When Faith Is Guiding Your Investments
Faith-based investing has become popular in recent years as more investors seek out investment strategies and products that reflect what’s important to them. Of course, we, as Christians, are no different. Since our faith guides how we live, it should also guide how we invest.
What is Faith-based investing?
It’s a strategy that deploys God-given resources in the capital markets in a way that honors Him and furthers His Kingdom. Simply stated your investment dollars go toward products, services, and industries aligning with biblical values while pursuing competitive performance.
Faith-based investment strategies integrate Christian values with fundamental investment analysis. These strategies allow Christian investors to be more proactive with their wealth, making a transformative difference in the world while preparing for their financial futures.
Three imperatives drive Faith-based investing
1. Screen for Incompatibility
The first step is to screen for potential investment opportunities inconsistent with biblical values.
2. Advocate for Change
Faith-based investing is more than just screening investments. Shareholders have the right to make their voices heard in matters of company policy. Proxy voting enables shareholders to express their opinions and cast their votes when they cannot attend corporate meetings in person.
Faith-based investing allows Christians to pursue even more active engagement with companies, guiding them toward outcomes that advance God’s Kingdom.
3. Invest for Impact
Christian Values Screening and corporate engagement are important aspects of any faith-based investing program, but we believe investors can go further through impact investing.
Impact investing allocates investments to companies striving to make a positive difference in the world through their products or services. It allows Christians to use our money to prepare for our financial futures while investing in endeavors that promote real change in the world for God’s glory and the benefit of those He created.
Make a Difference with Your Personal Investments
Now that we’ve defined faith-based investing, it’s important for you as an investor to know how you can participate and align your own faith and finances.
Ric Bender Financial Ministry can help you intentionally connect your faith with your investment decisions to make a lasting impact in the world for the Kingdom of God.
