Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Some believe that the sole requirements for a strong educational institution are good students, a strong faculty, a fine curriculum, and an attractive learning environment.  All are truly important components - but an essential ingredient is missing.

There must also be a far-reaching network of committed persons who know the institution, embrace its mission, pray for it, and support it financially. In other words, these people become family to the institution.  We sincerely hope that you want to be a vibrant member of our Garrett-Evangelical family.  In that spirit, we invite you to read a few reflections from some of the members of our family and why they give to Garrett-Evangelical.

You will discover some of the creative approaches our donors are taking in order to make a meaningful gift.  Perhaps the simplicity of making your gift online is appealing or you would rather watch a modest monthly gift grow in value.  As you consider your gift giving this year, we are hopeful you will say "yes" to Garrett-Evangelical.

We'd love to hear from you too.  Click here to share your giving story.

 "I work for a non-profit. I know that health and sustainability for movements, churches and schools doesn't come from a few big gifts.  Long term survival depends upon dozens, even hundreds of little gifts that come in every month. 

I do my little part and give my gift each month.   Over my lifetime it will add up to something worthwhile.  I've created a system of giving, so it's not whimsical, but planned."

Audrey Krumbach (G-E, 2008)

"In the summer of 2008, I began to seriously focus on improving my personal finances.  For years prior to this, I'd made sure to tithe and to give to other causes and organizations when I could, but much of my other spending was erratic and irresponsible.  My credit card debt kept building and I suspected it would be decades before my student loans would be paid-off.  When I began to adjust my spending, I actually found freedom in my monthly budget - especially when it came to debt pay-off and giving: I now know that I will be debt-free in just a couple of years and I have maintained my church tithe.  I have also made giving to G-ETS a priority by making monthly gifts.  The consistency of monthly giving has been such a blessing because I know I'm making a difference on a regular basis.  Monthly giving is also extremely helpful for my own financial planning and it's enabled me to give more: instead of wondering where I'm going to find the $100 for a one-time yearly gift, I've now got $20 a month budgeted to give to G-ETS.  I loved my experience at G-ETS and I love that monthly giving offers me a regular and tangible way to honor my seminary."

Jenny Hallenbeck  (G-E, 2003) and Mack

"In the Church we well understand how important it is to support something greater than ourselves. To support Garrett-Evangelical is not only to support a terrific institution, but to understand how significant this seminary is in the life of the Church. One spiritual life formed at Garrett- Evangelical touches hundreds - maybe thousands - of others. 

I would encourage you to start with one good habit. We started by honoring my dad, Paul Unger, a GTS '65 alum with a gift to the seminary every Christmas. You could start with an annual gift to honor a family member, professor, or fellow student. It becomes not only a good habit, but a meaningful tradition that changes lives."

Sara Isbel (G-E, 2003)

"As an employee of Garrett-Evangelical, I am privileged each year to bear witness to the radical transformation that happens in our students from the day they enter their degree program to the day they graduate. This transformation can only happen because of the gifts the seminary receives from gracious donors each year. This is why my wife, Julie and I give.

Working in the not-for-profit sector, I assure you, I am not making millions. Nevertheless, we joyfully give monthly because it allows us to make a greater gift with minimal impact on our modest family budget. I encourage you to give so that our current students can experience this transformation and live out their call to transform our world."

Julie and Shane (G-E, 2002) Nichols

"Every time I turn around, it seems like there is another group with a fundraiser, asking for donations.  I used to feel like I had to give a little to everyone, but over time, I've realized it is more important to choose a few entities to focus our contributions in hopes of making a greater impact.  And yes, there are times when we go through financial struggles, and we have to stop giving for a period of time or reduce the amount we give.  Yet, it is most important that we give back to or in honor of those from whom we have so generously received.

With online banking, making a monthly gift is extremely simple.  After we confirmed our budget, we set up our online bill pay and included our monthly donations such as Garrett-Evangelical.  We receive an e-mails from our bank when the check has been sent and when it has been deposited."

Daniel and Laura (G-E, 2002) Kirkpatrick McMasters

"I choose to give to Garrett-Evangelical because it was there that I received the education that has most made a difference in my life.  I choose to give because I want others to have the same opportunity to learn and grow in understanding and practice of theology, scripture, spiritual formation, pastoral care and ministry.  I choose to give to Garrett-Evangelical so when people like Kathy Abend say "Yes" to God's call to ministry, we can send her off to a United Methodist school of theology that will prepare her to make a difference in the world.  I choose to give to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and encourage you to do the same."

Gay Jeffrey (G-E, 1994)

"The reason I give to Garrett-Evangelical is similar to the reason I give blood, it feels good! It feels good to know that I am contributing to something important, something life-changing. Just like my ordinary O+ blood can have an extraordinary impact on a person's life, so my modest monetary donation, when added to other gifts, can make a remarkable difference in the lives of seminary students - and through their ministry, to the lives of countless others."

Bob and Susan (G-E, 1985) Marner-Sides