Ministry and Mission

Stories about churches, messages from our President and CEO, news and more

Determining good value takes many factors into account

“When choosing a financial pathway, we love it when churches compare our nonprofit ministry-centered approach to our for-profit friends. This is where we believe CIF’s value rises to the top.” What is good value? That is a question many people ask when they consider a product or service, from a restaurant to real estate or… Continue Reading

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Teaming up for faithful service, knowing well who we are

“As we serve churches, we are a team that supports other teams of people, congregations, elders and pastors, all of them partners in this work.” I was privileged recently to hear some heartwarming comments and appreciation from a church elder in a congregation we have served since the mid-1960s. What a blessing that we have… Continue Reading

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Church buildings leave an impression on visitors

“Facilities are a tool, albeit a powerful one, that opens doors to greater ministry.” A recent column by Bob Osborne with EFCA West makes a case for “Why guests don’t want to come back” to our churches. Many on the inside might believe that it is the guest who is the issue. It can’t have… Continue Reading

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Q&A – relationships, not retail

Question: What do you mean when you say that CIF is relational, not retail, that you value partnerships, not just transactions? Answer: CIF offers a unique blend of financial services and ministry. We are not a church, but churches and ministries are a top priority. So, we need to think like a church, look at… Continue Reading

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Listening, relating, driving Kingdom expansion

“We care for churches, groups of people who care for each other and are used by Christ to seek and save the lost.” You might have heard of the practice of “active listening.” In communication, it’s a method of tuning in to the other person, capturing the core information but also paying attention to their… Continue Reading

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