In churches across Florida, I meet faithful leaders who have done the hard work of saving. Sometimes it’s $25,000 tucked away for a rainy day. Sometimes it’s $200,000 that represents years of generosity, discipline, and prayer. These reserves become a quiet badge of stewardship, a tangible reminder of God’s provision and the congregation’s commitment to future ministry.
So when a major repair or renovation surfaces, the instinct feels natural:
“Let’s use our savings — and we’ll pay ourselves back.”
It sounds responsible. It sounds faithful. It avoids debt.
And on paper, it is all of those things… but here’s the reality we see again and again:
Rebuilding reserves is harder than it looks.
Most churches discover that “paying ourselves back” takes far longer than expected. Ministry needs don’t pause, HVAC systems don’t wait politely, and roof leaks don’t consult the finance committee before growing. The result? A church that poured years into building a financial safety net suddenly finds itself without one.
Debt avoidance isn’t the only faithful practice.
Let me be clear — I honor and celebrate churches striving to avoid debt. Stewardship is holy work.
Yet there are moments when borrowing isn’t a burden — it’s a safeguard. When approached strategically, borrowing can protect the long-term financial health of a congregation and ensure ministry momentum isn’t halted by a drained savings account.
Here’s a practical example
A church keeps its reserves invested with the Foundation earning 4%.
They take a loan from us at a fixed two-point spread — currently 6%.
Their true cost of borrowing?
Much lower than it appears, because they’re still earning on their reserves. Meanwhile, they preserve their safety cushion and allow the costs of a ministry-impacting project to be shared by the congregation today and tomorrow — the very people who will benefit from it.
A simple reminder
Emergencies don’t send RSVPs. Opportunity doesn’t always knock twice. And a strong reserve fund is one of the most powerful tools a church has — not only for emergencies, but for peace of mind and ministry readiness.
If your church is planning repairs, upgrades, or expansion, let’s talk before tapping those reserves. We are here to walk alongside United Methodist congregations — and churches, schools, and ministries aligned in theology and mission — to explore lending approaches that strengthen rather than strain your financial foundation.
Because stewardship isn’t just about spending wisely —
It’s about protecting the ability to say “yes” when God calls next.