A Fig Tree and a Capital Campaign
In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree, a story rich with lessons about patience, persistence, and the importance of nurturing growth. A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard, but after three years, it still bears no fruit. Frustrated, he considers cutting it down. However, the gardener pleads for more time, promising to tend to the tree, fertilize it, and give it another chance to bear fruit. The parable reminds us that growth takes time, and with care and patience, even the most barren tree can flourish.
This story resonates deeply with the process of preparing for a capital campaign in ministry. Just like the fig tree, a campaign requires the right conditions, careful nurturing, and time to bear fruit. Some organizations may be ready to launch a campaign in just a few months. Their "soil" is fertile—strong leadership, clear vision, and a united congregation or team. For them, the conditions are perfect, and the campaign can move forward quickly.
But for others, the journey to readiness is longer. Perhaps there are leadership changes to navigate, construction plans to finalize, or a need to build consensus among stakeholders. These challenges are not setbacks; they are part of the process. Just as the gardener in the parable tended to the fig tree, we must tend to the groundwork of our campaigns. This might mean investing time in strategic planning, fostering open communication, or addressing internal challenges before moving forward.
The key is patience and persistence. A rushed campaign, like a prematurely harvested fig, will not yield the best results. But when we commit to the process—when we take the time to prepare, pray, and plan—we create the conditions for a campaign that bears abundant fruit for the Kingdom of God.
This principle applies not only to capital campaigns but to all areas of life and ministry. Growth is rarely instantaneous. Whether we’re waiting for a fig tree to bear fruit, a campaign to gain momentum, or a dream to come to fruition, we must trust in God’s timing. The waiting period is not wasted time; it’s an opportunity to deepen our faith, refine our plans, and align our efforts with God’s purpose.
As we reflect on the parable of the fig tree, let us remember that patience and persistence are not passive virtues. They require active engagement—tending to the soil, pruning the branches, and trusting that with time and care, the fruit will come. When we commit to the outcome, we honor the process, knowing that our efforts, rooted in faith, will ultimately glorify God and advance His Kingdom.
So, whether you’re preparing for a capital campaign or waiting for a season of growth in your life, take heart. Like the gardener, be patient. Be persistent. And trust that in God’s perfect timing, your efforts will bear fruit beyond what you can imagine.
If you are considering a capital campaign, please reach out to us for more information on how your campaign can break fruit for your congregation.
