You’ve read about what Christian investing is, explored the benefits, understood the risks, and seen the myths debunked. Now comes the most important step: actually doing it. This guide walks you through the practical process of aligning your investments with your faith—from your very first decision to building a complete faith-based portfolio. No advanced financial knowledge required, no massive portfolio necessary, no perfect understanding demanded. Just the willingness to start.
The biggest barrier to Christian investing isn’t complexity, cost, or lack of options—it’s inaction. Many believers spend months or years researching faith-based investing without ever making a single change to their portfolio. Meanwhile, their money continues funding companies and industries they find morally objectionable. Every day of delay is a day your investments work against your convictions rather than for them.
This guide is designed to eliminate excuses and remove obstacles. Whether you’re a complete investing beginner or an experienced investor transitioning to a faith-based approach, the steps below will help you start today—not next month, not after more research, but today. Faithful stewardship begins with faithful action.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22 (NIV)
Step 1: Define Your Convictions and Values
Before you choose a single fund or open any account, take time to clarify what matters to you. Christian investing is fundamentally about aligning your portfolio with your biblical convictions—but those convictions vary among believers, and you need to know yours before you can act on them.
Start with the areas where most Christians agree. The vast majority of faith-based investors want to avoid profiting from pornography, exploitative gambling, abortion providers, and tobacco. These represent the core negative screens that virtually all Christian investment funds apply. If your convictions align with these basics, you already have enough clarity to start.
Then consider the areas where you may have specific convictions. How do you feel about alcohol companies? Defense contractors? Companies with poor environmental practices? Businesses that fund social advocacy campaigns you disagree with? There are no universally “right” answers to these questions—they depend on your own prayerful study of Scripture and the convictions that study produces.
Write down your top priorities. You don’t need a comprehensive 50-point screening document. A simple list of three to five categories you most want to avoid, and perhaps three to five qualities you most want to support, provides enough direction to choose appropriate investment funds. You can always refine your criteria as your understanding deepens.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
For detailed guidance on screening approaches, explore our guide to Christian investment screening.
Step 2: Take Stock of Where You Are
Before making changes, understand your current financial position. Gather information about every investment account you have—401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, brokerage accounts, college savings plans, and any other investment vehicles. For each account, note the current balance and what funds or securities it holds, the account type and any restrictions on investment options, whether the account is employer-sponsored or individually owned, and what fees you’re currently paying.
This inventory serves two purposes. First, it reveals where your money is actually going right now. Many Christians are surprised to discover what their conventional mutual funds hold when they examine the underlying positions. Second, it helps you prioritize which accounts to transition first. Individually owned accounts (IRAs, brokerage accounts) are typically the easiest to transition because you have full control over investment selection.
Don’t let this step become a delay tactic. You don’t need perfect information about every account before taking action. If you know you have a Roth IRA at Fidelity with $15,000 in an S&P 500 index fund, that’s enough information to start the transition process for that account. You can inventory and address other accounts later.
For tools to evaluate your current holdings, visit our guide to Christian investing tools and resources.
Step 3: Choose Your Starting Point
Most financial advice tells you to create a comprehensive plan before taking any action. That’s good advice in general, but for Christian investing, perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Instead, choose the single easiest account to transition and start there.
For most people, the easiest starting point is a Roth IRA or traditional IRA that you control directly. These accounts allow you to choose any investment available through your brokerage, including faith-based ETFs and mutual funds. If you don’t have an IRA, opening one takes minutes at most online brokerages—Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard all offer Roth and traditional IRAs with no minimum balance requirements.
If your primary investment account is an employer 401(k), check whether it offers a self-directed brokerage window. Many 401(k) plans include this option, which allows you to invest in securities beyond the plan’s standard fund menu—including faith-based ETFs. If your 401(k) doesn’t offer this option, start with an IRA while you explore whether your employer would consider adding faith-based fund options to the plan.
For investors who are just beginning to invest entirely, the starting point is even simpler: open a brokerage account or Roth IRA, deposit whatever amount you can—even $50 or $100—and purchase shares of a faith-based ETF. You’re immediately investing according to your values, and you can build from there with regular contributions over time.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10 (NIV)
Step 4: Select Your First Faith-Based Investments
This is where many people get stuck—the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to simplify the decision. For most beginning Christian investors, a single broad-market faith-based ETF provides an excellent starting point. These funds offer diversified exposure to hundreds of companies that have been screened according to biblical criteria, all in one convenient, low-cost package.
