked on the campaign have talked about how they felt God working in our parish. I believe the campaign has been a gift to our parish… I know that if I should ever need something, Kirby-Smith would be on the other end of the phone encouraging, guiding, and helping us.”
Rev. Canon Maria W.E. Tjeltveit, Rector
Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA
“I highly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates who was our consultant for our fourth capital campaign in support of our mortgage debt on a significant building addition. Kirby-Smith came to us when our congregation was suffering from 'capital-campaign-weariness'. Our leaders had grown weary of the standard approaches that all campaigns must include and were eager for creative options. Kirby-Smith Associates was patient and affirming in designing the details of the campaign, always identifying for each phase several creative options our congregation had not undertaken before. This resulted in a completely customized campaign for our specific needs. Your congregation and their faithful stewardship will be blessed by Kirby-Smith's service.”
Rev. William Davidson, Pastor (Former)
Warwick Memorial UMC, Newport News, VA
“We had invited three separate organizations to come and make presentations to the vestry, and without a doubt…the entire vestry was convinced that given our present needs, Kirby-Smith was the most equipped firm to guide us through a feasibility study. Our campaign was not simply a financial campaign but a Spiritual Renewal and Capital Campaign…Kirby-Smith's guidance and support allowed us to refocus our energies on our strengths and what we do best…I strongly recommend Kirby-Smith Associates to any congregation seeking to renew and restore not only its physical plant, but also its spiritual life.”
Rev. C. John Thompson-Quartey, Former Rector
St. Mary’s By The Sea Episcopal Church, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
“Kirby-Smith had been recommended to me by a couple of clergy colleagues, whose parishes had used their services in the past. Ultimately, our vestry was unanimous in its decision to hire Kirby-Smith. Kirby-Smith provided steady and clear guidance throughout the campaign process. Having never overseen a capital campaign as a pastor myself, I was immensely grateful for their support. They brought a wealth of experience and did not bring a ‘one-size-fits-all’ canned approach for us. I can also say that the office support from Kirby-Smith was superb and they helped us stay on task and meet necessary deadlines. I would highly recommend Kirby-Smith to those looking for a capital campaign consultant.”
Rev. Kevin Lloyd, Rector
Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Jamestown, RI
“Kirby-Smith was very instrumental in conducting the feasibility study that allowed us to set a reasonable campaign goal and to believe that, working together with God’s help, we could make our new parish home more than a dream. You assisted us in communicating, promoting, and conducting a capital campaign that even exceeded our goals and expectations. We made the correct decision when choosing to partner with Kirby-Smith!”
Most Rev. Edward C. Malesic, JCL, (Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg) former pastor of Holy Infant Parish, York Haven, PA
Holy Infant Parish, York Haven, PA
“On behalf of the Bishop’s Capital Campaign Task Force, let me express appreciation for leading us through a thorny path. When we began the work we were overwhelmed with the task. Kirby-Smith’s guidance allowed us to gather information that was invaluable in formulating how we would move ahead in developing an appeal for $3,000,000 to help fund an unfunded past service pension liability. I am confident that the good work you did helped to secure the unanimous approval the campaign received at our Adjourned Session of our Annual Conference in November. Again, thanks for the time and energy Kirby-Smith invested in us.”
Bishop Peggy Johnson, Bishop
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the UMC
“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Kirby-Smith Associates. After several years of discussion, our congregation decided to move forward in its planning for a Capital Campaign by engaging Kirby-Smith. A good deal of the credit for our decision should go to the excellent job that Kirby-Smith did in their presentation to our leadership...they had an intuitive understanding of what we were trying to accomplish. We were attempting to do something that was a bit out of the ordinary and more difficult to communicate to the church. Our capital campaign fundraising was not for some new construction, but rather an attempt for us to address our long standing mortgage debt. Thanks to Kirby-Smith's leadership we met our goal and are on our way into the collection phase, as well as devising strategies to move towards our second level goal…Our congregation is excited about it's future. I highly recommend Kirby-Smith and would welcome any calls from those considering their services!”
Rev. N. Jackson Haas, Former Pastor
Family of God Lutheran Church, Buckingham, PA
“I am pleased to take this moment to say thank you for your partnership in this first phase of Renewing Hope. The Feasibility Study refined our vision and mission into priorities around which our first Capital Campaign was centered. Throughout both the Feasibility Study and campaign, it was comforting and enlivening knowing that Kirby-Smith was there not only for professional guidance and advice, but in prayer support as well. Because of Kirby-Smith, our first campaign has been a success. The people of Lutheran Church of Hope are giving generously because they understand that God has been faithful and generous to them. I wish to thank Kirby-Smith Associates for their personal concern for the congregation as well as for me. This type of professionalism goes beyond the contract; it shows faith, passion, and a solid sense of vocation. We look forward to partnering with Kirby-Smith in the future.”
Rev. Dr. Scott McAnnally, Pastor
Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
“Our church board interviewed several churches that had recently experienced Capital Campaigns in order to discern our best option for support in our process. The strongest affirmations turned us toward Kirby-Smith Associates, who led us through the process clearly and concisely from beginning to end. Kirby-Smith was professional, available, and incredibly responsive. Recommending Kirby-Smith to other churches will be an easy task moving forward. Undoubtedly, we would use them again for other projects in the future.”
Rev. Hunter Hess, Former Pastor
Zion Mennonite Church, Souderton, PA
“Bringing years of pastoral experience to the table, our representative displayed a good understanding of how local churches operate and was able to walk the fine line between challenging our people without seeming to pressure them. The campaign has helped to deepen the prayer life and unity of our church. The staff at Kirby-Smith was helpful and very professional.”
Pastor Steve Johnson, Senior Pastor
Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene, Hagerstown, MD
“From the first meeting you had with our Fundraising Committee, over a year ago, to this date, we could not be more pleased with the direction, the guidance, support, and encouragement we have received from Kirby-Smith Associates. You have assembled a fine, well-honed team and are of invaluable assistance to a parish such as ours.”
Rev. J. Robert Yeazel, Pastor
Holy Cross Church, DeWitt, NY
“Kirby-Smith has been a tremendous gift of God to us throughout the campaign. The most amazing stories that are told are from the skeptics in our leadership who weren't sure why we were paying a consultant to help us with this campaign. Kirby-Smith's consistent grounding in Biblical principles of stewardship and sacrifice as well as the amazing results that we have seen have made believers out of so many.”
Rev. Elbert Paul Dulworth
Laingsburg United Methodist Church, Laingsburg, MI
“I'm excited to share with you about the ministry of Kirby-Smith Associates. Kirby-Smith conducted our Feasibility Study for debt reduction, renovations, and accumulation of funds for future property. As a result of this study, we learned very clearly that there was an overwhelming support for the project. From there we decided with confidence to go right into a capital Stewardship Campaign. We have already kicked off our Campaign and are very pleased at the great start! I can wholeheartedly recommend the excellent staff at Kirby-Smith to you, as your partners in seeing the kingdom of God built!”
Rev. Garry Kipe, Lead Pastor
Bethel Assembly of God, Chambersburg, PA
Holy Name Harrisburg
“Kirby-Smith has helped us for the past 7 years, starting when a proposal from a developer fell apart to a very successful campaign. From the very first meeting with the staff of Kirby-Smith, we were led through every step of what we needed to do to raise the necessary funds to build our new church. The feasibility study gave us the amount we could raise, and we raised exactly that amount of money within a few dollars. It was a great experience from the beginning to end of the campaign.”
David A. Smith, Co-Chair Building Committee
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Harrisburg, PA