Data, details and Kingdom advancement

“Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no data at all.”
Charles babbage (1791-1871)

This statement from Charles Babbage (1791-1871) makes the case for research, for doing one’s homework. An English mathematician and inventor, Babbage is referred to by some as the “Father of the computer.”

Those who know me might say that I often speak of making “data driven decisions.” It is the principal nature of CIF to thoroughly analyze information before making decisions having to do with money and ministry.

We can trace this to our first leader, Paul Carlson, at left, who spent his life “working with details that allowed no room for guesswork or error.” He was an engineer by trade. Carlson was known as a tough steward of other people’s funds who could be tender when sharing the news that a church loan would not be approved.

Long before personal computers and the internet, there were “details.” Church budgets, income and expenses may have covered fewer things, but financial statements still gave an accurate picture of a church’s ability, or inability, to take on a real estate-backed loan.

Somehow, at sometimes, perhaps, the word data replaced what were called details in our pre-computing past. Data makes all the difference, and in a professional sense, I do love it. Our ability as an organization to both handle and process information, while trusting the Lord and honoring Him in our decisions, are a big part of our history, our present and our track record of success.

One of the highest compliments one could pay to a church would be to say that it is authentic. That can mean that the people who attend are genuine, the leadership is real, transparent and God-honoring. We strive for the same things at CIF.

We also strive to be approachable, relatable and relational in our interactions. Our borrowers and investors can and should know that we have their best interests in mind.

And, lastly, we are steadfast. In the coming months, we’ll be celebrating CIF’s 65^th anniversary as an organization. You’ll be seeing a few short stories from our past, hearing from our board members and hopefully celebrating with us as we look to the future.

Thank you to all who have joined us on this journey. And, if you are considering joining us, we would invite you to explore more on our website and submit an inquiry to see how we can best serve you.

It is a joy to partner together for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.