Faithful Investing: Aligning Your Portfolio with Your Christian Values

As a financial planner, I often hear questions like, "Are there investments that align with my faith?" The good news is, yes! There are biblically responsible investment options available that allow you to steward your finances in ways that honor God.

While I don't provide specific investment advice, my goal is to educate and empower you to make informed decisions that reflect your values. In this post, I’ll share a few investment options and resources to help you navigate faith-driven investing.

Why I Care About Faith-Based Investing

As someone passionate about integrating faith and finances, I believe our investments should reflect what we stand for. It’s not just about avoiding harmful industries but actively supporting businesses that promote good stewardship, ethical practices, and positive impact.

Christian Investment Options I Appreciate

1. Sovereign Capital ETF (ticker: SOVF)

   • This is a personal favorite of mine! The Sovereign Capital ETF embodies biblically responsible investing by screening companies to ensure they align with Christian principles. It provides a diversified portfolio of businesses committed to ethical practices.

   • Learn more about Sovereign Capital ETF here.

2. Inspire 100 ETF (ticker: BIBL)

   • This ETF tracks a biblically aligned index of large-cap companies, ensuring that every investment aligns with Christian values. It’s a fantastic option for those looking for a faith-driven approach to investing.

   • Learn more about Inspire 100 ETF here.

3. Timothy Plan ETFs

   • Timothy Plan has been a pioneer in biblically responsible investing. Two standout ETFs include:

     • TPHD (High Dividend Stock ETF): Focused on income-generating stocks.

     • TPLC (US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF): Offers broad exposure to U.S.-based companies aligned with Christian values.

   • Learn more about Timothy Plan here.

4. Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (ticker: CATH)

   • Designed with Catholic investors in mind, this ETF excludes industries that conflict with Catholic teachings, such as abortion and gambling.

   • Learn more about Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF here.

5. Ave Maria Mutual Funds

   • These funds align with Catholic teachings and focus on pro-life and pro-family principles. They offer a range of investment options, including growth and bond funds.

   • Learn more about Ave Maria Funds here.

6. GuideStone Funds

   • These mutual funds reflect evangelical Christian values, offering options like growth equity and defensive market strategies.

   • Learn more about GuideStone Funds here.

Resources to Explore

1. Faith-Driven Investor

   • A fantastic resource for discovering how to align your financial decisions with biblical principles.

   • Visit Faith-Driven Investor here.

2. Inspire Investing Blog

   • Offers helpful insights into biblically responsible investing and the latest updates on faith-aligned funds.

   • Visit Inspire Investing Blog here.

The Role of Christian Investors in an Imperfect World

While it’s natural to avoid investments tied to ethical concerns, it’s also unrealistic to expect perfection in an imperfect world. Discouraging Christian investors from investing in the S&P 500 due to its inclusion of companies with ethical controversies could limit opportunities for financial growth. In my professional opinion, it’s better to approach investing with grace and a balanced perspective, focusing on the broader goals of stewardship and aligning as closely as possible with one’s values. These challenges also emphasize the importance of Christians stepping into leadership roles within organizations to set an example of ethical and Christ-centered decision-making. Matthew 5:16 calls us to let our light shine before others, so that our good works glorify our Father in heaven.

Chick-fil-A serves as an excellent example of a company that prioritizes its values over the pressures of profit maximization. By remaining privately held, Chick-fil-A avoids the shareholder-driven pressures common on Wall Street. For instance, if Chick-fil-A were publicly traded, it’s likely that shareholders would push for actions like opening on Sundays to boost earnings—a move entirely against their faith-based principles. By maintaining autonomy, Chick-fil-A demonstrates that it’s possible to run a successful business while staying true to Biblical values. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Thats also does not mean Publicly traded companies cannot play a significant role in impacting the kingdom of God. Ethical companies, even on a larger scale, can use their resources to support charitable causes, fund missions, and promote community development.

Profit maximization, when pursued ethically, aligns with Biblical stewardship principles. While no company or market is perfect, Christian investors can still engage with Wall Street by exercising discernment and aligning their investments as closely as possible with their values. Moreover, the presence of more Christian leaders in business is crucial to transforming the corporate world into a space that reflects Christ’s teachings. Whether private or public, companies that prioritize integrity and kingdom-focused initiatives have the potential to make a profound impact.

A Personal Word of Encouragement

Faith-based investing is about more than returns—it’s an extension of your values and a way to steward God’s blessings responsibly. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your portfolio, I encourage you to prayerfully consider these options.

Be sure to bookmark this blog! I'll continue to share more posts about faith-driven investing, including practical strategies, fund reviews, and resources to help you align your financial decisions with your faith.

Disclaimer:

This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult a financial advisor or conduct your own research before making investment decisions.