It’s not often that a lender and borrower come together to celebrate a debt paid-in-full, but that is exactly what happens when there is a ministry partnership.

On September 8, 2019, members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cedar Park, gathered to worship and rejoice a momentous accomplishment, becoming debt-free. It seemed fitting that the celebration should take place just as Good Shepherd launches into a Peace Financial University Program, fittingly titled, Defying Gravity: A Life Debt Free. For Good Shepherd, being debt-free means they can explore “what’s next” for their ministry outreach, and if the next thing is half as impactful as their “Follow The Star” program, great things are sure to happen!

Although the mortgage went “down in flames” the long-standing relationship between Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Texas District Church Extension Fund (TDCEF) remains strong and focused. As part of the event, and with paper raindrops in the background, information about TDCEF’s recently launched Rainy Day Fund was shared. This was another natural fit with the theme of the day, given the purpose of the Rainy Day Fund is to intentionally put money aside for unexpected expenses, while also earning an attractive interest rate AND helping ministry.

Joining Good Shepherd for this event is an example of the “ministry dividend” from being part of the Texas District—beyond interest rates and loan terms. It’s about celebrating the right things and Good Shepherd did just that, focusing most of all on what Jesus Christ did for every one of us on the cross. It was not a “down payment” for our sins, and not a “six-month interest-free” arrangement. He made the FULL payment and there is no greater reason to celebrate than knowing our debt of sin is “paid in full.”

By Becca Jones
Executive Director, Church Extension Fund