Several well-established options serve as strong core holdings. Inspire’s large-cap ETF (ticker: BIBL) tracks a biblically screened index of large U.S. companies. Timothy Plan offers a range of ETFs covering different market segments with consistent faith-based screening. Eventide’s funds take an active management approach, seeking companies that create “compelling value for the common good.” GuideStone provides diversified faith-based options designed primarily for retirement accounts. Ave Maria funds apply Catholic values screening across multiple fund types.
When choosing your first fund, consider these factors. First, does the fund’s screening methodology align with your convictions from Step 1? Read the fund’s prospectus or screening criteria document—not just the marketing materials. Second, what’s the expense ratio? Lower is better, though faith-based funds will typically cost somewhat more than plain vanilla index funds. Look for expense ratios below 0.50% for ETFs. Third, how large is the fund and how long has it been operating? Larger, more established funds typically offer better liquidity and longer track records for performance evaluation.
Don’t overthink this decision. You’re not choosing a fund for life. You’re choosing a starting point that can be adjusted, supplemented, or replaced as your knowledge grows and your strategy evolves. The most important thing is to start—not to start perfectly.
Compare specific fund options in our detailed reviews of Inspire, Timothy Plan, Eventide, and Ave Maria, or see our comprehensive platform comparison.
Step 5: Execute the Transition
With your account identified and your fund selected, it’s time to make the actual change. The mechanical process is straightforward, though the specifics vary depending on your account type and brokerage.
For an existing IRA or brokerage account, the process is typically: log into your account, sell your current holdings, and use the proceeds to purchase your chosen faith-based fund. Most brokerages allow you to place these trades online in minutes. If you’re selling at a gain in a taxable brokerage account, be aware of the capital gains tax implications—but don’t let tax considerations prevent you from acting. The long-term benefit of values alignment typically outweighs the one-time tax cost of transitioning.
For a new account, simply open the account (most brokerages allow same-day account opening online), fund it via bank transfer, and purchase your chosen faith-based fund. Many brokerages also allow you to set up automatic recurring purchases—say, $200 per month invested automatically into your chosen BRI fund—which builds your portfolio consistently over time without requiring repeated manual action.
For a 401(k) rollover from a previous employer, contact your current brokerage or open a new IRA, request a direct rollover from your old 401(k) plan, and invest the rolled-over funds in your chosen faith-based options. Direct rollovers avoid tax consequences entirely.
If you’re transitioning a large portfolio, consider doing it in stages rather than all at once. Move 25-50% of your holdings to faith-based funds immediately, then transition the remainder over the next one to three months. This approach reduces the anxiety of making one large change while still creating immediate momentum toward values alignment.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Step 6: Build a Complete Faith-Based Portfolio
Once you’ve made your first faith-based investment, you can begin building a more comprehensive portfolio over time. A well-constructed faith-based portfolio, like any good portfolio, includes diversification across asset classes, market capitalizations, and geographies.
A simple but effective faith-based portfolio for most investors might include a large-cap U.S. equity fund screened for biblical values as the core holding (representing perhaps 40-50% of the portfolio), a small/mid-cap faith-based fund for additional domestic equity exposure (10-20%), an international equity fund with faith-based screening (15-25%), and a faith-based bond fund for fixed income stability (15-30%, increasing as you approach retirement).
The exact allocation depends on your age, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Younger investors with decades until retirement can allocate more heavily to equities, while those nearing retirement should increase their bond allocation for stability. The principles of asset allocation are the same for faith-based portfolios as for conventional ones—the only difference is that each component is screened according to biblical criteria.
If faith-based options aren’t available in every asset class you need—international small-cap, for instance, has fewer faith-based options—you have several choices. You can use a conventional fund for that slice and apply faith-based screening to the rest of your portfolio. You can use a broadly diversified faith-based fund that includes international exposure. Or you can work with a Christian financial advisor who can build a custom solution through individual stock selection or direct indexing.
For detailed guidance on portfolio construction, see our guide to building a BRI portfolio.
Step 7: Set Up Systematic Contributions
Consistent investing over time—often called dollar-cost averaging—is one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies available. It’s also one of the simplest. Set up automatic monthly transfers from your bank account to your investment account, with automatic purchases of your chosen faith-based funds. Then let time and compound growth do their work.
