Milestones in CIF’s journey serving churches and people
Transitional aromas of a gradual nature were in the air as the second decade of the new millennium began at Christian Investors Financial (CIF). The first name change in our history became official in 2011, but more was to come in the “Expanding our Kingdom Reach” era.
Like-Minded lending introduced
The most significant development was the introduction of CIF’s Like-Minded Lending Program in 2014. Churches with similar theology, convictions, values and practices to the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) were now able to apply for real estate loans.
These had to agree with the more broadly stated Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals, have a congregational form of church government, be a standalone 501 (c)(3) organization and have direct ownership of the property. (See how we address this during the loan inquiry process here)
As CIF broadened its lending approach, we continued to lend primarily to EFCA churches and related ministries, even as CIF’s Board of Directors realized that our products and services could potentially benefit many more church and related ministries across the U.S.
Massaging the Mission Statement
While the overall work practices of CIF pressed on steadily, leaders decided in 2021 that it was time to refresh our Mission Statement to more accurately reflect our steadfast focus. The previous statement read: We are a catalyst for the kingdom of God. We help EFCA and like-minded churches maximize their potential by providing Loans, Investments and Campaigns & Consulting.
Self-examination drew out a broader, more encompassing mission statement, “Providing faith-based financial solutions that serve Kingdom expansion.” CEO and President Scott Achterling said CIF’s base of customers includes a growing list of individuals and churches who are committed to support and ultimately see the Kingdom expand. The new statement is overarching and applies to both church entities and individuals.
CIF expands to new office
As a ministry that began in homes and was for many years housed at the Evangelical Free Church of America headquarters near Minneapolis, CIF moved to its own rented space in the Twin Cities in the fall of 2022. The new location in Mendota Heights, Minn. offered additional meeting space as well as more offices and workstations to accommodate CIF’s growing needs. We continue as a partner and affiliate organization with the EFCA and its 17 regional districts, which work closely with some 1,600 congregations.
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 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.
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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… Continue Reading
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