Church Worker Loan Pool
About LCEF’s Church Worker Loan Pool
At LCEF, we’re committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving the church. The Church Worker Loan Pool (CWLP) provides affordable loans with lower interest rates, giving LCMS church workers opportunities like homeownership and debt consolidation while easing financial stress.
Your investment helps church workers focus on their calling to preach, teach and serve with their whole hearts. Together in faith, we’re making a lasting impact on the lives of those who serve Him.
Benefits and Features
No minimum investment.
Online access to your account.
Interest paid quarterly.
No monthly maintenance or membership fees.
Support LCMS church workers.
Interest Rates for Investing in the Pool
| Term | Rate | Apy* |
|---|---|---|
| 5 yrs. | 0.500% | 0.501% |
| 8 yrs. | 1.000% | 1.004% |
| 10 yrs. | 1.250% | 1.256% |
Our Goal
We intend to raise a total of $250 million. We appreciate your consideration because we couldn’t do this without you.
How close are we to our goal right now?
5%
Invest in the Pool.
Join Lutheran Investors Like You
Sarah Grack-Moritz
School Technology & Innovation, Orange, Calif.
“I am an LCEF investor because we believe in what LCEF does. LCEF helps schools and churches … get loans that they would never have been able to get so that we can promote the spreading of the Gospel and support the community around us.”
Rev. Adam Salinas
Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Freeport, Pa.
“I enjoy investing in LCEF because I know that our money goes towards building new churches and schools. I enjoy investing with them because they are caring and supportive in the financial services that they provide.”
Rev. Michael Schmidt
Peace Lutheran Church, Natoma, Kan.
“Money invested goes beyond traditional means and goes to help churches and schools that share our core beliefs.”
FAQs
Our church has an investment with LCEF. Can we transfer money from our investment to the CWLP and if so, will there be a penalty?
Yes. Dollars currently invested with LCEF can be transferred to the CWLP. We will waive the penalty for transfers from current LCEF investments to the new term note.
Can we make a gift contribution instead of investing?
Yes. Your contribution to the pool will help to provide a source of funding for church worker loans. Since LCEF is a Section 501(c)3 organization under the Internal Revenue Code, gifts to LCEF may be tax deductible as permitted by law. Consult your tax or financial advisor for applicability to your situation.
What happens to the investment if LCEF stops the RCW Loan Program?
LCEF may, at any time, discontinue the particular type of loan for which a Special-Purpose Note has been issued. If LCEF discontinues the type of loan for which a Special-Purpose Note has been issued, then from and after the date of such discontinuance, such Note will no longer be treated as a Special-Purpose Note and the interest rate on such Note will convert to the then-current interest rate that would otherwise be applicable to such Note if it had not been issued as a Special-Purpose Note.
Can I refinance my current home mortgage with this loan?
If your loan is with another lender, LCEF gladly accepts your refinance request. LCEF is only able to offer mortgage loans to LCMS rostered church workers.
What will the loan interest rate be?
Interest rates are determined by several factors including credit score, down payment and loan type. Visit the mortgage page for current rates and product types.
Will there be a penalty for taking money out of this investment early?
Yes. The standard penalties for these terms are as follows:
- 5-year: 180 days of interest
- 8-year: 365 days of interest
- 10-year: 365 days of interest
Will we be required to pay taxes on the interest earned?
When will you start making loans from the CWLP?
How long will the loans have a fixed rate?
What loan products will be available through this loan pool?
All existing (and future) church worker loan products that LCEF offers:
- Residential mortgage loans
- Home equity loans
- Debt consolidation loans
- Education consolidation loans
Will Lutheran Federal Credit Union offer the same low-interest loan rate?
Yes. The Lutheran Federal Credit Union offers the same church worker mortgage loan program terms and rates. See our mortgage map for loans available in your state.
** While together LCEF and LutheranFCU support the mission and ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, they are independent organizations and not affiliated with each other.
Lutheran Federal Credit Union: 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 406, St. Louis, MO 63127-1020.
LFCU: Phone number: 314-394-2790. Website: Lutheranfcu.org. (NMLS# 1301052).
Helpful Documents
Invest in the Pool
It’s fast and easy to invest in the CWLP online. All you will need to apply is the personal information and drivers’ licenses of the signers you’d like on the account and your congregation’s banking details.