Money on a Mission
08-01-2022
Money, taught the inspiring pastor and author A.W. Tozer, can be converted into food for the hungry, clothing for the poor, and resources for missionaries to actively share the gospel throughout the world. During this year’s Giving Day campaign, donors to McCormick gave more than $113,000, converting it into encouragement for students, support for the seminary’s initiatives, and funds for general operations.
Stephanie Moore opened the envelope. Inside was a card, accompanied by a financial gift from the wife of a McCormick alumnus. “Happy Giving Day to all McCormick staff and students,” she had written, “I treasure my years spent at McCormick and enjoyed my many years as a minister’s wife.”
As McCormick’s director of Development, Moore is accustomed to thanking donors for their gifts to the seminary but receiving words of appreciation for providing a special day for them to give is a welcomed treat.
“Giving is a way people connect more deeply with things they care about,” says Moore, who has been with McCormick for 22 years and director of Development for the past 11. “While a large percentage of our contributions come from alumni, we also have a good number of contributors from those who attend our public programs and times of prayer, benefit from the research and books our faculty produce, and believe in our vision…our commitment to offer experiences that help to develop world-class faith leaders and community changemakers.”
Donors inspired by McCormick’s record of service
A desire to help students is the reason most donors cite for making a financial contribution, Moore notes, but donors also talk about the service McCormick’s alumni give. “I’m finding that many of our donors are making a connection between a student today and what that student will be able to do upon graduation from McCormick,” says Moore.
“McCormick encourages and helps students to go out and do a lot of diverse kinds of ministry and our donors recognize and support that emphasis,” she continues. “Giving has many immediate benefits, but our churches, businesses, and our society will benefit from the kinds of leaders who come from McCormick in the years to come.”
Ways to give
Over the past few years, the seminary has been improving its systems and processes, making it more convenient for individuals to give. In addition to mailing a check or money order, donors can give on the seminary’s social media platforms and website. QR (quick response) codes are being added to appropriate brochures, printed letters, and emails, allowing individuals with smartphones instant access to the seminary’s financial support page.
Along with their financial gifts, notes Moore, donors also support the seminary every time they refer individuals to McCormick’s certificate and degree programs, attend its public programs, and share what’s best about McCormick with their friends, churches, and communities.
Stephanie Moore
Director of Development
“At McCormick,” Moore says, “we measure our growth and success by all the ways people participate and connect with us. That tells us our supporters want to see McCormick thrive.”