New England church multiplies, with CIF help along way

“I would highly recommend a church to take advantage of this whole ministry. They’re dependable and checked in with us constantly. We have no regrets. That’s for sure.”
Senior Pastor Lew Miller, Grace community free church

About two hours northwest of Boston, in the Monadnock Region of New England, a 45-year-old evangelical congregation of 500 in southwest New Hampshire has expanded steadily over time while partnering with Christian Investors Financial (CIF).

Grace Community Evangelical Free Church was formed by local families impressed by the biblical emphasis at nearby Camp Spofford, an Evangelical Free church camp.

Longtime Senior Pastor Lew Miller emphasizes expository preaching to “keep us locked in on God’s truth in this pluralistic world.” The church’s vision is that all believers are fountains of God’s grace, “overflowing in our worship to God, our service to one another, and our compassion for the world.”

A building, campaigns and expansions

The church led a capital campaign in the late 90s along with a CIF loan for its first building expansion. Grace Community doubled its space again with a CIF campaign in 2018 and a new loan in 2021.

“We went to the banks and the interest rate was so high,” said Miller, who arrived in 1981. “Plus, they told us that our elders would have to sign over their houses as collateral.” The elders said no. CIF didn’t have that restriction, he explained, yet had the same financial expertise.

The church needed to double its space twice, said the senior pastor. “They (CIF) showed us how to figure out how much we needed to borrow and were very easy to work with.”

CIF brought comprehensive approach

When the time came for a second capital campaign, the church was ready to call in additional expertise. “We were at the point where I didn’t want to spearhead another building project by myself,” said Miller. “So Christian Investors was very helpful coming in and showing a team of us … what needed to be done for timelines and how to get the whole congregation on board.”

A practical, step-by-step process involving the whole church was used, which Miller said was invaluable. “The organization (CIF) was very helpful in establishing our vision and confidence, giving us examples of what to present and when.”
Miller said having CIF there and speaking to their church for the campaign added credibility to what the church was doing.

Friendly church, excellent communication with CIF
Grace Community is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and solid Bible teaching. From studies of scripture to retreats, prayer meetings, missions support and informational meetings, the church is busy.

The church encourages each believer to invest in a spiritual “Timothy” to circulate the grace they have received. A staff of 14 is supported by nine elders and eight deacons.

With communication among its core values, CIF partners with many ministries like Grace Community.

“I would highly recommend a church to take advantage of this whole ministry,” said Pastor Miller. “They’re very dependable and checked in with us constantly. We have no regrets. That’s for sure.”

More information about Church Loans and Capital Campaigns offered by CIF is available. To get started, click “work with a specialist.” Churches can share some basic information and we will respond.

Back to Posts

New England church multiplies, with CIF help along way

Other Case Studies

Church building generations on foundation of faith

Q&A – Reserve cash

Church leaders talk partnership