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 A lifelong Methodist, Claude Grizzard understands the importance of Christian stewardship. He understands that everything he has is a gift from God. He also understands that he has been called to wisely manage his resources, which is why it comes as no surprise he chose to invest in the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation’s Development Fund.
“My dad is the one who taught me about stewardship and giving. I think those of us who have been blessed with resources have a responsibility,” Claude said. “But it’s more than duty. I love The United Methodist Church and want to do everything I can to help it.”
Claude describes his decision to invest in the Development Fund as a “win-win-win” situation. “The first win is me. I get a much higher rate of return than I am likely to get anywhere else with a balance of security,” Claude said. “The second win is local church congregations. They are able to borrow from the Foundation at a lower rate than they typically would pay on the commercial market, which puts more money in their pocket. And the third win is the North Georgia United Methodist Foundation.
"This investment creates a little revenue for the Foundation, which enables them to continue to expand their work. “If I can invest my money and get a better rate of return while helping the Church and the Foundation, that’s being a good steward. It feels good to do the right thing. Plus, the more money I can earn, the more I am able to give away.”
When asked to describe his experience working with the Foundation, Claude said, “It’s been great. The Foundation is a good steward of the money that’s been entrusted to them and for me that adds up to success and confidence. Why would I want to invest with a bank that does nothing more than pay me a small rate of return and pocket the spread they make, when I can leverage my investment into a “win-win-win” with the Foundation?”
“Claude’s commitment to the Development Fund is a wonderful example of stewardship at its best,” said Frank Craft, the Foundation’s director of lending programs. “We’re grateful to Claude and other United Methodist individuals and entities who invest in this program, which allows us to offer competitive loan rates to churches wishing to grow the Kingdom.” |