Of the seven Cultural Mountains Pinnacle Forum Partners seek to influence for Christ—arts & entertainment, business, education, family, government, media and religion—none is trickier to traverse than government. The political process is exhausting, expensive and fraught with personal exposure.
Mike McCormick knows this from experience. He narrowly missed a congressional seat twice in the 90s running as a staunch Republican in a solidly democratic county. He is currently running for Washington County Commissioner in Western Pennsylvania where he was born, grew up and has raised his family.
Mike has a long record of service and leadership in the community. He’s an elder in his church, a successful business owner and is active on many boards. In 2006 Mike became interim director of the Washington City Mission. He helped turn around their bleak fiscal situation and allowed them to continue offering much needed services in the community.
Why add civil service to an already full and productive life? “My children are grown and I’m working on a succession plan for my business,” Mike says. “I want my second-half to be meaningful and I believe I can help my county as a commissioner.”
Faith and Politics
Personal faith and public service are often intertwined in this country, which is sometimes seen as inappropriate. Mike isn’t worried. “People know my faith is part of who I am and not just something I interject into the campaign. It causes me to be strongly pro life, pro family and pro constitution. All three have their roots in Scripture, which shapes my attitude and how I’m going to vote on issues.
“As we face moral decline and a change of values,” Mike continues, “we have to understand that only Jesus can change the heart. We can work to create an environment where He is positively received. We have to be salt and light and that’s what I’m trying to be right where I live.”
Mike doesn’t look back to “the good old days,” but looks to the future. “Our local government is in desperate need of new ideas, new people and new energy. We need to engage a new generation of citizens to get involved. We need to broaden the representation on county boards and authorities, which for years have been dominated by political insiders.”
Husband, father, business owner, church volunteer, candidate for office ANDPinnacle Forum Partner! Mike got involved with Pinnacle Forum when a good friend invited him to a meeting. “It was an instant yes for me,” he recalls. “Like a lot of men I’ve got a busy schedule but I make time for the group as a matter of priority. When God blesses us, we have a responsibility to bless our fellow believers and fellow citizens. My Forum helps me do that.
“I find a lot of what I do in the group fits into what I do in the community and vise versa,” Mike says. “It’s not about attending meetings but about helping each other be who we are and do what we’re called to do.”
Mike’s also found time to write a book, A Matter of the Heart, based on Matthew6:21, with all proceeds going to a nonprofit foundation. (For a copy of the book write: The Endurance Foundation, C/O The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA. 15317)
Mike is hoping to take on new responsibilities in the future and the challenge excites him. “Being busy just happens,” he says. “Being significant is a conscious choice.” Significance for him as this stage in life is serving his church and community.
