F.A.Q.s
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Magnify Campaign that address our Mission, Cost, How to Donate and More!
Why Does Shepherd's Seminary Need a New Building?
The seminary’s growth, which has increased by 180% over the past 10 years, coupled with the space contraints at our current location at The Shepherd’s Church has reached a point where both are in need of additional space. In order to meet the growing demans of students, faculty, staff, and other essential services, it is time for the seminary to reside in a separate building.
How Will This New Space Help Fulfill Our Mission?
Shepherds’ vision is to transform the way seminary is done, with a focus on scholarship, leadership, and discipleship, both in and for the local church. The growing enrollment of students increases the need for additional faculty, staff, technology, and other essential services.
The added space will:
- Increase capacity for more academic courses per semester
- Provide on-site office space for additional faculty and staff
- Accommodate our synchronous distance learners with new technology
- Add much-needed library study space
- Help expand our discipleship programs and community activities for students and their families.
What Is the Cost of the Project?
Our goal is to raise $35,000,000 over the next three years, which would allow Shepherds to move into our new building and be debt free.
What Is the Timeline for Construction?
We envision a three-year capital campaign to raise the sufficient funds before construction can begin.
Where Will the New Building Be Located?
The new building will be located on the campus of The Shepherd’s Church and will continue to be actively involved in our unique partnership with the church.
How Can I Make a Donation?
Visit our “GIVING” page, where you can fill out a Commitment Card and choose from several options to give:
- One-Time Gift
- Semi-Monthly
- Monthly
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE BESIDES CASH
Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds
Many people own stocks that are worth significantly more than the original purchase price. The good news! The bad news is that if these stocks are sold, a signficant portion of the gain would be lost to taxation.
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
Typically investment securities or real estate can be very advantageous to both the donor and to the seminary. By transferring ownership of the asset to the seminary, the donor avoids capital gains taxes on the sale of the asset. In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset. That in effect makes these gifts less costly to make.
VIEW EXAMPLE
| Sell Asset & Gift Net Proceeds | Gift Asset Directly | |
| Value of Asset | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Original Purchase Price | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Amount of Appreciation | $9,000 | $9,000 |
| Capital Gains Taxes* | 2,300 | |
| Proceeds to Seminar | $12,000 | $12,000 |
(Asset Value Minus Taxes)
*Assumes 12-month holding period, 20% capital gains tax.
Before making a commitment of this type, consult your CPA, tax attorney or other financial advisor.
Rollover IRA
If you are 70 1/2-years-old and have an IRA, there is a way for you to make a big kingdom impact! Charitable rollovers from your IRA are a great way to partner with us.
Here are a few benefits from making a gift via an IRA Charitable Rollover:
- Pay no taxes on directly rolled over transfers, up to $100,000
- Reduce your taxable income
- Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year
- Help Shepherds continue to equip servant leaders for life and ministry and impact the world for Christ.