Biblically Responsible Investing: Aligning Your Portfolio with Christian Values

When it comes to managing your finances, aligning your investments with your Christian values is about more than just growing your wealth—it’s about honoring God in every decision you make. If you’re seeking guidance, Christian financial advisors in Lancaster, PA, like Coram Deo Advisors, can help you take a faith-driven approach to investing.

In this blog, we’ll explore biblically responsible investing (BRI), why it matters, and how you can get started aligning your portfolio with your beliefs.

What is Biblically Responsible Investing?

Biblically responsible investing, or BRI, is a way to manage your money that reflects your faith. It involves making investment choices that honor God’s teachings and avoid supporting industries or companies that conflict with biblical principles.

Key Principles of BRI:

  • Avoid industries or corporate agendas that promote gambling, alcohol, pornography, abortion services, LGBTQ legislation and/or activism, and exploitation of employees.
  • Invest in businesses that promote positive values, such as education, healthcare, business ethics, customer welfare, and ethical labor practices.
  • Support organizations that prioritize ethical practices and community impact.

Scriptural Basis:

The Bible encourages us to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Consider these verses:

  • “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
  • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Why Biblically Responsible Investing Matters

Investing biblically isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a spiritual one. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Align Your Faith with Your Finances

Your investment portfolio should reflect your core values. BRI allows you to support businesses and initiatives that align with your faith.

2. Promote Ethical Practices

By investing responsibly, you can encourage businesses to prioritize ethics and social responsibility.

3. Achieve Long-Term Success

Studies (source) show that ethical investments can perform as well as—or even better than—traditional investments over the long term.

How Christian Financial Advisors in Lancaster, PA Can Help

Navigating the world of BRI can feel overwhelming, but trusted professionals like Coram Deo Advisors can help you through every step.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Local Expertise: We understand Lancaster’s unique economic and cultural landscape.
  • Faith-Based Approach: We integrate Christian principles into every aspect of financial planning and investment management.
  • Personalized Service: We offer tailored advice based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Our Services Include:

  • Retirement planning that supports your values.
  • Investment strategies aligned with biblical stewardship.
  • Charitable giving advice to maximize your impact.

Steps to Start Biblically Responsible Investing

If you’re ready to align your portfolio with your faith, here’s how to get started:

1. Assess Your Current Portfolio

  • Review your investments to identify areas that conflict with your values.
  • Screening tools like the Inspire Insight platform can be used to evaluate companies.

2. Partner with a Christian Financial Advisor

  • Work with a trusted advisor like Coram Deo Advisors to create a plan.
  • We can help you identify ethical investment opportunities that fit your needs.

3. Monitor and Adjust Regularly

  • Stay proactive by reviewing your portfolio’s performance and alignment with your values.
  • Make it a priority to communicate regularly and proactively with your advisor, ensuring you’re aligned on goals, strategies, and any adjustments needed to stay on track.

FAQ

Christian financial advisors in Lancaster, PA, provide a range of services, including:

  • Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI): Crafting investment portfolios that align with Christian values by avoiding gambling, tobacco, and other industries.
  • Faith-Based Financial Planning: Developing comprehensive financial plans that reflect your faith and personal goals.
  • Retirement Planning: Assisting in preparing for a secure retirement in line with biblical stewardship principles.
  • Estate Planning: Helping create plans to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and faith-based values.
  • Charitable Giving Strategies: Advising on effective ways to support charitable causes that resonate with your beliefs.

Christian financial advisors utilize several strategies to ensure your investments align with your faith:

  • Screening Investments: They avoid companies involved in activities contrary to Christian ethics, such as alcohol, pornography, and abortion services.
  • Positive Impact Investing: They research companies that promote positive values.
  • Continuous Monitoring: They regularly review your portfolio to maintain alignment with your values and financial goals.

Opting for a local Christian financial advisor in Lancaster, PA, offers several benefits:

  • Community Understanding: Local advisors are familiar with the economic and cultural landscape of Lancaster.
  • Accessibility: Proximity allows for more convenient in-person meetings.
  • Shared Values: A local Christian advisor is more likely to understand your faith-based values.

Yes, biblically responsible investing (BRI) can offer competitive returns. Ethical investments have shown strong long-term performance while aligning with Christian values.

  1. Research: Look for advisors specializing in faith-based financial planning.
  2. Consultation: Schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and values.
  3. Planning: Build a personalized financial plan aligned with your Christian beliefs.

Why Choose Coram Deo Advisors?

At Coram Deo Advisors, our mission is to help you honor God through wise financial stewardship. We specialize in assisting clients across Lancaster, PA, to achieve their goals while staying true to their faith.

Ready to Align Your Investments with Your Faith?

Taking the first step toward biblically responsible investing is easier than you think. Coram Deo Advisors is here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Let’s work together to align your finances with your Christian values. Contact us at Coram Deo Advisors to get started.

About the Author

Dave Over is the founder and senior financial advisor at Coram Deo Advisors, bringing over 25 years of experience in comprehensive financial planning and wealth management to families, businesses, and ministries throughout Lancaster County, PA. As a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) and Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, Dave specializes in integrating Biblical principles with sophisticated financial strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals while honoring their faith and values.

Coram Deo Advisors was established in March 2023 under his leadership and has since maintained a position among the top 20 advisors within Silver Oak Securities. This achievement reflects both investment excellence and exceptional client service.

Dave’s passion lies in helping clients see their financial resources as tools for Kingdom impact. He has guided hundreds of families through retirement planning, estate strategies, and charitable giving arrangements that reflect their deepest values. His expertise in planned giving via appreciated assets has helped clients contribute millions of dollars to ministries and nonprofits while optimizing their tax situations.

When not serving clients, Dave volunteers as an usher at Calvary Church in Lancaster, PA, and is President of the Manheim Township MAT club. He and his wife have three children and are active members of the Lancaster community, supporting various local ministries and educational initiatives.