CARY, N.C. — Russell Jones, executive vice president and chief credit officer of Provision Financial Resources of N.C. Baptists, retired from his role on June 20 after 16 years of faithful service.

Jones first began working at Provision Financial Resources — formerly known as the N.C. Baptist Foundation — in January 2009. During his tenure, he spearheaded the creation of the church extension fund, which now holds more than $90 million in investments as of May 2025 with $62 million in loans outstanding.

Provision’s church loan program has helped hundreds of N.C. Baptist churches access affordable loans for new construction, renovations and refinancing. As of 2025, loans had been issued in 61% of the state.

One of the churches that has benefited from Provision’s church loan program is Beach Road Baptist Church in Southport, N.C.

“We recently worked with Russell Jones of Provision Financial Resources to secure a loan for a building expansion project at Beach Road,” said senior pastor James Zik. “I can’t say enough about how knowledgeable, professional, kind and dedicated Russell was throughout the entire process. The Kingdom is better because of his faithful service. We wish him all the best in retirement.”

His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by those he served alongside, either.

“Russell’s leadership and wisdom have helped countless churches grow and thrive,” said Harry Nelson, president and CEO of Provision Financial Resources. “He has been a steady, faithful steward of our lending program, and we are deeply grateful for his years of service. Our loan portfolio is exceptionally healthy — Russell is finishing strong.”

Although he had planned to retire, he was invited by the Baptist Foundation of Missouri to assist in launching a new church extension fund program. Seeing it as a meaningful way to continue serving in the church loan ministry, he will begin that work immediately after his departure from Provision.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve North Carolina Baptist churches through Provision,” Jones said. “I had planned to retire, but this opportunity to help another state begin a church loan ministry was a meaningful way to continue serving the Kingdom. I’m thankful to have played a small part in this work and excited to see how God continues to use this ministry.”

Daryl Trexler, director of church lending, has been promoted to succeed Jones as senior vice president and chief credit officer. Trexler joined Provision on April 15, 2015, and has served in several roles, including as a regional director, before transitioning to Provision’s church loan program on Jan. 1, 2023.

“Daryl brings deep experience, a pastor’s heart and a clear vision for the future of our loan ministry,” Nelson said. “We’re excited to see how God will use him to continue building on the foundation Russell laid.”

As he steps into the role, Trexler expressed deep gratitude for Jones’s mentorship and legacy.

“Russell is a pioneer in church lending and has influenced loan ministries across the country,” Trexler said. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be able to help shape yet another Kingdom-focused loan ministry. On a personal level, Russell has made a lasting impact on me through his faith, kindness, friendship, expertise, character and love for the local church.”

Provision Financial Resources serves Baptists by encouraging and enabling faithful financial stewardship through loans, investments, charitable giving, scholarships and grants. Learn more by visiting www.provision.org.