Learn more about capital planning and funding services with resources from DCEF.
From investment opportunities to building planning, Disciples Church Extension Fund offers congregations more than 135 years of capital planning and funding expertise and experience. That’s why our resources are designed to provide you with accessible and detailed information about our various services. As your partner, DCEF is here to help your church by sharing our knowledge.
Planning Guides
Is your congregation considering a new building or capital improvement project? These Disciples Church Extension Fund Planning Guides are designed to help you get started:
Still have questions? We'd love to answer them.
Contact us todayHear from our customers
“Disciples Church Extension Fund was very thorough with the evaluation of our church and potential building improvements and needs in the future. The evaluation report was quite extensive and included details we hadn’t thought of in the past. The expense was quite reasonable and very much worth the investment. This was one of the best steps we’ve taken in looking ahead to our church’s future and maintaining a quality facility for our congregation.”
Deene Ehlis
Chair, Long Range Planning,
Wakonda Christian Church, Des Moines, IA
Holy Places Grant and Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment Grant
The Holy Places Grant helps new and established Disciples congregations purchase a lot to build their first house of worship or their first church building. The grant is intended to provide a “boost” to a congregation to support its long-term sustainability.The Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE) Grant helps new Disciples congregations to provide financial resources to support their operating costs. The grant is intended to provide a one-time “boost” to a new congregation to support its long-term sustainability.
Pandemic Informed Ministry
Like so many non-profit and faith organizations, Disciples congregations still require building and financial support throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Stay connected with the most recent updates from Disciples Church Extension Fund and find the resources you need to take care of your congregation, building, and finances. All in one place.Technology Loans
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Disciples congregations have been learning how to go hybrid, providing both in-person and digital worship services, Bible studies, and more. DCEF is offering loans of up to US $50,000 for technology upgrades to help qualified congregations pivot to a stronger online presence moving forward. The technology needs of congregations can include tangible equipment purchases and upgrades to undergird the church’s ability to connect with their members virtually. These technology loans are available through April 30, 2023, at .25% below DCEF’s current rate for loans with comparable terms.
To apply, contact the Building and Capital Services Advisor assigned to your region; call 800.274.1883 or visit DCEF’s website for contact information: disciplescef.org/about/staff.
To receive assistance with video production, audio engineering, or other technical needs (or to provide support yourself) consider applying to the Disciples Tech Corps or joining their Facebook group.
Advice from our Building and Capital Services Advisors
Our expert congregational advisors work closely with communities of faith to ensure that their buildings are aligned with their mission, that they can find the funding they need for church projects, and that they can reach their fundraising goals. The Ask the Advisors blog post series answers common questions faith communities are asking themselves right now about tech upgrades, budgeting, and more.
- Are we ready to shift?
- How congregations can thrive during the pandemic
- Is your congregation connecting with the unchurched?
- Changing for the better with the seasons
- What is the biggest obstacle to a successful building project?
- Ministry Post-Pandemic Checklist: A Pause in the Dissonance
- What stewardship campaigns in 2020 should look like
- How to convert online viewership to engagement
- What next?!
- What is the key to a successful church merger?
- How can we continue serving our communities?
- Should we do a fundraising campaign during this time?
- Signs of the times
- How to make your church building more blessing than curse
- Are we the Church God is calling us to be? Are we the Church the world needs us to be?
- Can technology help us do church better?
- How might the COVID-19 pandemic impact affect your church finances
- What changes are needed to welcome members back into our worship space?
- How DCEF help our congregation through COVID-19?
- How to prepare your building for an extended period of inactivity (not a part of the series, but still a handy guide)
New Church Ministry
New Church Hacks is a free webinar series that helps new church leaders solve their tricky problems in each episode.
Trauma-informed Ministry in Pandemic Recovery
United Church of Canada
Under the full communion agreement with the United Church of Canada (UCC), clergy can move freely between both denominations and each other's sacraments are recognized.
Tips and resources for members and congregations
Safety considerations for reopening of the buildings and in-person worship during the pandemic
Insurance Board
Insurance Board is a nonprofit organization that administers a church property insurance and church liability insurance program for congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, among other denominations.
COVID-19 Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects the United States against health threats, and responds when these arise.
COVID-19 Resources
CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada is a federal institution that partners with others to prevent disease and injuries, promote good health, and provide information to support informed decision-making.
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19: Letter to faith community leaders from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer
Ministry Matters
Through its blog posts, articles, and book reviews, Ministry Matters offers inspiration for pastors, teachers, and worship leaders. This ecumenical collaboration outlines benchmarks for worship together, planning of worship, resuming of worship, sacraments and pastoral rites as congregations begin thinking of moving back into their facilities.