Stories about churches, messages from our President and CEO, news and more
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV) As we approach… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
Sometimes, church leaders can get heavily focused on the interest rate for a church loan as the sole factor in choosing a lender. No doubt, it is important, but there are also many other factors to consider – such as additional fees, term length, loan covenants, and annual requirements to name a few. It is… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
Question: Churches exist to do ministry. How does a church balance that overarching mission with the need to save for the unexpected and build up reserves to cover property-related expenses, including maintenance for buildings, updates and expansion? Answer: Being good stewards of financial resources requires prudent planning both now and in the future. We advise… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
Two California churches, one two hours east of Los Angeles and the other on the ocean nearby, talk about the value of having a partner in ministry that is experienced and brings expert level help in the financial realm. “You get an organization that cares about the church, that loves the church,” said Pastor-Elder Chris… Continue Reading
Continue ReadingSome people never stop learning. We at CIF see this is crucial to our continued success. That’s why Curiosity is among the Core Values we ascribe to. Some may remember a little monkey who exhibited this value, one we read about in children’s books. President and CEO Scott Achterling explains.
Continue Reading
“Construction material costs have been stabilizing and interest rates are beginning to moderate. That is very good news for church leaders who can now better budget for their project costs.” The things of life so often go in cycles or patterns. It is fascinating to study and try to better understand them. How many of… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
In the third of a three-part series, Christian Investors Financial board members talk about the eternal impacts of CIF’s work in serving churches. Our organization’s conservative nature has been a backbone of who we are since 1959. There is wise counsel, a broadening perspective and refined decision making with the goal of reaching individuals for… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
“There is great satisfaction in fulfilling God’s call in each of our lives, both individually and organizationally. We are His servants.” It’s that time of year again when life for many of us returns to normal patterns. Traffic increases, church attendance becomes steadier and the fourth quarter of the year is clearly in sight. At… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
“Christian Investors Foundation (CIF) is strong, and we are looking forward to one of our best years in making funds available to churches. It is because of your part in this great work that this is possible.” herbert s. nordin, cif secretary-treasurerefca yearbook (1980-1981) More than 40 years ago, in 1981, CIF, then Christian Investors… Continue Reading
Continue Reading