Around the Synod: News from LCMS entities

Amanda Walker, Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) president and CEO, is pictured with the Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund, during a 10th-anniversary celebration for LutheranFCU on May 21. (Lutheran FCU)

Lutheran Federal Credit Union

On May 21, Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LutheranFCU) celebrated its 10th anniversary with an event at the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) office in St. Louis. LCEF was instrumental in helping launch the credit union a decade ago.

“We would not be here today without the faith, investment and commitment of LCEF,” said Amanda Walker, LutheranFCU president and CEO. “Their belief in our mission made it possible for us to serve the financial needs of the LCMS community in a way that aligns with our shared values. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.”

“It is wonderful to see how the Lord continues to bless the faithful work of visionaries who saw the value of a credit union,” said the Rev. Bart Day, LCEF president and CEO. “We will stand alongside to support the reach and impact LutheranFCU can make for generations to come.”

As LutheranFCU looks to the future, the credit union remains committed to providing accessible, Christ-centered financial services tailored to the unique needs of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) community.

“We are incredibly blessed to serve our members and continue building on the strong foundation laid 10 years ago,” said the Rev. Tom Schlund, Synod relations and marketing coordinator for LutheranFCU.

Learn more at lutheranfcu.org.

Lutheran Church Extension Fund

On July 1, LCEF announced the release of its Fiscal Year 26-28 Strategic Plan, a forward-looking roadmap that reflects LCEF’s ongoing commitment to supporting LCMS ministries through faith-driven financial and strategic solutions.

Built around six strategic pillars — Purpose, People, Partnerships, Platforms, Products and Profitability — the plan outlines clear priorities and measurable goals for the next three years. It builds upon the foundation laid by LCEF’s previous five-year plan, which strengthened the organization’s people, processes and technology while navigating the complexities of a changing financial landscape.

“This new plan reflects both where we’ve been and where God is calling us to go,” said the Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of LCEF. “We remain rooted in the mission of the church, committed to excellence, and eager to walk alongside LCMS ministries as they grow and proclaim the Gospel. Together, we are building a stronger financial future for the church — today and for generations to come.”

This Strategic Plan includes updated mission-driven goals, revised global ends policies and key performance indicators designed to ensure alignment with the needs of LCMS congregations, schools, Recognized Service Organizations and church workers. It also affirms LCEF’s role as a proactive catalyst for ministry growth, equipping partners with the tools, resources and support they need to flourish.

The full strategic plan is available here.

Jeff Craig-Meyer

LCMS Foundation

The LCMS Foundation recently welcomed Jeff Craig-Meyer as senior vice-president of Growth/Constituent Experience. Craig-Meyer’s focus will be helping LCMS congregations and ministries establish long-term investments and endowments. He will also oversee the Foundation’s client relations group and donor services team, ensuring that ministries and donors receive the highest level of service and support in every interaction.

Craig-Meyer brings nearly 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including overseeing national fundraising campaigns and development teams focused on supporting national and global mission work.

“We are blessed to have someone of Jeff’s caliber joining our team to lead our investment services,” said David Fiedler, Foundation president. “His experience, deep understanding of the LCMS, and proven track record in development and organizational growth will be invaluable as we seek to help more ministries build a stronger financial future through long-term investment strategies.”

Learn more at lcmsfoundation.org.

Posted Nov. 7, 2024