Apply for a Church Loan | Griffin Church Loans

The Process

How the church loan process works with Griffin

Most churches reach out before every detail is finalized — comparing properties, weighing a refinance, or trying to understand what a lender will realistically want to see. The goal at this stage is early clarity, not a perfect package.

01

Same business day

Initial Review

A specialist reviews your financing need, property situation, and goals. No commitment on either side.

02

Same business day

Follow-Up Call

Your church is contacted to discuss the property, loan purpose, timing, and broader financial picture.

03

Same business day

Next-Step Guidance

Griffin explains what's possible, what's needed, and how to move forward efficiently. You leave knowing where you stand.

The purpose of this process is clarity — so your leadership and board have a real basis for the next decision.

Getting Started

What you'll need to start

You don't need a full application package. The first conversation works best with a general sense of the following — estimates are fine.

Property address or general location
Estimated purchase price or property value
Approximate loan amount you're considering
Purpose of the loan (purchase, refinance, renovation, construction)
Whether there's an existing mortgage or other church debt
General attendance, giving, and financial picture

Qualification

Will our church qualify?

Every church situation is different, but a few factors consistently shape what's possible.

Giving and financial picture matter more than size.

A smaller church with stable giving is often in a stronger position than a larger church with inconsistent inflows.

Credit history is considered, but it's not the only factor.

Churches with credit challenges may still have workable options. A specialist looks at context — why it happened and what's changed.

Property and purpose matter.

Purchase, refinance, renovation, and construction each have different underwriting considerations.

Personal guarantees are not required on most church loans.

This is a meaningful difference from general commercial lending.

If you're unsure whether your situation fits, the first conversation exists to answer that. No church should assume the answer is no without asking.

Church Mortgage Calculator

Timing

How long does a church loan take?

Initial conversation and review

Same business day

Term sheet

Typically within 1 day of complete initial review

Underwriting and due diligence

Typically 2 weeks

Closing

Typically 1 month after underwriting

Church construction loans carry additional stages due to draw schedules and inspections.

The biggest factor affecting timeline is documentation readiness. Mention tight timing in the first call — Griffin will flag which documents to prepare first.

Specialization

Why church-finance specialization matters

Church financing is different from conventional commercial lending. Giving cycles, building use, leadership transitions, denominational structure, and stewardship commitments all shape both the need for financing and the lender's view of risk.

A commercial lender applying a generic template often arrives at the wrong answer. Griffin's value starts with a conversation built around church realities and ends with financing structured around that reality.

The difference between a lender who will take a church loan and a lender who understands one.

How to Finance a Church

For Church Leadership

Bringing this to your church board

Most pastors bring the conversation back to a board before anything moves forward. The first Griffin conversation will equip you to share:

i.

What the financing need actually isPurchase, refinance, renovation, or construction

ii.

What's realisticLoan amount range, rough structure, and initial feedback

iii.

What's required nextDocumentation, decisions, and timing

iv.

What the process looks likeStages, timeline, and key decision points

Proof of Work

Recent closings

Specifics build more trust than testimonials.

$24,500,000

Elevate Life

$13,250,000

VictoryFamily Church

$10,000,000

Apostolic Faith Church

Frequently asked questions

Is this a full application or the first step?

This is the first step. It begins the conversation and helps Griffin determine whether your church loan is likely to be approved before asking for a full documentation package.

How quickly will someone contact us?

Most churches are contacted the same business day.

Do we need a full application package to start?

No. The form is designed to begin the conversation. Additional details can be provided later, after the initial review.

What types of financing does Griffin help with?

Purchase, refinance, renovation, construction, and broader church financing needs ranging from $75,000 to $35,000,000.

Are there upfront fees?

No. Griffin does not charge upfront fees.

Are personal guarantees required?

Personal guarantees are not required on most church loans. This is a meaningful difference from general commercial lending.

What credit profile does a church need?

There is no single cutoff. Churches with strong credit, moderate credit, and past credit challenges have all closed loans with Griffin. The first conversation is where the specific situation is reviewed honestly.

Can a church that's only been around a few years qualify?

It depends on the financial picture, property, and purpose. Newer churches with disciplined finances and clear plans have obtained financing. Longer-tenured churches with weaker financial patterns sometimes face more questions. Time in operation is one factor among several.

How long does a church loan take from start to close?

Most non-construction church loans close within 45 to 60 days of a complete package. Construction loans take longer. Documentation readiness is the largest variable.

What if we haven't picked a property yet?

That's actually a good time to reach out. Griffin can help you estimate what your church may qualify for so you have a realistic working budget before property decisions are made.

Do we need board approval before applying?

No. Many churches use the first Griffin conversation specifically to prepare for their board discussion. No commitment is made by starting the conversation.

What documents will eventually be required?

The typical package includes recent financial statements, giving and attendance reports, board resolutions, property information, and articles of incorporation. Griffin provides a specific checklist after the initial review.

What if our church has faced financial challenges in the past?

Past challenges are a reason to have the conversation, not to avoid it. Griffin's specialization means credit challenges are evaluated in context — why they happened, what's changed, and whether the current financial pattern supports lending.

Apply for a Church Loan — Start Your Request with Griffin

Get your church loan conversation started today

How the church loan process works with Griffin

Initial Review

Follow-Up Call

Next-Step Guidance

What you'll need to start

Will our church qualify?

How long does a church loan take?

Initial conversation and review

Term sheet

Underwriting and due diligence

Closing

Why church-finance specialization matters

Bringing this to your church board

Recent closings

Frequently asked questions

Is this a full application or the first step?

How quickly will someone contact us?

Do we need a full application package to start?

What types of financing does Griffin help with?

Are there upfront fees?

Are personal guarantees required?

What credit profile does a church need?

Can a church that's only been around a few years qualify?

How long does a church loan take from start to close?

What if we haven't picked a property yet?

Do we need board approval before applying?

What documents will eventually be required?

What if our church has faced financial challenges in the past?

Start your church loan request

Start before every detail is finalized