Milestones in CIF’s journey serving churches and people
The 1990s and early 2000s were a time of “Governance & Growth” for Christian Investors Financial. Professionalism and modernization were in the air, as we were approved to sell investments in all 50 states by the mid 2000’s.
That process was some 8 to 10 years in the making, explains CIF Controller Barry Case. When he joined CIF in 1996, CIF was only authorized to offer investment certificates in approximately 35 states. One milestone of note was obtaining approval to offer in California, which came in April 2000.
By 2003, all but a handful of states were opened for investment certificate purchases by individuals, churches and other organizations. CIF was formalized to a greater degree under its first full-time president, Harland Anderson, Case explained. Anderson brought much banking experience and business acumen when he came to CIF in 1992. Advancements continued in 2003 under the next CIF president, Paul Anderson, who previously worked in public accounting.
In the tail end of our Governance & Growth period, we first started using the Christian Investors Financial name as a “Doing Business As” designation. It was officially changed from Christian Investors Foundation to Christian Investors Financial in October 2011.
Question: Where does experience come into play when churches are talking through substantial decisions about expanding or renovating their facilities? Answer: For decisions and plans on facility expansions or renovations, church leaders often gather any number of inputs and then a group or committee is formed with individuals who bring knowledge to the table. Every… Continue Reading
Continue Reading
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
Continue Reading
Question: What are some key advantages to CIF’s organizational structure? Answer: CIF has an excellent system of accountability. Our board of directors is made up of an experienced group of business, church and nonprofit leaders. Individuals with comprehensive business knowledge, varying perspectives and life experiences all work together to support financial services on a mission… Continue Reading
Continue Reading