The amount matters less than the consistency. Investing $200 per month faithfully for 30 years at an 8% average annual return produces approximately $300,000. Investing $500 per month under the same conditions produces approximately $745,000. Even $50 per month—an amount accessible to most working adults—grows to approximately $75,000 over 30 years. The key is starting now and staying consistent.
Automate everything you can. Automatic transfers, automatic investments, and automatic rebalancing (if your platform offers it) remove the friction that causes many investors to invest inconsistently. The less you have to think about the mechanics, the more consistently you’ll invest—and consistency is what builds wealth over time.
As your income grows, increase your contributions. A good practice is to direct at least half of every raise toward increased investing. This “lifestyle creep prevention” accelerates your wealth building while still allowing you to enjoy some benefit from increased earnings.
“Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5 (TLB)
Step 8: Consider Professional Guidance
While you can absolutely start Christian investing on your own—and many believers do—professional guidance can be valuable, especially as your portfolio grows and your financial situation becomes more complex. A Christian financial advisor who understands both biblical stewardship principles and modern portfolio management can help you construct an optimized faith-based portfolio tailored to your specific situation.
The gold standard for Christian financial professionals is the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designation, offered through Kingdom Advisors. CKAs have completed specialized training in biblical financial principles and committed to integrating faith into their advisory practice. With approximately 3,100 CKAs across the country, finding one in your area is usually possible.
When evaluating a Christian financial advisor, ask several key questions. How do they integrate biblical principles into their investment recommendations? What faith-based fund families do they typically use, and why? How do they handle areas of theological disagreement on screening criteria? What is their fee structure—fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based? (Fee-only advisors, who charge a flat fee or percentage of assets rather than earning commissions on product sales, typically have fewer conflicts of interest.)
You don’t need a financial advisor to get started—the steps in this guide are sufficient for most beginners. But as your wealth grows, your tax situation becomes more complex, or you need help integrating investing with estate planning, charitable giving, and retirement strategy, professional guidance becomes increasingly valuable. A good Christian financial advisor pays for themselves many times over through better portfolio construction, tax efficiency, and behavioral coaching during market downturns.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)
Find a qualified advisor through our guide to finding a Christian financial advisor.
Step 9: Integrate Investing with Comprehensive Stewardship
Christian investing is one component of biblical financial stewardship—but it’s not the only one. As you build your faith-based portfolio, make sure it fits within a comprehensive approach to managing God’s resources. A beautifully values-aligned investment portfolio means little if you’re drowning in consumer debt, neglecting generous giving, or failing to save for basic needs.
A complete biblical stewardship plan includes generous giving—tithing and beyond—as the foundation of financial faithfulness. It includes wise budgeting that ensures you live within your means and direct resources intentionally. It includes debt management, with a plan to eliminate high-interest consumer debt as quickly as possible. It includes adequate emergency reserves—typically three to six months of expenses in accessible savings. And it includes faithful investing, aligned with biblical values, for long-term goals like retirement and education.
These elements work together. Emergency reserves protect you from needing to sell investments during downturns. Debt elimination frees up cash flow for increased investing. Generous giving keeps your relationship with money properly oriented toward stewardship rather than accumulation. Wise budgeting ensures every dollar serves a purposeful role in your overall financial plan.
Don’t wait until every other financial area is perfect before starting to invest. But do address the fundamentals in parallel. If you’re carrying high-interest credit card debt, it usually makes financial sense to aggressively pay that down while investing at least enough to capture any employer 401(k) match. If you have no emergency fund, build one while also making regular investment contributions. Progress on all fronts simultaneously—perfection in none as a prerequisite for action in any.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
For a holistic approach, explore our guides to Christian budgeting, tithing and giving, and biblical approaches to debt.
Step 10: Monitor, Learn, and Grow
Faith-based investing isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing journey of faithful stewardship. Once your initial portfolio is established, commit to regular review and continuous learning.
Review your portfolio at least annually. Check that your asset allocation still matches your goals and risk tolerance. Verify that your chosen funds are continuing to screen effectively—look at their latest annual reports and any changes to their screening methodology. Rebalance if any asset class has drifted significantly from your target allocation. Most importantly, ask yourself whether your portfolio still reflects your current convictions, which may have evolved since you first started.
