Faith-Driven Investing: Aligning Your Portfolio With Your Values
October 24, 2025
As Christians, it makes sense to align all areas of life with our faith. That includes our use of money. And not just generosity, but all aspects of our financial lives, including the way we invest.
More than 30 years ago, the first so-called “biblically-responsible” mutual funds became available. However, the idea of biblically-responsible investing (BRI) is much older than that. In fact, some people trace its roots all the way back to the 1700s and a sermon given by John Wesley, founder of Methodism. In a message entitled, “The Use of Money,” he encouraged his listeners to build wealth through “honest industry…without hurting our neighbor in soul or body.”
Today, several BRI mutual fund companies exist such as: Timothy Plan, Guidestone Funds, Eventide, and Inspire. Their funds exclude any investments in companies they believe offer products or services that are contrary to biblical teaching or that operate in ways they believe violate biblical principles. For example, with a commitment to the sanctity of life, BRI funds avoid investing in companies that support the abortion industry. They typically also avoid cigarette manufacturers, arguing that such a product is out of sync with biblical teaching to view one’s body as a “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Not a Perfect Science
As well-intentioned as such companies are, it would be a misnomer to suggest that there’s a clear line dividing all mutual funds, with biblically responsible funds on one side and biblically irresponsible funds on the other. There is a certain amount of subjectivity involved in the process of defining “biblically responsible” and then deciding which companies meet that definition. There is even disagreement among companies that offer BRI funds.
Some Essentials
Whether you choose to invest in a BRI fund is up to you. However, at the very least, it’s important for people of faith to understand and do their best to follow biblical teaching about investing. Here are several principles to keep in mind.
1. Take the Long View
The Bible says, “Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty” (Proverbs 21:5, TLB).
That teaching runs hard against our culture, which often promotes get-rich-quick thinking and investing. We would be wise to remember, “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
The biblical wisdom to take a slow and steady approach to investing is backed by plenty of secular research. The evidence shows that those who stay the course through stock market storms do better than those who react emotionally, pulling money out of the market when things get volatile and trying to get back in at the market’s low. Of course, no one knows what the market will do next. Hence, the wisdom of a “steady plodding” approach to investing.
2. Diversify
The Bible says, “Invest in seven ventures, yes in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land” (Ecclesiastes 11:2). In other words, diversify your investments. Today, it has never been easier or less expensive to build a diversified portfolio. You can invest in a mutual fund that holds the stock of hundreds of companies for as little as $1 and with no commission.
Build Wealth for a Purpose
Investing from a biblical perspective means investing for God-honoring purposes. One such purpose is to provide for your family.
The Bible says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
While retirement, as depicted by cultural teaching, is not taught in Scripture, the fact is that most people will one day retire from their full-time paid job. In fact, many end up retiring earlier than planned due to health reasons or a change at their employer.
The biblical mandate to provide for your family applies to your entire life, whether working or not. By investing a portion of what you earn throughout your career, you should be able to build a nest egg sufficient to provide for your family in your later years when you may not have a paycheck coming in.
Think about your own investments. How well does your approach line up with these principles of taking the long view, diversifying, and building wealth for God-honoring purposes?
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Still have questions about faith-driven investing?
You’re not alone. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help clarify what it means to invest with your values in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does “faith-driven investing” mean?
A: Faith-driven investing means aligning your financial decisions — including where and how you invest — with your Christian values. It’s about honoring God with your resources and choosing investments that reflect biblical principles.
Q: How is biblically responsible investing (BRI) different from traditional investing?
A: BRI screens out companies whose practices conflict with biblical values. Instead, it seeks investments that promote integrity, stewardship, and positive impact.
Q: Do faith-based investments perform as well as traditional ones?
A: Studies show that biblically responsible investments can perform comparably to traditional funds over time. Like any investment, results vary, but a long-term, diversified approach often leads to steady growth.
Q: How can I find out if my current investments align with my faith?
A: Start by reviewing the holdings in your portfolio and researching whether any BRI-screened funds fit your goals. Several companies — such as Timothy Plan, Guidestone, and Eventide — provide transparency about what they include or exclude.
Q: Can I build a diversified portfolio while investing biblically?
A: Yes. Many BRI mutual funds and ETFs offer wide diversification across industries while maintaining biblical screening standards, making it easier to invest according to your faith without sacrificing balance.
Matt Bell is the author of Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management. He speaks at churches and conferences throughout the country and writes the MattAboutMoney blog.
This article should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. You may wish to consult a tax or financial advisor about your individual financial situation.
