Biblically Responsible Investing - BRI
What is Biblically Responsible Investing?
Oz Investing Services defines BRI as investing in companies aligned with Biblical values and not generating revenue from activities or practices inconsistent with Biblical guidance, values, or motivations.
Related considers how investment expenses and advisory fees are distributed and used beyond compensating personnel and shareholders. How is the Kingdom agenda being advanced? What ministries or causes are being supported? Is Jesus at the center of activity and is his gospel message being proclaimed?
When He (Jesus) had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” -Mark 8:34-38
Our Investment Philosophy
OIS believes better investment outcomes are possible when combining biblical wisdom, secular best practice experience, and targeted outcomes. Investing with intentionality, awareness of Biblical and financial principles, and a fiduciary perspective expands the potential universe of outcomes. This philosophy empowers investors to align investing with their faith-driven values and worldview while expanding the types of desired impacts possible beyond conventional measures only.
How Investment Portfolios are Constructed and Managed Makes a Difference. At OIS Our Faith-Based Portfolios are Created and Managed in Six Steps.
1. Understand the Client’s Vision
- Collaborate to affirm financial aspirations and priorities.
- Identify short-term and long-term life goals.
- Establish a clear risk-return profile rooted in family dynamics, feelings on the market, and faith-driven values.
- Ensure alignment with Biblical principles, stewardship goals, and investment objectives.
- Ephesians 1:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 14:28-30
2. Analyze the Economic Landscape
- Study macroeconomic indicators (e.g., GDP, inflation, interest rates).
- Assess geopolitical risks and their potential impact.
- Identify patterns, emerging trends, and sectors that do not conflict with Biblical values.
- Avoid companies, industries, and sectors that conflict with faith-based principles (e.g., gambling, pornography, or abortion-related businesses).
- Leviticus 25:14, Genesis 46:32, Exekiel 27
3. Develop a Foundational Strategy that Can Be Personalized if Desired
- Establish strategic asset allocation targets for each strategy.
- Tactically tilt asset allocation targets for strategies needing personalization to reflect unique investor needs and specific faith-driven priorities.
- Incorporate active and passive investment strategies that do not conflict with Biblical principles or faith-driven values.
- Plan for contingencies and market volatility while trusting in God’s provision.
- Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, Leviticus 25:5, John 15:2
4. Select High-Quality, Biblically Responsible Investments
- Focus on investments that align with Biblical principles and values.
- Screen for companies that meet quantitative and qualitative benchmarks that also reflect ethical practices, family values, and positive social impact.
- Exclude investments in companies or industries that conflict with Biblical values or that are inconsistent with a Biblical worldview (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, or companies involved in unethical practices).
- Prioritize investments that support faith-driven initiatives and Kingdom impact.
- Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 16:11, John 15:4
5. Build and Implement the Portfolio
- Construct a well-diversified portfolio with a mix of core and satellite investments that do not conflict with Biblical values.
- Use advanced tools to optimize for risk-adjusted returns while maintaining alignment with faith-based values.
- Execute trades efficiently to minimize costs and maximize Kingdom impact.
- Psalm 107:37, Ezekiel 17:1-10, 2 Corinthians 9:5-11
6. Monitor, Adapt and Communicate
- Continuously monitor performance and market conditions to ensure alignment with Biblical principles and financial metrics.
- Proactively adjust the portfolio to seize opportunities or mitigate risks while staying true to faith-driven values and bedrock investing principles.
- Communicate regularly with clients to ensure their portfolio reflects their values and personal situation.
- Genesis 26:22, Hosea 14:8, Psalms 19:14
OIS through its affiliation with Inspire Advisors provides a robust, broad, and customizable selection of ways to invest in a Biblically responsible manner, not limited to, but including individual managed portfolio options.
OIS can work with you and meet your needs, whether as your only financial advisor, financial quarterback, or investment specialist building a specific portfolio sleave or supporting a larger overall investment strategy.
OIS can also work with most private and public sector employer-sponsored retirement plans to support client investment objectives and coordination of investment advice at a total household level not just individual accounts.