The Year of the Church Capital Campaign

The banks have money to lend, they just don't seem to want to do it. This week a number of the largest banks were called before Congress who basically told them to make more of the bailout money available for loans. Some lenders have just stopped lending to churches while others are setting the bar so high, that if you can qualify for the loan, you probably didn't need it.

The money is out there, its just not as easy to get. Banks are requiring many times the level of documentation and are lending less. A year ago, a church could reasonably expect to borrow 80% of the appraised value of a completed project (80% Loan to Value or LTV), today if you are fortunate, the lenders may lend you 80% of the project cost (as opposed to project value) and some lenders are talking 60% and 65% loans.

As one lender recently stated to me, "cash flow is King, and cash on hand is Queen." What many lenders will require to see today is

SonRise

Depending on your point of view, this either has nothing to do with church construction, or it is the whole point. I was blessed with a copy of this sunrise photo taken by Bob Freeman who is a member of the capital campaign team at Metrocrest Church in Coppell, Texas. I think Bob's camera caught a glimpse of God "doodling" for His pleasure and Glory.

This image of the cross in the clouds appeared and disappeared in a matter of seconds, but serves to remind us of a couple of things.

1. That is by the grace of God that the sun rises anew each day, and with the new day, His grace and mercy are renewed as well.
2. And that soon, Jesus will return again, the "SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. "

Take a moment and enjoy the SonRise.

Used With Permission - Freeman Photography of Coppell