As global markets reel from inflationary pressure and socio-political instability, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the investment sector — one powered not by algorithms or AI, but by biblical conviction. Across the United States, faith-based investment firms are drawing growing interest from a new generation of Christians who want to ensure their money not only grows but glorifies.
From legacy players like Praxis Mutual Funds and Eventide Asset Management to newer ventures such as Guidestone and Inspire Investing, a thriving Christian investment ecosystem is reshaping how faith-driven individuals think about money.
“We’ve seen more interest in the last five years than in the previous two decades,” said Robert Netzly, CEO of Inspire Investing, a Biblically Responsible Investment (BRI) firm managing over $2 billion in assets. “Believers are realising that their portfolios can be instruments of worship and witness.”
For decades, investment firms have offered so-called ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) funds, but critics argue that these frameworks still fall short of reflecting the moral values of many Christians. “It’s not just about avoiding companies that profit from abortion or pornography,” said Benjamin Page, a senior analyst at Eventide. “It’s also about actively supporting businesses that reflect the dignity of human life, stewardship of the environment, and justice in the workplace.”
Eventide, for example, has developed a rigorous screening matrix rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics. The firm recently divested from a major multinational for what it described as “persistent disregard” for religious freedom policies in developing countries. The move attracted headlines — and more investors seeking “kingdom-first” alignment.
While BRI strategies once existed on the fringes of finance, they’re now commanding attention on Wall Street. According to the Faith-Based Investing Report 2024 by Capstone Research, Christian-based funds in the U.S. crossed the $60 billion mark in total assets, with projections nearing $80 billion by 2026. Younger investors are a surprising part of the uptick: Millennials and Gen Z Christians — many raised amid economic precarity — are proving deeply concerned with ethical financial ecosystems.
“It’s no longer just about ‘Is this profitable?’” said Danielle Foster, an economics professor at Wheaton College. “The question has become, ‘Does this profit honour God?’”
Beyond Avoidance: Investing for Redemption
Traditionally, Christian investment models focused on “negative screening” — avoiding alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and abortion-related industries. But a second wave of BRI prioritizes “positive impact,” with funds pouring into areas like clean water, affordable housing, faith-based healthcare, and tech companies with robust religious freedom policies.
Guidestone Financial Resources, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, is one of the oldest players in this field and manages over $22 billion in assets. In recent years, it has expanded its reach into microfinancing networks and vocational training start-ups in the Global South, helping believers reinvest in communities most in need.
Still, the movement is not without critique. Some question whether Christian investing can truly avoid complicity in systemic injustices, given the complexities of modern supply chains and equity markets. Others warn of idolizing profit within Christian circles.
“There’s a real tension,” said Rev. Melvin Glover, an ethicist and financial accountability advocate. “Are we shaping capital to serve the Kingdom, or are we sanctifying capitalism with Bible verses?”
To address such concerns, some firms now provide transparent quarterly impact reports, detailing how investments align with biblical ethics and disclosing any gray areas. Inspire Investing, for instance, uses proprietary screening software to monitor its portfolios for what it calls “values violations.”
The Church and Wealth Stewardship
More pastors and churches are taking interest. Several denominations now host “Faith & Finance” weekends to educate members about ethical investing. Some churches are even beginning to shift portions of their endowments into BRI-aligned portfolios.
“It’s discipleship through dollars,” said Pastor Elijah Warren of Grace City Church in Atlanta. “Our tithes shape what happens inside the church. But our investments shape the culture outside.”
As global volatility continues to test conventional financial wisdom, many Christians are finding stability not only in the markets but in the ancient wisdom of Proverbs: “Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
In this recalibration of financial ethics, faith and finance may no longer be strange bedfellows — but spiritual partners.
