LCEF - Loans

LCEF provides low-cost loans to build space and place to help fulfill God’s mission.

Whether you're needing commercial loan assistance to build, remodel or purchase equipment for your church or if you’re a rostered church worker needing personal loan assistance, LCEF can provide many types of loan products to help you.

Organizational Loans		Rostered Church Worker (RCW) Loans
Growing your congregation by building, remodeling, purchasing equipment or refinance... Mortgage Loans Lines of Credit Construction/Bridge Loans Frequently Asked Questions		Purchase, refinance or receive a home equity loan for your primary, single family residence or consolidate debt... RCW Residential Loan RCW Home Equity Loan RCW Consolidation Loan Frequently Asked Questions

Second-Career Pastor Uses LCEF for Home Loan

Though Rev. Frank Greene and his wife have great credit, they met some resistance when trying to buy a house after he graduated Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., and was called to King of King’s in Kansas City, Mo. He said traditional lenders regarded him as self-employed with no record of income at this career. He turned to LCEF, and was pleased with the competitive interest rate and no PMI requirement. “Without LCEF, I don't know if we could have purchased a home in this community.”

Distance Doesn’t Stop Home Loan Process

Tom and Margie Weiss have been helping build a church in Virginia Beach, Va., with Laborers For Christ, as their own home was being built in Ellenton, Fla. But being on the road and arranging the financing was not a problem: they used LCEF’s RCW Housing Loan program. Tom said they chose LCEF because “the rates were competitive and I knew I would be treated well.” This is the second time they have had an LCEF loan. In 1999, they bought a home in Rochester, Mich., where Tom served as a Lutheran school administrator.

Rural Church Gets Modern Updates

Though attendance at St. Paul Lutheran in Brandon, Minn., averages 15, the congregation is determined to grow. Established in 1900, the current building has the same amenities it always has, which means no running water, kitchen or inside bathrooms. A loan from LCEF helped the congregation build all of this and a fellowship area. The congregation is excited and restarted its vacation Bible school last summer. The congregation’s positive energy is a good example of how rural congregations can begin work on revitalization and renewal.

Loan, Gifts Help Immigrant Congregation Purchase Building

Tumaini Kristo Lutheran Church, Jersey City, N.J., this spring purchased the building members had been leasing for worship and ministry space through member contributions, an LCEF loan, and gifts from the New Jersey District and its members.

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Laborers Help Louisiana Church Build Open Arms

Laborers For Christ Project Manager Jim Eberhart calls building the new child development center for Bethany Lutheran Church in Slidell, La., a special project because many Laborers are grandparents and they recognize the importance of good Christian education.

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RCW Housing Loan Program Impacted by Legislation

The passing of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (also known as the SAFE Act) has caused changes to LCEF’s rostered church worker (RCW) residential and home equity loan program. Because of new regulations, excessive requirements, and increased fees to the organization, LCEF is able to accept residential loan applications in 16 states. (At this time, this does not impact the consolidation loan program and the 47 states in that program.)

Ensure a Joyful Response^® Even During Vacations

If a significant share of your congregation members is still placing cash and checks into the offering plate, your church may be missing valuable offerings when families leave town for holidays and vacations. Offer members an automated way to fulfill their financial stewardship commitments: LCEF's Joyful Response^®. It’s free for LCMS organizations and easy to use for both congregation members and office staff.

Partners Provide Funds, Steeples, Lutheran Symbols

With a church renovation or new construction project, there is a long list of details. For help with everything from start (campaign readiness study) to finish (furnishing the altar and worship space), Concordia Publishing House (CPH) and LCEF are your partners for creating the space needed and reverent atmosphere expected. See the CPH Church Renovations Web site, or the loan or Ministry Services areas of LCEF’s Web site to find out about all of the resources we have to offer your congregation.

Post-Construction Tip: Be Ready for More Outreach in New Ministry Space

Laborers For Christ can bring your members together in worship and volunteerism, and very often their witnessing mobilizes congregations to accomplish more outreach once construction is complete. Be ready by reviewing your supplies and furnishings; go to the CPH Church Renovations Web site for pew accessories, offering plates, new altar adornments, etc.

Loan Forms		Loan Brochures
Rostered Church Worker Consolidation Loan Application Rostered Church Worker Home Equity Loan Application Rostered Church Worker Residential Loan Application Search our literature rack for additional forms.		“Why LCMS Entities Borrow from LCEF” Brochure Helping Hands in the Lending Process Booklet Search our literature rack for additional brochures.