About
Our Mission
Through investments from Texas District LCMS congregations and their members, Church Extension Fund will be the preferred financial resources partner for district ministries focused on multiplying followers of Jesus.
History
A Unique Ministry
As part of the Texas District Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Texas CEF provides Texas LCMS congregations and their members an opportunity to have their investments support the Great Commission: “Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”
Texas CEF started in 1888 with the idea that if Christians participated together, their investments could be used to provide loans for congregations. Since 1888, Texas District Church Extension Fund (Texas CEF) has been dedicated to serving as the financial partner to Texas LCMS congregations and their members committed to multiplying followers of Jesus.
Our goal is to anticipate and be responsive to the ministry needs of the future; to continue to provide quality customer service, relevant resources, and responsible stewardship. Texas CEF will continue to assist congregations to reach the lost, disciple the saved and care for people-locally and globally as we identify new and creative ministry opportunities throughout Texas.
Our first borrower: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clifton
Staff
Becca Jones
Graduate of Concordia University, Wisconsin with a degree in Management and Communication, and MBA graduate from Concordia University, Texas. Served The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod since 2000, specifically with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund beginning in 2002 and as Senior Vice President from 2012 to 2018. Previous leadership roles with Edward Jones Investments and American Express Financial Advisors. Executive Director of the Texas District Church Extension Fund in 2018. Member of Faith Lutheran Church, Georgetown, Texas.
Duties Include: Responsible for oversight of all CEF activities.
(512) 646-2749 | jones@texascef.org
Ruby Cruz
Graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a Business degree with a concentration in Accounting. Loan Administrator of Texas District Church Extension Fund from 2006-2022. Administrator Assistant of Can-Do Missions Austin, Texas, from 2004-2006.
Duties Include: Internal control, financial reporting, forecasting, and supervising all regular accounting processes.
(512) 646-1239
rcruz@texascef.org
Cheryl Springer
Currently attending Southern New Hampshire University to obtain an Accounting and Business degree with a concentration on Finance. Financial Clerk of Texas District Church Extension Fund from 2020-2022.
Duties Include: Responsible for administrative operations of Texas CEF. Working in partnership with CEF Financial Controller, supervising and directing Investment support staff, and assisting Executive Director.
(512) 646-1240
springer@texascef.org
Cynthia Segrest
Duties Include: Assists in processing loan requests and preparation of loan documentation. Answers questions about existing loans. Assists congregations with construction loan disbursements. Provides loan pay off information.
(512) 646-1235
csegrest@texascef.org
Debbie Potter
Duties Include: Assists CEF investors with questions about their investments. Provides information about new investments, redemptions, investment statements, interest checks, 1099s, etc.
(512) 646-1241
dpotter@texascef.org
Kenda Zawadzki
Duties Include: Assists CEF investors with questions about their investments. Provides information about new investments, redemptions, investment statements, interest checks, 1099s, etc.
(512) 646-1237
kendaz@texascef.org
Juanita Shelby
Duties Include: Assists CEF with managing the day-to-day administrative tasks as well as other duties as assigned.
(512) 646-1238
jshelby@texascef.org
Renee Lehmann
Duties Include: Provides a warm welcome and clear direction to all who call or visit the Texas District Mission Support Center and by assisting with key organizational and clerical tasks.
(512) 926-4272
rlehmann@texascef.org
Raelyn Pracht
Graduate of Western Governor’s University with a degree in Marketing Management. CEF Rep Training Coach for Texas District Church Extension Fund from 2015-2018. Investor Services Representative for Texas District Church Extension Fund from 2012-2015.
Duties Include: Responsible for marketing, communication, website management and social media for Texas District Church Extension Fund. Assists congregations with overall promotion of Texas CEF. Works with congregations regarding the Loan Rebate Program.
(512) 646-1242
rpracht@texascef.org
Board for Church Extension
Dennis Huffman
Texarkana, Texas
Kelly Biar
Houston, Texas
Pastor Robert Balduc
Roanoke, Texas
Darrell Becker
Temple, Texas
Richard Peltier, Jr.
Houston, Texas
Steve Saunders
Austin, Texas
Tim Spott
Carrollton, Texas
Sarah Valencia
Cypress, Texas
Quentin Anderson
Harlingen, Texas