General Questions
What is the Texas District Church Extension Fund (TX CEF)?
The mission of the Texas District Church Extension Fund is to extend God’s Kingdom by boldly and
responsibly assisting congregations to acquire land and buildings and by linking investors with congregations.
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.”
How does TX CEF work with the Texas District, LCMS?
The Texas District Church Extension Fund was established in 1906 as a separate treasury of the Texas District,
to provide loans and funds to member congregations, the District itself, and associations qualifying as Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod recognized service organizations in Texas. The Church Extension Fund is a ministry of
the Texas District. Since 1906, CEF has provided consultation and low cost funding for Texas congregations to
build and expand.
How safe are my investments?
We believe that your investments in CEF are secure. We continue to maintain a strong capital base and a healthy
capital to assets ratio. CEF’s liquid assets give us the ability to handle our commitments to congregations for
loan funding and to honor withdrawal requests from investors who desire to have their funds returned to them.
Please refer to the Offering Circular for our financial data.
Who can purchase a TX CEF account?
Texas residents who are members of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod or any district or other program,
activity or organization which constitutes a part of the Synod or any of its districts or an ancestor, descendant or
successor in interest to such a person.
What types of accounts are available with TX CEF?
Save-By-Mail, Congregation Savings Account, Building Fund Account, Fixed Rate Term Note, and Floating
Rate Term Note. IRAs are available through LCEF.
What are K.I.D.S. Stamps (Kids into Discipleship & Stewardship)?
Children purchase stamps for $1 or $.25 from Lutheran Schools or Sunday Schools. Use the stamps to complete
a stamp booklet. A completed stamp booklet may be mailed to TX CEF for deposit into the child’s Save-By-
Mail account. With each deposit of $10 or more, the child receives a small prize and a token worth $.25 toward
their next deposit.
Investment Questions
How do I open an account?
Complete an investment application (one application for each account). Mail the application with
payment to TX CEF. If you are participating in additional programs, such as 100Plus1, or Automatic
Transfer, send the appropriate form with the investment application and payment.
What is 100Plus1?
TX CEF is partnering with Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM) to increase the financial resources available for
planting new congregations. Make a gift of $1,000 or more to Texas Partners in Mission and open a new fixed rate
CEF investment of $5,000 or more. CEF will match your gift to Texas Partners in Mission 100% AND
CEF will pay you a bonus 1% for the initial term of your investment. To sign up, complete a 100Plus1 form and a CEF Investment Application. Mail your investment check (payable to “TX Dist CEF”) and
your gift check (payable to “TX Partners in Mission”) with your application to Texas CEF.
What is an Automatic Transfer?
This is an electronic funds transfer. Use this convenient feature to make automatic deposits into your Save-By-
Mail account and your Floating Rate Term Note. To get started, download an Automatic Transfer form from our forms page.
May I add another owner to my account?
Yes, when the account is being opened, indicate on the application who you want on the account. Or, after
the account is established and you want to change the owners, use the account change form. All new
owners must also complete a personal information form.
Whose social security number is required?
Everyone listed on an account must provide their social security number. Interest will be reported to the IRS by
the first person listed on an account.
Does TX CEF report earnings to the internal revenue service (IRS)?
Yes. A 1099 form will be issued showing reportable interest.
My note is maturing, what do I do?
You may:
- Redeem - send the original note certificate and note maturity instruction form.
- Change the term - send the original note certificate and note maturity instruction form.
- Rollover (keep the same terms) - no action required.
What do I do if I cannot find my original note certificate?
Contact TX CEF at 888-951-1CEF for instructions.
Will a term note continue to earn interest after maturity?
Yes. Once a note matures, it automatically renews (rollover) at the current TX CEF rate.
When can a term note be redeemed?
Any time. Return the original note certificate. Mail a completed withdrawal form to TX CEF. Write
“close” for the amount of the withdrawal. There is a penalty for early redemption.
What happens when an account owner dies?
Contact TX CEF at 888-951-1CEF for instructions.
What happens to a custodial account when the minor reaches the age of 21?
According to the Texas Property Code, the custodian is required to turn the account over to the minor.
TX CEF does not automatically update the account. Complete an account change form to change the
ownership. If the account is a note, you must return the original note certificate.
How do I sign up for interest checks?
Sign up on your application to receive interest checks. Or, if you want to begin receiving interest checks for an
existing note, send a written request specifying the account number and how frequently you would like checks
issued. Checks may be sent monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Minimum interest check amount is
$50. If you do not request interest checks, interest will accrue.
How do I withdraw from an account?
Complete a withdrawal form and mail or fax it to TX CEF.
How do I close an account?
- Save-By-Mail - Complete a withdrawal form and mail or fax it to TX CEF. Write “close” for the amount of the withdrawal.
- Notes - Return the original note certificate. Mail a completed withdrawal form to TX CEF. Write “close” for the amount of the withdrawal.
How do I update my contact information?
Complete a personal information form and mail or fax it to TX CEF.
Loans and Supporting Investments
What length of loans does TX CEF offer?
Congregation loans are available for terms up to 30 years.
What are supporting investments?
Monies that local congregations need to have invested in TX CEF in order to qualify for a loan and to earn
incentive rebates. Investments may be from the congregation itself, members of the congregation, or any
investor that requests to support a congregation.
How do I change my supporting investments?
Complete a personal information form and mail or fax it to TX CEF.
What are the supporting investments requirements for congregations with loans?
If a congregation has a loan, they are asked to solicit a percentage of the net value of the loan in supporting
investments. Newly formed congregations and special ministries are required to have 30% of the net value of
the loan in supporting investments. Self-supporting congregations are asked to have 35% of the net value of the
loan in supporting investments. Congregations who do not have sufficient supporting investments are subject to an interest penalty which would
raise the interest rate by 1% if supporting investments are not within 90% of the requirement and by 2% if not
within 75% of requirements.
Congregation Representative
Who are TX CEF congregation representatives?
These are volunteers who represent TX CEF to their congregations. These are active members, who have
investments with TX CEF. For more information on selecting or becoming a TX CEF representative, contact
TX CEF.
How does my congregation participate in K.I.D.S. Stamps?
Contact TX CEF for more information about starting the K.I.D.S. Stamp program.