Continue educating yourself. Read books on Christian investing and biblical financial stewardship. Listen to podcasts that explore the intersection of faith and finance. Attend conferences like those offered by Kingdom Advisors or Faith Driven Investor. Engage with your church community about financial stewardship. The more you learn, the more effectively you can steward the resources God has entrusted to you.
Stay engaged with the companies you own. Read shareholder engagement reports from your fund managers. If you own individual stocks, consider voting your proxies according to biblical principles. Participate in shareholder advocacy opportunities when they arise. Christian investing isn’t just about where you put your money—it’s about using your position as an owner to advocate for corporate practices that honor God.
As your portfolio grows and your knowledge deepens, consider expanding your approach. You might add impact investments that directly fund community development. You might move from fund-based investing to a separately managed account with more customized screening. You might begin working with a Christian financial advisor to optimize your tax strategy and estate plan. Each step represents growth in your stewardship journey.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
For ongoing education, explore our guides to Christian investing books and Christian investing podcasts.
Common Questions from New Christian Investors
What if I can only invest a small amount? Start with what you have. Faith-based ETFs can be purchased for the price of a single share—often $25-50—and many brokerages offer fractional shares for even less. The amount doesn’t matter nearly as much as the act of starting. God honors faithfulness with small amounts just as He does with large ones.
Should I sell everything in my conventional portfolio at once? Not necessarily. A phased transition—moving 25-50% initially and the rest over one to three months—can reduce anxiety and spread out any tax implications in taxable accounts. But don’t use phased transitions as an excuse for indefinite delay. Set specific dates for each transition phase and stick to them.
What about my employer 401(k) that doesn’t offer faith-based options? First, maximize accounts you do control (IRA, Roth IRA, brokerage accounts) with faith-based investments. Second, check if your 401(k) offers a self-directed brokerage window. Third, ask your employer or plan administrator about adding faith-based fund options. Fourth, when you eventually leave that employer, roll the 401(k) into an IRA where you have full fund selection freedom. See our detailed guide to Christian 401(k) options.
How do I know if a fund is genuinely faith-based? Look for published screening criteria, transparent methodology, regular portfolio reviews, and a track record of consistent values-based screening. Established fund families like Timothy Plan, Inspire, Eventide, GuideStone, and Ave Maria have decades of demonstrated commitment. Be cautious of funds that market their Christian identity prominently but provide little detail about their actual screening process.
Can I do this without a financial advisor? Absolutely. The steps in this guide are designed for self-directed investors. A single faith-based ETF in a Roth IRA provides an excellent starting point that requires no professional guidance. As your portfolio grows and your needs become more complex, consider adding professional guidance—but don’t let the absence of an advisor prevent you from starting today.
Your Action Plan: Start Today
Knowledge without action is just information. Here’s what to do right now—today—to begin your Christian investing journey.
If you have 15 minutes: Open a brokerage account or Roth IRA at your preferred brokerage (Fidelity, Schwab, and others allow same-day online account opening). Fund it with whatever amount you can—$50, $100, $500—and purchase shares of a faith-based ETF like BIBL (Inspire 100 ETF). You’re now a Christian investor.
If you have 30 minutes: Do the above, plus inventory your existing investment accounts. Note which ones you control directly and which are employer-sponsored. Identify your next account to transition and research whether faith-based options are available within it.
If you have an hour: Do all of the above, plus research two or three faith-based fund families using the reviews and comparisons on this site. Compare screening criteria against your convictions from Step 1. Set up automatic monthly contributions to your new faith-based account.
If you have a weekend: Do everything above, plus begin transitioning your existing IRA or brokerage account holdings to faith-based alternatives. Research Christian financial advisors in your area if you’d like professional guidance. Read one of the recommended books on Christian investing. Share what you’re learning with your spouse, small group, or trusted friend.
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
The path to faithful investing is clearer and more accessible than ever before. The tools are available. The funds exist. The data confirms competitive returns. The only missing ingredient is your decision to act. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, perfect knowledge, or perfect confidence. Start where you are, with what you have, and trust God with the results. Faithful stewardship begins with a single step—and today is the day to take it.
Continue building your stewardship knowledge with our complete guide to what Christian investing is, or explore our tools and resources to support your journey.