The Diocese of Arkansas is involved in an unusual capital funds campaign called "Raise the Roof." The campaign is different from others in that it seeks support for ministry at the local and diocesan levels at the same time.

"Congregations are free to conduct their own campaigns if they wish," said the Rev. Canon Larry R. Benfield, canon for administration and executive for planned giving for the Diocese of Arkansas, "with at least 75 percent of the money they raise staying in their local congregations." Congregations that choose to raise funds only for the diocese are free to do so. Canon Benfield said the cost of fund-raising counsel, either way, is provided by the diocese.

With an overall goal of $7.9 million, the diocese hopes to raise $3.45 million to fund four diocesan-wide programs: training of clergy and laity, $500,000; capital grants to congregations for creative new ministries, $1 million; a new social service facility, St. Francis House, in Forrest City, $500,000; and expansion and upgrading of the diocese's Camp Mitchell, $800,000. The remaining $650,000 will pay professional fees for campaign counsel.

The diocese, in directing the largest amount of money toward raising the level of local ministry, will increase funding for the Leadership Academy for New Directions (LAND) program, which provides cluster ministry training; Church Development Institute (CDI) program, which provides training to clergy in rapidly changing congregations; the Diocesan Training Conferences, large training programs for evangelism, stewardship, Christian education and youth ministry; and other diocesan training such as Education for Ministry.

Twenty-two congregations have begun campaigns to meet local needs such as new program development, new church buildings, major repair of existing facilities, or funding for other parish needs. Of the $5.5 million targeted from these campaigns, up to $1.4 million (25 percent) would go to diocesan programs. Thirty-four congregations will raise funds solely for the larger diocesan programs.

In a letter to the diocese, the Rt. Rev. Larry E. Maze, Bishop of Arkansas, said, "I want to emphasize that your donation is not for the building of a roof. Instead it is for what will happen under that roof and the people that will be affected by your ministry."