2025 Annual Report

The Brethren in Christ Foundation remains committed to supporting a strong and vibrant future for our denomination. Our work reflects a dedication to innovation, collaboration, and the enduring belief in the transformative power of our shared faith. Together, we are building a foundation that meets current needs while preparing for future opportunities and challenges.

Staffing

For the first time in a while, the Foundation experienced a significant change in our staff.

Long-time Loan Officer and Director of Operations, John Burns retired this past summer. John was a well-known personality throughout the BIC U.S. denomination. We wish him well as he enters this new stage of life.

The Foundation welcomed Jonathan Owen as our new Loan and Operations Officer. He is responsible for administering our loan portfolio and IT needs. Jonathan has served the BIC U.S. in cross-cultural ministry in Malawi and on BIC World Missions staff at the headquarters.

In July, Julie Cook joined the Foundation as Assistant Controller. She is responsible for managing the daily accounting functions of the Foundation. In addition to accounting duties, she lends her expertise as a Certified Management Accountant to enhance our reporting processes. Julie served as staff accountant for BIC U.S. World Missions.

Lending

2025 was one of the most active years we’ve had at the Foundation. We closed 9 new loans for BIC U.S. congregations, pastors, and related ministries. These new loans totaled $4.5 million. Also, during the year, 5 congregations paid off their mortgages early. These congregations were able to pay off their debt in an average of just 8.5 years on a 30-year mortgage. In total, our borrowers paid $2.9 million in extra principal payments. We congratulate these borrowers for their commitment to reducing their debt. We continue to experience strong interest in our lending services. We expect to close a similar number of loans in 2026.

Investing

Investments in the Foundation’s debt securities continued to grow in 2025. Net growth in funds invested in the Foundation amounted to $2.1 million. This growth came from individuals and organizations throughout the BIC U.S. We continue to see growth in our Youth Savings Certificate program. Many investors continue to add to the principal of their investments in the Foundation.

For the first time, our Prospectus and applications are available in Spanish. With a growing Hispanic community within the denomination, providing accessible materials is essential. We have also added bilingual staff to better serve these investors.

Strategic Plan

The Board of Directors of the Foundation has adopted a 5-year Strategic Plan. This strategic plan outlines our goals and initiatives, and the pathways we will pursue to achieve them. We have defined four main areas of focus. These include Operations, Marketing and Customer Relations, New Service/Program Offerings, and Current Service/Program Offerings. Each of these areas is important for the Foundation to continue and thrive well into the future. The Board and staff have begun work on each of the four main areas of focus. We know that a successful strategic plan is essential to grow and strengthen the Foundation.

Matching Grants 

In 2025, we approved six grant applications supporting outreach initiatives such as a community center, a neighborhood bread ministry, and a children’s activity day. We continue encouraging congregations to develop programs that address the specific needs of their communities.

We remain committed to serving the BIC U.S. community in ways that help share the Good News of Christ our Savior.

Respectfully,

James R Reynolds, Executive Director