Supporting the growth of Christian ministries across the state while generating income for your family or your church. Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

When individuals, churches and institutions invest in the Methodist Loan Fund of the Texas Methodist Foundation, that’s exactly what happens. Investors earn competitive rates while helping to fund construction loans to United Methodist churches and institutions.

Funded in part by the Foundation’s Methodist Loan Fund, Bear Creek United Methodist Church in Houston constructed a new family life center. In addition to benefiting from the gym, offices and children’s computer lab held in the new structure, Pastor Pat Sparks also sees the building as an opportunity to associate the church with the surrounding community through numerous outreach programs.

Sparks notes an important advantage of working with the Foundation. “The aspect of the connectional church binds us with other UMC individuals and congregations. You receive when you are in need and give back when you can,” he said.

Churches don’t have to tackle large projects to qualify for loans with the Foundation. La Trinidad UMC in Eagle Pass proved this point by obtaining a loan to pave its parking lot. Not only did the freshly paved surface improve the appearance of the church grounds, it was also fitted with basketball goals and volleyball nets so church youth and neighborhood children could play in a safe place.

Whether it’s an individual with $1,000, a small church working off a minimal budget, or a large congregation managing a massive budget, every investment goes far in funding projects like these.

Some people see investing in the Methodist Loan Fund as a way to save for a secure future as well as a way to put into practice John Wesley’s admonition to “earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”

Barbara Holmes, church administrator for St. Johns UMC in Austin, utilized the experience she gained as an individual investor with the Foundation to guide her church in the same direction.

“I was always convinced of the uniqueness of the service the Foundation offers, because the money was used to help other churches,” said Holmes. “Besides, it just felt like family. We trust the Texas Methodist Foundation.”

Fill out our Online Response Card to request more information on services offered through the Texas Methodist Foundation.