As advancement director for Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries, Inc. (LLMI), Mike Ward is responsible for the entire development office, including capital campaign, annual fund, and planned giving, as well as marketing for programs and retreats.

The purpose of LLMI is to provide programs, times, and places apart where all people can grow in relationship to God and God’s creation and be transformed for ministry.

Career Highlights:
• Successfully led “Foundations for Faith,” an $8.1 million capital appeal for LLMI, including the most successful congregational appeal ever in the North Carolina Synod. The campaign exceeded the original goal by $2.1 million.
• Increased the planned giving society at LLMI from 27 to more than 85 donors in six years
• More than doubled annual giving from individuals and churches in six years
• Served as general chair of a campaign at my local congregation that exceeded its goal
• Attained CFRE designation in June, 2007

Q & A

How many years have you been a development professional?
Began full-time in 2001
As a parish pastor, was present for 2 congregational appeals

What led you to being a development professional?
I’ve been successful at securing gifts since asking my mother for money as a child! Even in college, I secured gifts from peers for internship projects and other activities. Development work has always come naturally, and I have never allowed a perceived lack of financial resources stand in the way of raising the needed money to move a worthy cause forward.

How does your faith guide you in your work?
I believe giving is very much a spiritual issue. Furthermore, I am blessed to work for an organization that makes a difference in the world for the Kingdom of God, and that has made a difference in my life. My call to ministry came as I served on camp staff at Lutherock. Now I am back working to create that same opportunity for the Spirit to work.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as a development professional?
It goes without saying that travel away from home is the biggest challenge in this career.

What excites you about your position?
I get the opportunity to visit with some of the most interesting and generous people in the world. It is great to share those faith-filled moments with people who are making an investment in significant ministry opportunities.


What is the most essential quality of a good development professional?
The ability to understand what a donor is interested in accomplishing with their gift

Who has been a mentor for you and why?
Keith Johnson is the executive director here, and he has a tremendous grasp of what excellence is. In addition to Keith, Dave Brunkow has been a tremendous teacher and his insights into development are invaluable.

How many years have you been a member of ALDE?
Seven years

Describe an ALDE experience that has been particularly noteworthy, fun, uplifting, educational, etc.
The conference in Orlando was tremendous! Not only was it a great location, but having Tony Campolo focusing on the spiritual side of giving was both uplifting and incredibly educational. It was also my first ALDE conference, and all the learning was just fantastic.

What is a favorite book you have read recently and why?
The Ultimate Question by Fred Reichheld
The book gets into loyalty and what your customers say about you. Reichheld is a loyalty expert who feels we should be working to establish customers (donors) who become promoters of our organization.

What three things do you like to do besides working?
• Spending time with family
• Fly-fishing
• Riding my mountain bike