Across the nation, there are hundreds of conferences delivering top-notch information and inspiration to God’s people. One such gathering was held last week in Indianapolis, Indiana, titled Denominational Investors & Loan Administrators (DILA). As their website states, this informal fellowship meets annually with a goal of maximizing the effectiveness of not-for-profit entities organized to provide loans to various affiliated churches and related religious organizations within their denomination.

For years, the Texas District Church Extension Fund (TXCEF) has been part of this event, partaking in networking opportunities while sharing educational resources and best practices. 2019 was a special opportunity for the TXCEF team to engage in praying, planning and visioning with others serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in church extension work. Did you know the TXCEF is one of four district-specific extension funds within the LCMS? Along with the national Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), the districts of Michigan, Southern, Central Illinois, and Texas focus on investment and loan activity in our respective areas, while LCEF works with the other districts. The DILA conference is a wonderful place to collaborate with fellow LCMS church extension fund servants as well as those representing other denominations.

A number of months ago I was honored to be asked to lead the devotion on the final day of the 2019 DILA conference. What a humbling moment as I approached the podium, led by the Holy Spirit and equipped by recent Texas District LCMS evangelist training, to joyfully share the saving message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

The entire event was a strong reminder of the importance of professional collaboration and our responsibility to keep Christ the focus of it all!

By Becca Jones
Executive Director, Church Extension Fund