Services for Individuals - Investments

Full Circle Investing

Now retired after 44 years of faithfully leading United Methodist congregations, the Rev. Carroll Fancher still invests time serving his community when he’s needed. But his investments in the Church have taken new paths, too. One of the ways he supports future ministry emphasizes his financial practicality and desire to be a good steward. He invests with the Texas Methodist Foundation.

“I know TMF makes the money invested in the Individual Fund/Methodist Loan Fund available to churches that need it through your loan program, and you’re good stewards of funds entrusted to you,” said Rev. Fancher. “I have young preacher friends you’ve helped. If I’d had an institution like this when I was a young preacher serving in Crosby and trying to build all those years ago, well, let me just say that was the hardest sell job I’ve ever done to get that bank loan!”

Understanding that his investments help the Methodist Loan Fund gives Rev. Fancher satisfaction beyond earning competitive rates of return, but he appreciates that aspect of investing with the Foundation as well. “I’m not trying to get rich quick, but earning some interest on this money is good. Your rates have always been better than what I can walk into the bank lobby and get.”

Several years ago Rev. Fancher invested funds he was setting aside for a future pledge to a building program. He wanted to keep the money safe until he needed it to fulfill his commitment. He recently renewed other Individual Fund investments and enjoyed learning he had received an extra half percent interest with the special Clergy Appreciation Rate being offered by the Foundation through December 31, 2011.

His motivation to invest with the Foundation also stems from trust. “There wasn’t any question in my mind that I wanted to put my money with you. The Foundation was built up by my heroes, one of them being your first Executive Director Monroe Vivion. The people who have staffed this institution and served the board over the years are people I admire greatly.”

Ann, Rev. Fancher’s wife, added, “It was very reassuring to me to hear that our church was getting a loan through the Foundation.” When their current church home, First United Methodist Church in Bryan, purchased land for future improvements this year, the pool of money fed by investments like those of the Fanchers made that loan possible.   

Through a lifetime of generously investing in the mission of the Church, including providing support to growing churches through the Methodist Loan Fund, the Fanchers have made transformative hope and healing a reality in the past, present and future.