Needs-based borrowing is not prohibited in Scripture. However, it is discouraged.

• There are no positive references to the principle of borrowing. In fact, there are explicit warnings to avoid it.

  • Proverbs 22:7 – The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave

  • Proverbs 22:26-27 – Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

  • Proverbs 17:18 – One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

  • Deuteronomy 15:6 – For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

• Thus, Scripture indicates that an unnecessary authority is created by borrowing. Essentially, when a church takes on a debt, it becomes a slave to the institution making the loan.

Practically, we are not in the position to borrow a significant amount.

• We have the land as collateral, but it will not support a loan that is nearly large enough nor do we want to be in the position of losing both the building and the land.

Practically, what we pay in rent cannot support loan payments and expenses of
a new building.

• We pay ~$4,300 per month in rent for our Sunday worship service and Sunday school. We do not pay utilities, preventative/deferred maintenance, or property insurance.

• There would not be a 1:1 transfer of rent money to a loan payment.

• If we borrow, build, and move to Beason, Living Hope Bryan will have to pay utilities, maintenance, property insurance, loan insurance, and loan payments that we currently are not supporting in the operating expenses.