In response to the desire to start new churches in Michigan, a group of faithful Lutherans create what is now known as Church Extension Fund. Eager investors contribute funds that are then loaned out to help build some of the first Lutheran churches in Michigan.

More and more Lutheran churches use CEF to help build or upgrade facilities. Pictured is St. John - Pinconning that used a CEF loan to build both a church and parsonage (circa 1922). This building served St. John until 1982 when a new church is constructed, once again with the help of a CEF loan.

As loan demand rises, so does the need for more investments from Lutherans throughout Michigan. This ad in the Michigan Lutheran from October 1926 pleads with parishioners to invest with CEF. The ad also appears in German as many Lutheran churches hold worship services in German.

Having weathered the Great Depression, CEF experiences steady growth in both loans and investments. The Fund’s total assets are approximately $750,000 in 1940, (equivalent to $17 Million today), a healthy number following such a major economic downturn.

As CEF enjoys banner growth, something more than volunteers are needed to manage the fund. The Board hires Marv Heinitz to oversee operations. CEF operated out of a choir robing room at Epiphany Lutheran - Detroit, until moving to its first brick-and-mortar office along 7 Mile Road in Detroit.

CEF begins selling its first savings stamps to the school children at St. Paul - Farmington. The stamp program soon expands to the entire District as it proves to be a great way to teach stewardship to a younger generation of investors. Throughout the years, the Savings Stamps program uses themes like Tracky the Stamp, Heroes of the Faith, and Noah’s Weird Animals.

Land is procured by the Michigan District to build Concordia Junior College in Ann Arbor. CEF moves to a new office building on the land which also houses all District operations. The move to Ann Arbor fosters a great working relationship between the Michigan District and CEF that lasts to this day.

As Concordia grows, so does their need for dormitory space. A major student-led capital campaign, combined with a CEF loan, provides the funds for new dorms.

As the fund nears $50 Million in total assets, CEF celebrates its success by serving ministries in a new way – through the CEF Grant program. Since its inception, more than $20 Million has been granted to support mission and ministry throughout the Michigan District. Key grants help congregations enhance areas like technology, aesthetics and security.

CEF maintains a strong volunteer base across the District. As a way to inspire and thank these CEF Reps for their hard work, the CEF Fall Conference (f/k/a CEFARI) is started. This annual leadership conference continues today, serving both CEF Reps and District leadership with great speakers, great food and great fellowship.

After 37 successful years leading CEF, Marv Heinitz retires. The Board hires fellow member Ron Steinke as its new CEO. Steinke inherits a fund in good financial shape with total assets near $100 Million.

As a new way to help attract and retain church workers in the Michigan District, CEF unveils its Church Worker Housing Loan Program. Hard working employees at churches, schools and other ministries obtain down payment assistance and mortgage loans in an easy and seamless process. More than $100 Million in housing loans have been issued by CEF since then.

Significant capital projects throughout the Michigan District during the 1990s allows CEF to quickly reach a milestone of $200 Million in total assets. In addition to grants, CEF starts offering congregational services. Examples include providing a Gift Planning Counselor to help Lutherans plan and direct their legacy gifts, and offering Excel In Giving which provides an electronic giving platform for worshipers to support their church.

After 22 years of leadership, Ron Steinke retires. CEF once again looks to its experienced Board and hires Jim Saalfeld, the former Board Chairman, to assume the role of CEO. As the torch is passed, CEF crosses another significant financial milestone, reaching a record $50 Million in net worth

A loan to assist Shepherd of the Lakes - Brighton expand their school marks a milestone for CEF as it records more than $500 Million in total loans issued since its founding. These loans have helped congregations, schools and other ministries Build the Kingdom in Michigan.

The mission of CEF remains unchanged since its founding over a century ago. Despite pandemics, depressions and world wars, CEF continues to make loans, investments, grants and services available to Lutheran ministries in the Michigan District. Even through 120 years of service, new products, brand, and innovative solutions continue to emerge to better serve the congregations, schools and other ministries of the Michigan District so that they can continue spreading the Good News of Jesus