FREEDOM INITIATIVE
Debt Elimination
Asbury Church is entering a defining moment as we seek to eliminate our debt and free up resources for expanded ministry, leadership development, and next-generation discipleship. Together, we are building on a legacy of faithfulness to create new opportunities for people to know, love, and follow Jesus for generations to come.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about our debt, and our plan to get out of debt!
We believe God is calling us to be good stewards of the resources He has given us. By paying off our remaining debt, we free up $660,000 each year to invest in future generations of Christian disciples and leaders at home and around the world. Eliminating our debt frees Asbury to invest more in missions both locally and globally. Additionally, we will be able to invest in the next generation of leaders by growing our Kids and Student ministries, as well as our Asbury Academy Internship and Residency programs.
As of the start of Freedom Initiative, our combined debt was just under $6,900,000.
Updated balance as of March 11, 2026 is $2,667,483.39.
Disaffiliation Loan – costs associated with disaffiliating from the UMC
Balance, $500,000 @ 7.38% interest. Paid off August 2025.
Capital Loan – comprised of the construction costs for Building 4, and the acquisition of the Harvest Campus
Balance, $6,330,000 @ 3.7% interest. The monthly payment is currently $45,000.
Our current debt has three sources:
- Building our Contemporary Worship and Weekday Preschool / Kids Ministry facility
- Acquisition of the Harvest Campus debt
- Disaffiliation costs
Every dollar given will be used directly to pay off Asbury’s existing debt. Once that debt is paid off, the funds we currently spend on loan payments will be released to expand our ministries, support outreach, and invest in our future.
The giving period will span three years, and each family is free to give in a variety of ways, such as through weekly giving or an annual gift.
We’re asking everyone to pray about giving above and beyond their regular giving. The invitation is for each family to consider a sacrificial commitment. Together, we can reach this goal.
We will continue making our monthly loan payments. In addition to these monthly payments, we will apply any giving received through the Freedom Initiative each month to the principal amount.
Yes, all gifts given to the debt freedom campaign are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a giving statement for your records.
Yes, you can give securely at the top of this page found under Pledge.
You can also choose Freedom Initiative from the dropdown menu found in Give Now on our Give page.
We encourage you to set up a recurring gift to make it easy to fulfill your commitment.
No, Asbury's priority is our regular ministry support, which we provide through our One Fund giving. Any commitment to the Freedom Initiative debt elimination should be an over-and-above or sacrificial commitment.
We know that circumstances can change unexpectedly. If you need to adjust your commitment, please just let us know — your commitment is not a contract but an estimate of giving.
Yes, in addition to cash gifts, we can receive gifts of stock, distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, Donor Advised Funds, and other options. You can contact Cricket Carroll, in the Business Administration office, at cricket.carroll@weareasbury.com to ask other questions about non-cash contributions.
Pray that we will trust God with our finances both now and for our future. Pray for unity, generosity, and vision as we step forward together. Ask God to multiply these gifts so we can have a greater impact through our ministry and mission.
We’d be happy to address any questions you may have about this initiative. Please send an email to ask@weareasbury.com, and one of our leaders will connect with you.