Lending Solutions for LCMS Congregations
Financing a loan for property, construction or renovations is a significant step for your congregation. Your District Vice President (DVP) is here to help you find the best loan solutions to support your ministry.
About Lending Solutions at LCEF
Types of Loans for Your Congregation
To further advance the mission of LCMS congregations, LCEF offers a number of loans to help your church reach its specific financial goals.
Secured Loans (new and refinanced)
Secured Congregation Loans are designed to fund property purchases, equipment, organ upgrades, repairs, HVAC replacements and other capital improvements. They can also be used to refinance existing loans, providing flexible solutions for your congregation’s needs.
Construction Loans
Construction Loans from LCEF help fund new building projects or renovations to existing facilities. With a single closing, these loans save your congregation time and money while supporting your mission to grow and serve.
Bridge Loans
Bridge Loans provide short-term financing to bridge the gap between project completion and the collection of pledged funds. With a single closing, these loans save time and streamline the process for your congregation.
Line of Credit
Lines of Credit offer flexible financing for short-term capital needs, seasonal cash flow or anticipated fluctuations, ensuring your congregation can manage resources effectively.
Short-Term Loans
Short-Term Loans provide seed funding for new ministry initiatives, pre-construction costs or working capital. Use these loans to cover expenses such as staff expansion, architectural fees or capital campaign support.
Specialized Ministry Loans
Specialized Ministry Loans provide funding for outreach initiatives that share the Gospel in cross-cultural or low-income communities, helping your congregation expand its mission to serve those in need.
New Start Loans
A New Start Loan provides funding for first-time worship facilities or new ministry plants. These loans help congregations establish a strong foundation for growth and outreach as they begin their journey to share the Gospel.
Parsonage/Housing Loans
Parsonage/Housing Loans are available to congregations to support Rostered Church Workers (RCW) with affordable housing solutions. These loans are offered in states where LCEF is not licensed to provide residential loans directly to individuals. Learn more about Residential Loans for RCWs.
Unsecured Loans
Unsecured Loans offer flexible financing of up to $100,000 without the need for collateral, providing a quick and convenient solution for your congregation’s smaller projects or immediate needs.
Ministry Improvement Loan
Benefits and Features
Customized Loans
Competitive Rates
Online Account Access
Dedicated to Advancing LCMS Ministries
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Organization Education Loans
Rising higher education costs and student loan debt are some of the most troublesome obligations faced by many LCMS ministers. Minimizing debt may cause ministers to concentrate more on their financial needs and less on their call to serve their ministry.
Organization Education Loans are provided to sponsoring LCMS organizations who act as eligible borrowers to support active ordained or commissioned LCMS ministers, typically in the first 10 years after graduation.
Benefits & Features
Loans up to the total amount of debt, not to exceed $100,000.
Funds may be drawn on for up to two years with interest billed monthly.
Interest rates based on Cost of Funds of LCEF plus 1%, adjusted annually. Interest rates are not based on credit score.
Ability to consolidate outstanding federal and private student loans.
Loan funds disbursed to creditors.
Helpful Documents
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Your LCEF District Vice President will guide you through the lending process and discuss financing options for all your congregation’s needs.