Church Lending: Bridging the Gap Between Churches and Communities

The Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation currently has 78 loans outstanding, providing over 20 churches with financing for constructing or renovating facilities in the past couple of years. While the construction/renovation process can be an exciting time for a church, some of the most significant kingdom impact comes when the contractors put away their tools and turn the building over to the church.

Community outreach for the kingdom can start instantly as a church holds a grand opening event to invite the local community to tour the church’s new ministry space. Presenting the church’s vision to the community in a non-threatening way allows church members to share the love of Christ with visitors attending the event. Local dignitaries such as the mayor or city council members often attend these grand openings. They can be a bridge to the church by showing them the local community’s unmet needs. 

Coastal Community Church in Galveston is an excellent example of how a church’s new facility can bridge the gap between the church and its community. Coastal converted an abandoned Buick dealership into their church facility. The local community was excited that the church did not tear down the building but used it as a tie to the past while giving the building a future. “The facility had fallen into serious disrepair and was the source of neighborhood crime, environmental problems, and safety issues. The new building has completely transformed the entire block. We want our community to see the building as a life-giving, gospel-proclaiming church,” says Pastor Aaron Sanders. During my construction inspection visits, community members stopped me on several occasions to inquire about the church’s completion. The people also wanted to express their appreciation for the church maintaining the historical look of the building. By preserving the 1950s Buick logo, the church built a bridge to the local community, creating excitement about the church coming to the area.

The Paradox Church, which ministers to downtown Fort Worth, is another example of how a church with a vision to build can impact its community. Paradox struggled to find a facility to accommodate its growing congregation, and the property in the area was expensive and needed significant renovations. The church decided the only way to have a facility that would meet the church’s ministry needs was to build. The church recently completed a three-story 33,472 sq. ft. church facility that immediately impacted the church’s ministry. Previously meeting at the Ridglea Theatre in Fort Worth, Paradox was limited to only ministering on Sunday mornings. With its new building now complete and worship attendance growing, Paradox can now offer ministry seven days a week.

With churches like Coastal Community Church and The Paradox Church making such a tremendous kingdom impact, the Foundation is honored to provide loans to churches looking to carry out God’s vision for them to build. Our lending services are made possible by churches and individuals investing in church expansion certificates, where investors receive a monetary return. But more importantly, investors can see their funds used to help churches reach their communities with the gospel.

Michael Rhine | SBTF Director of Church Lending