2025 brought continued uncertainty for many congregations and ministries as economic pressures and elevated interest rates shaped financial planning and decision-making across the ELCA. But through it all, congregations and ministry organizations kept serving their communities, caring for neighbors and investing in long-term ministry needs. Throughout the year, the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) remained a trusted financial partner for congregations, ministries and organizations carrying that work forward.
MIF ended 2025 with total assets of $779.2 million and net assets of $213.4 million. The organization’s equity ratio of 27.4 percent remained well above regulatory requirements, reflecting careful stewardship and continued financial stability. This exceptional financial position offers security to our investors and helps assure our ability to meet our obligations while supporting congregations and ministries as they plan for current needs and future opportunities.
Even in an economic environment requiring caution, lending activity reached another milestone in 2025, with loans outstanding growing to a record high of $615 million at year-end. These loans support ELCA congregations as well as social ministry organizations, schools, outdoor ministries and other ELCA-related ministries of many sizes and contexts. Our financing helped renovate worship spaces, address deferred maintenance, support accessibility improvements and invest in facilities designed to expand community outreach.
Total investment obligations reached $551.5 million in 2025. Individuals, congregations and organizations continued to choose MIF as a way to align their financial resources with the work of ministries serving communities across the ELCA. More than 9,900 investors helped support more than 700 ministry borrowers during the year, reflecting the trust and participation that continue to sustain this work.
One of the most significant milestones of 2025 was the completion of MIF’s multi-year modernization initiative and the successful launch of a new core banking system. Alongside enhanced digital tools for customers and operational platforms for staff, these upgrades marked the completion of years of planning, implementation and organizational transition designed to strengthen how MIF serves investors, ministries and partners.
These upgrades included the launch of MIF’s first mobile app alongside enhancements to MIF Online, expanding access to digital account management tools for both individual investors and ministry teams. Improved features for transfers, bill payments, mobile check deposit and electronic statement delivery make it easier to securely manage investment and loan accounts while supporting both day-to-day financial needs and long-term savings goals.
Together, these investments and operational improvements position MIF to continue serving investors and ministries in the years ahead while preserving the relationship-based approach that defines our work.
MIF also collaborated with colleagues at the churchwide organization on the Church Property Resource Hub, a new ELCA initiative designed to help congregations think more holistically about stewardship, property and the future use of church spaces. As congregations continue discerning how buildings and land can best support ministry and community needs, the Hub offers practical resources, learning opportunities and guidance rooted in faithful stewardship.
MIF also continued strengthening its partnership with the ELCA Federal Credit Union to support a more connected financial experience for ministries and members. This work continues to expand access to financial services designed around the needs of congregations, ministries and the people they serve.
Through MIF, congregations, ministries, organizations and individual investors come together to support ministries that care for neighbors, strengthen communities, reimagine shared spaces and respond faithfully and creatively to changing needs. Thank you for the trust you place in MIF and for the role you play in supporting this shared ministry across the ELCA.