The Grace Brethren Investment Foundation (GBIF), Charis Fellowship’s church extension fund, has announced that Kenneth A. Seyfert has communicated his plans to retire effective May 31, 2020. Mr. Seyfert joined the staff of GBIF in 1997 as managing director and officer of operations. In 2004, he was appointed vice president and executive director of operations. In 2013, Mr. Seyfert assumed his current role of president and chief executive officer.
Dr. James Augspurger, GBIF Board of Directors Chairman, said, “Over the last 22 years under Ken’s leadership, GBIF has experienced significant growth and has consistently been the lender of choice to churches and organizations in our Fellowship. Ken has diligently navigated GBIF through much market volatility, to deliver a fair loan rate to borrowers, ensuring a good rate of return to our depositors and through the annual goodwill contributions, furthered the church planting and leadership development work of our Fellowship. Ken is a talented leader who consistently delivers strong results while effectively stewarding the assets under his management. On behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to express our deep appreciation to Ken for his faithful service and ministry at GBIF and wish he and Donna well as they begin this new phase of their lives.”
“It has been my distinct privilege to be part of the GBIF legacy of support to our Fellowship these last 22 years,” said Seyfert. “I’ve been honored to serve alongside a great staff and to have worked with so many wonderful people across the Fellowship to help support the Lord’s work in their local churches and organizations. Donna and I look forward to our next chapter, just as we look forward to GBIF’s continued work for our Fellowship.”
Ken and Donna Seyfert are active members of the Winona Lake, Ind., Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor).
Dr. Augspurger added, “At our recent semi-annual Board meeting, Ted Adomanis, board director, was appointed to lead our Succession Planning Task Force with the important role of conducting a new CEO search. We are thankful for Ken’s commitment to a smooth transition as a new CEO is installed next year.” More information will be forth coming as the Task Force progresses in its work.
The Grace Brethren Investment Foundation was organized in 1955 for the principal purpose of enabling individuals who support the ministry objectives of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, doing business as Charis Fellowship, to invest funds at a reasonable rate of interest and to provide thereby a source of mortgage financing for churches, schools, and other organizations affiliated with the Fellowship.
With offices located in beautiful and historic Winona Lake, Ind., GBIF employs a staff of skilled professionals who are impassioned to serve investors and borrowers with care and excellence as a ministry to the Lord and the building of His Church.
GBIF is governed by a board of directors representing all regions of the Charis Fellowship. The board is comprised of experienced lay and ministerial professionals who provide counsel, develop policies, and give direction to ensure the safety, security, and continuity of the GBIF. The Board has adopted a statement of vision to guide its operations and ministry.
As a part of its supportive ministry to the Charis Fellowship, the GBIF seeks to provide annual goodwill contributions from its net earnings to worthy ministries associated with the Fellowship. In addition to these annual goodwill contributions, the GBIF serves as the administrative agency of the Fellowship’s Eagle Commission, providing financial, staff, and logistical support for our Charis Fellowship Chaplains who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
GBIF is a long-standing member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and subscribes to its standards for financial integrity.