About Griffin Church Loans

America’s Church Financing Specialists — Serving Churches Nationwide for 26+ Years

For more than 26 years, Griffin Church Loans has specialized exclusively in helping churches across the United States secure responsible financing for ministry growth, building expansion, refinancing, and property acquisition. Churches operate under financial rhythms that differ significantly from typical commercial borrowers. Congregational giving patterns, ministry priorities, and long-term stewardship responsibilities require financing structures designed specifically for church governance and ministry leadership. Because of this, church leaders benefit from financing guidance provided by specialists who understand the structure and governance of ministries.

Griffin Church Loans was established in 1999 specifically to serve churches seeking financing guidance from specialists who understand ministry leadership, church governance, and responsible stewardship.

Griffin Church Loans is a nationwide church financing specialist that has helped ministries across the United States secure over $2 billion in financing through more than 2,000 church loans during the past 26+ years.

Griffin works exclusively with churches, providing loan programs ranging from $75,000 to $35,000,000 for construction, refinancing, property acquisition, and ministry expansion.

Griffin Church Loans was founded by John Berardino, who has spent more than two decades working exclusively in church lending and advising ministries on responsible financing structures.

Griffin Church Loans at a Glance

Church leaders are entrusted with stewarding the financial resources of their congregation. For this reason, Griffin Church Loans is built on principles of transparency and responsible lending.

Churches working with Griffin benefit from:

• 26+ years specializing in church financing (since 1999)
• 2,000+ church loans closed nationwide
• $2+ billion in financing arranged
• Loan programs from $75,000 to $35,000,000
• No personal guarantees required
• No upfront fees
• Fast responses often within one business day

These credentials make Griffin Church Loans one of the most experienced church lenders in the country.

What Makes Griffin Church Loans Different

Many churches discover that traditional lenders do not fully understand church financial structures or ministry governance. Griffin Church Loans provides solutions built for ministry needs:

• No personal guarantees or hidden fees. Unlike typical loans, we rarely require a personal guarantee, and we charge no upfront fees – ever.
• Fast, attentive service. Our team responds to every inquiry within one business day, and our process is designed to close loans quickly, so your project stays on track.
• Church-focused loan structures. Church-focused loan structures. We customize financing to fit a church’s budget and mission, offering 20- and 25-year fixed loans with no balloon payments and interest-only options for more complex cases.
• Experienced church loan specialists. Every Griffin advisor has in-depth knowledge of church governance and ministry finances. We guide pastors and finance teams through each step, ensuring clear communication and sound stewardship.

Church Loan Programs Designed for Ministries

Griffin Church Loans offers financing solutions designed specifically for ministry projects and church property needs.

• Long-term, fully fixed loans. 20-year and 25-year fixed-rate loans (with no balloon payments) are as risk-free as it gets for churches. Interest rates and payments stay the same throughout the loan.
• Mid-term fixed loans. 5, 7, and 10-year fixed-rate loans with amortizations of 20–30 years, providing lower monthly payments. (No personal guarantees are usually needed for these programs.)
• Construction and renovation financing. Customized financing for building new facilities or upgrading existing ones, structured to align with your construction timeline and giving projections.
• Refinancing and debt restructuring. Options to refinance existing church debt, potentially lowering payments or reducing interest, to free up resources for ministry.
• Specialized financing. Multi-phase projects and unique ministry needs – we love a challenge and will work with you to structure financing even in complex situations.

Whether your church is breaking ground on a new sanctuary or seeking to refinance debt, our loan programs range from $75,000 to $35,000,000 to serve congregations of all sizes.

Our Philosophy

Our work is guided by a simple principle that has shaped our approach since day one:

Our Guiding Principle

“Tell them honestly, charge them fairly, and close them quickly.”

Financing decisions must therefore be approached with clarity, transparency, and long-term responsibility. Griffin Church Loans is more than a lender — we serve as a financing partner helping church leaders understand the long-term impact of their borrowing decisions.  We help pastors and boards make informed decisions that support both current ministry goals and future stability.

Supporting Church Leadership

We understand that church financing decisions affect more than just buildings – they impact people and ministries. The structure of a church loan can influence:

• Ministry growth and planning: Helping ensure your expansion plans align with giving levels and mission.
• Staffing and budgeting: Avoiding financial surprises that could strain your church’s budget or programs.
• Long-term stewardship: Keeping the church focused on its mission by structuring debt responsibly.

Because of these factors, Griffin Church Loans works closely with pastors, church boards, and finance committees. We provide clear explanations of options and projections, so leadership teams can move forward with confidence. In certain cases, Griffin also maintains access to private funding solutions to assist churches facing financial challenges when traditional options are unavailable.

Educational Resources for Church Leaders

Beyond financing, Griffin Church Loans is committed to educating pastors and church leaders about responsible church borrowing and long-term financial stewardship.

We publish free insights and guides covering topics such as:

• Church financing strategies and planning
• Stewardship and budgeting for facilities
• Ministry expansion best practices
• Understanding loan terms and impacts on ministry

Our goal is to help church leaders ask the right questions and make informed decisions. Hundreds of churches use our resources each year to better understand their financial position and plan for a healthy future.

Speak With a Church Lending Specialist at Griffin Church Loans

If your church is considering a building project, expansion, refinancing, or property acquisition, Griffin Church Loans is here to help. Our experienced specialists will evaluate your financing options and recommend structures that align with your ministry’s long-term vision. Contact us today to get started: we’ll provide clear answers and a fast, no-obligation quote so you can move forward with confidence.

What makes church loans different from commercial loans?
Church financing requires loan structures that align with ministry giving patterns, church governance, and long-term stewardship planning.

How long has Griffin Church Loans worked with churches?
Griffin Church Loans has specialized in church financing for more than 26 years.

Do church loans require personal guarantees?
In most cases, Griffin Church Loans do not require personal guarantees.

Griffin Church Loans maintains formal editorial and ethical standards that guide how financial information is published and maintained. These policies help ensure transparency, accuracy, and responsible communication with ministry leaders.