Church Extension Plan in Salem, OR

The first contact I remember with CEP is when my parents pastored in Montana in the early 60's. The church utilized their services and investment program with success. A new church was built as a result of the partnership. Through the years, I have heard nothing but good about CEP. Currently, my husband and I have some of our investments with them, as does my mother-in-law. The rates are good considering what the rates are with other financial institutions. We understand that CEP is not FDIC insured, but since our investments are diversified, we feel we can have some of our money with them to help AG churches with their building projects. Currently, the AG church we attend in Idaho has had their investments with CEP for several years.

As a former associate with CEP, I have been extremely impressed with the care, professionalism, and innovation that exists to ensure every client and partnership is managed in a fiscally responsible and Biblical fashion. I always appreciated the cross-functional team support and encouragement from senior management to contribute innovative ways to make this ministry more effective. On the investments side of business (where I worked), customer care was quick, friendly, and knowledgeable. I'm thankful for the ministry that CEP contributes to helping further the growth of AG churches across the country! Highly recommended!!

Be careful. Notice that it is not FDIC insured. Our church found out that our pastor took out 4 mortgages in the last 10 years from CEP and the pastor before him took out another one. That makes 5 mortgages on our property. The mortgages totaled 1.8 million when we only had under half a million in building permits. In addition, the only thing we had done was two remodel jobs and the last one we raised enough funds to pay for the remodel - so we are left wondering just how they got a mortgage and why? Also, as of our churches 2010 financial statements the total debt on us was larger than the original amount of the mortgages! Either we had other long term debt or CEP let the church pay interest only - and the first mortgage was taken out in the 90's! Substantial principal should have been paid down by now. Thought if you invested in CEP the $ went to build or expand churches. If all money has been invested like it was in our church then I would be very concerned.