The Value of Church Site Visits

Our team of lending experts offers a wealth of experience to assist churches with the growth of their missions and ministries. After a loan is made, it is customary for the loan officer to follow-up with church leadership on processing loan payments and nurturing the relationship. The focus of these contacts is to coach leaders in expanding ministry to their community. Each site visit creates an engagement strategy to move ministry forward, while staying in close contact with church leadership. It’s extremely important to continue to know our borrowers and maintain a trusting relationship.

Also, we recognize that a building project or refinancing an existing mortgage loan is an exciting time for everyone. We look at our annual site visits as a way of taking the time to continue to develop an approach to meet the church’s financial needs and create solutions for any future financing opportunities. As part of our partnership, we request updated financial statements on a periodic basis as well as budget and audit information. Our goal is to ensure that the church continues to serve its members and community to achieve ministry objectives and expand opportunity for growth. Anytime we can help you save cash flow, we feel that these dollars can be reinvested back into your ministries and support the church’s mission.

During one visit, we discovered that the church had additional need for a capital campaign to help them reduce their debt and increase their community outreach. The discussion led to further engagement toward additional building and property expansion. On another visit, the financial officers discussed their desire to invest operating reserves and designated funds to increase their return on investment over local options. At our most recent visit, our new president, Bo Bowden, and I had the opportunity to meet with Jim Sherwood, Finance Chair, at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church. During our visit, we reviewed the church’s financial information, received a tour of the facilities, which gave us an opportunity to solicit new business.  An invaluable part of our visit is the tool to develop an important relationship with the church leaders.

As always, we are here as your partners with a focus on providing financial growth for your church. Our goal is to provide annual site visits to review your cash flow needs and initiate conversation regarding the advancement of God’s Kingdom. The power of cash flow creates a momentum of fulfilling your vision and willingness to serve God’s people. Our site visits give us an opportunity to consult with the church’s leaders while we continue to learn about the needs of your ministries.  

If we can be of assistance, we encourage you to contact us with any questions at (804) 521-1151. Remember, we are Methodists Helping Methodists!

Author: Randy Shelton