Texas CEF started in 1888 with the idea that if Christians participated together, their investments could be used to provide loans for congregations. Since that first investment of $150 in 1888, the ministry is essentially the same … individuals and congregations invest in the Church Extension Fund and CEF makes loans to churches. For more than 130 years, God is still blessing the Church Extension Fund in Texas.
Why Texas CEF
With more than 11,600 investors, and $195 million invested, the ministry of CEF to Texas Lutheran churches is stronger than ever. Texas CEF is confident in the security of your investment. Maintaining a conservative balance sheet, and healthy capital-to-asset ratio, Texas CEF keeps your investment safe. Funds are readily available for investors and loan disbursements. Your money belongs to you, and you earn interest on it. Funds are usually issued within one business day.
We offer electronic transfers, live customer support from our office in Austin, and your choice of online or traditional account access.
History
A Unique Ministry
The church extension ministry provides Texas District Lutherans a unique opportunity to make funds available in support of the Great Commission: “Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.”
Yesterday
The Church Extension Fund was established by a District Convention resolution in 1888 to provide loans to congregations. The Texas District Church Extension Fund is a ministry of the Texas District. Since 1888, CEF has provided consultation and low cost funding for Texas congregations to build and expand.
Today
More than 11,600 investors make the Texas District Church Extension Fund possible. With more than $195 million in assets today, CEF is presently assisting more than 130 congregations throughout Texas with loans to help expand the Kingdom.
Tomorrow
Our goal is to anticipate and be responsive to the ministry needs of the future; to continue to provide quality services, resources, training and leadership, and vision to meet those needs. We 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.
Meet the Texas CEF Staff
Becca Jones
Executive Director
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.
jones@texascef.org
512-646-2749
Ruby Cruz
Financial Controller
Pursuing a Business Degree with a concentration in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University, expecting to graduate in December 2022.
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.
rcruz@texascef.org
512-646-1239
Cheryl Springer
Operations Supervisor
Currently attending Southern New Hampshire University to obtain Accounting and Business with a concentration in Finance Degree.
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.
springer@texascef.org
512-646-1240
Raelyn Pracht
Marketing Specialist
Graduate of Western Governor’s University with a BS in Marketing Management in 2018.
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 and social media for Texas District Church Extension Fund. Assists CEF Reps with overall promotion of Texas CEF. Works with congregations regarding the Loan Rebate Program. Facilitates the Super Savers and KIDS Stamp Program.
rpracht@texascef.org
512-646-1242
Rolando Martinez
Accounting Assistant
Graduated from the University of North Georgia, with a degree in Finance, Rolando brings 2 years of experience in processing and underwriting for a financial corporation.
Duties Include: Assists accounting and loan team, compiling data and preparing reports as directed. Assist with daily data processing activities.
rmartinez@texascef.org
512-646-1236
Cynthia Segrest
Loan Associate
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.
csegrest@texascef.org
512-646-1235
Debbie Potter
Investor Services Representative
Duties Include: Assists CEF investors with questions about their investments. Provides information about new investments, redemptions, investment statements, interest checks, 1099s, etc.
dpotter@texascef.org
512-646-1241
Kenda Zawadzki
Investor Services Representative
Duties Include: Assists CEF investors with questions about their investments. Provides information about new investments, redemptions, investment statements, interest checks, 1099s, etc.
kendaz@texascef.org
512-646-1237
Juanita Shelby
Administrative Clerk
Duties Include: Assisting CEF with managing the day-to-day administrative tasks as well as other duties as assigned.
jshelby@texascef.org
512-646-1238
Meet the Board for Church Extension
Pastor Robert Balduc
St. Peter Lutheran Church
Roanoke, Texas
Darrell Becker
Immanual Lutheran Ministries
Temple, Tx
Kelly Biar
Vice Chair
St. Mark Lutheran Church
Houston, Texas
Dennis Huffman
Chair
First Lutheran Church
Texarkana, Texas
Ben Lutek
Genesis Lutheran Church
Buchanan Dam, Texas
Richard Peltier, Jr.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Houston, Texas
Steve Saunders
Redeemer Lutheran
Austin, TX
Alan Werchan
Christ Lutheran Church
Austin, Texas
Sarah Valencia
Crossroad Church
Katy, Texas