Faith, Finance, and Stewardship: Aligning Wealth with Biblical Values

At Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, we believe that managing your finances is about more than just growing your wealth. It is about honoring God with the resources He has entrusted to you. Through a framework of faith-based investing, we aim to help clients align their financial decisions with their biblical values while also pursuing sound investment strategies and tax efficiency.

Biblical Foundations for Financial Stewardship

We often begin conversations with the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30. In this story, a master gives his servants varying amounts of wealth to manage while he is away. Two of the servants invest their resources and return more than they were given. The third hides what he has and simply returns it. The master’s response is clear:

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).

This passage shows that we are called to be productive and faithful with what God provides. But stewardship is not solely about multiplying wealth. As believers, our productivity must be accompanied by justice, mercy, and compassion. Jesus emphasizes this holistic stewardship in Matthew 25:35:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

In other words, faithful money management should reflect the character of God, combining diligence with compassion and righteousness.

Why Values-Based Investing Matters

Stonecrop employs a rigorous investment process using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Traditional metrics such as alpha, Sharpe ratio, and manager tenure are considered alongside the ethics and mission of the companies involved. Screening tools help us avoid companies whose practices contradict biblical principles.

For instance, companies like Altria, a major tobacco producer, are excluded from our portfolios. Though profitable, such companies often exploit vulnerable populations in unregulated markets. In places like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, studies have shown that 40% to 55% of boys aged 13 to 15 smoke, with average starting ages as low as eight. These tactics run counter to our Christian convictions about dignity, care, and protecting the vulnerable.

Do Faith-Based Portfolios Perform?

Clients sometimes ask if biblically responsible portfolios underperform. In our experience since launching Stonecrop in 2020, we have found that returns have been comparable to traditional portfolios.

A 20-year study conducted by the Biblically Responsible Investing Institute (2000–2020) found that screened portfolios had the same average annual return as the S&P 500. A second study by the Christian Investment Forum even showed higher performance in some faith-aligned portfolios.

Faith-based investing does not require sacrificing performance. Instead, it provides an opportunity to align investment growth with personal conviction.

Tax Strategy as an Extension of Stewardship

Tax planning is an often-overlooked aspect of stewardship. The Bible clearly affirms the legitimacy of paying taxes. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said,

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Romans 13:7 echoes this principle: “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

At the same time, we believe it is both wise and biblical to take advantage of legal means to reduce tax burdens. This creates more opportunity to give generously, save diligently, and provide responsibly for one’s family.

For example, we frequently assist clients with tax loss harvesting, a method of realizing capital losses to offset gains and reduce taxable income. We also help clients maximize impact through charitable gifting of appreciated assets, which avoids capital gains taxes while supporting causes that matter.

Financial Planning with Eternal Impact

At Stonecrop, our mission is to integrate financial wisdom with spiritual conviction. Whether through screening out unethical companies, strategically reducing tax liabilities, or investing in companies that embody Christian values, we help our clients pursue financial success with eternal significance.

1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that,

“God richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 

We believe stewardship includes enjoying God’s blessings responsibly while using them to serve others.

If you are ready to align your investments with your faith, connect with Stonecrop Advisors at info@stonecropadvisors.com. Let us help you build a financial plan that reflects your values and honors your calling as a steward of God's provision.