Lincoln Christian College & Seminary, Lincoln, IL

July 28, 2014

For more than 55 years, Lincoln Christian College & Seminary has been preparing preachers for service in the world. According to President, Dr. Keith Ray, even though the faculty and staff are working with a new generation, the original mission has not changed. It is with great vision, energy and a passion for excellence that Dr. Ray leads Lincoln today. That vision led him to begin planning to renovate campus facilities and build some long needed new ones.

To achieve this vision, Dr. Ray has led Lincoln through a capital campaign that was successfully launched with counsel from The Covenant Group. We encouraged Lincoln to begin their campaign with a strong, clear call to leadership, and they have responded. “One of the most important things that Dr. Moisan and his team brought to us was a creative energy about the whole consulting role. I did not feel like we were a routine, boilerplate customer. Rather, I felt that Dr. Moisan really strove to understand our culture and provided a passion for excellence in every aspect of our relationship.”

Dr. Ray continued his comments by referencing one element of a marketing communications package developed by The Covenant Group: “Take, for example, the campaign video. It was professionally produced and really captured the unique nature of Lincoln. It became the expression of our institution. I never show that video without the audience applauding at the end – to me, that is the measure of its effectiveness. Further, our faculty has routinely commented on the quality of our printed materials package, and in my higher education experience, an impressed faculty body is a good barometer of success.”

“We were glad we chose to utilize the experience and counsel of The Covenant Group. From every aspect, I would say that we got the best return we could have gotten for the money spent. Dr. Moisan complemented my vision – he embraced my vision – and truly fueled a quick and successful beginning for our campaign. Reaching and surpassing our goal has been a delight and in part a miracle. As I think back on The Covenant Group’s leadership and partnership in this endeavor, I can only say thanks and congratulations. Len’s expertise and friendship are a great combination for serving the Kingdom.”

RESULTS

– $5.0 million campaign launched successfully; over $3.0 million raised in the first year; goal surpassed – over $6 million raised

– Complete capital campaign communications package, including 9-minute video

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church