Bate, a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, in Canton, Ohio, served Outward Bound as national director for individual giving. She also served Habitat for Humanity International, as senior director for major gifts, following nine years as executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Canton.
“I’m absolutely impressed with Terri’s ability to connect mission with donors,” said Karen Schmidt, the GAC’s deputy executive director for communications and funds development. “In Canton Terri also connected well with pastors, and they often turned to her for sermons when they needed to create a connection between mission and donors during stewardship season. So I’m excited about the possibilities of bringing her passion to the opportunity to raise funds for the General Assembly Council.”
Bate began her service with the General Assembly Council in mid-November, and immediately joined a delegation to Guatemala and Nicaragua with Hunter Farrell, director of World Mission, and Schmidt, to see first-hand the impact of Presbyterian in that region and to meet with mission co-workers.
“Not only was it exciting to be a part of the [Latin American] mission co-worker retreat, but to experience first-hand how we send our mission co-workers into partnership around the world was inspiring,” said Bate. “It is our job to connect Presbyterians in the United States with our work around the world. I know as they learn how God is working through our mission co-workers, and they are asked to join, their generosity with follow.”
Bate will be based in Canton, Ohio.
“Funds development is a ministry for me, a ministry of helping us in our abundance to share with the needs of the world.” Bate said. “I see this as a vital ministry with donors as they continue to discover their missional identity in Christ’s world.”
