The Faithful Futures Plan, from KFM



Why churches should consider partnering with Kingdom Financial Ministries to replace their non-Biblically Responsible 403(b) plans?

Churches managing 403(b) retirement plans for their staff often unknowingly invest in companies profiting from activities like abortion, gambling, or pornography—sectors at odds with their core beliefs. Kingdom Financial Ministries' Faithful Futures Program steps in as a game-changer, offering expertise in Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) to transform these misaligned plans. They replace a non-BRI 403(b) with one that screens out objectionable industries and channels funds into companies reflecting Christian values, all while striving for strong financial performance. This shift ensures every dollar saved for retirement honors God, giving pastors and employees confidence their investments match their faith. With a proven track record in faith-driven financial solutions, Kingdom Financial Ministries can seamlessly customize and execute this overhaul, blending principle with practicality.

A 403(b) plan, commonly offered to employees of nonprofit organizations, public schools, and certain religious institutions, is a retirement savings vehicle designed to help participants build wealth for the future. Incorporating a money manager that adheres to Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) principles can align the plan with the values of participants who prioritize faith-based stewardship. Here’s why this approach might be appealing:

First, BRI ensures that investments reflect biblical values by screening out companies involved in activities such as abortion, pornography, gambling, or other practices that conflict with Christian teachings. For employees of faith-driven organizations—like churches, Christian schools, or ministries—this alignment can provide peace of mind, knowing their retirement savings aren’t supporting industries they view as morally objectionable. Instead, their funds can support companies that promote positive societal impact, such as those focused on ethical business practices or community well-being.

Second, using a BRI-focused money manager can resonate with the mission of the organizations offering 403(b) plans. Nonprofits and religious institutions often have a purpose rooted in faith or ethical service. A retirement plan that mirrors these principles reinforces organizational integrity and consistency, potentially increasing employee trust and participation. For example, a church offering a 403(b) plan might see it as an extension of its commitment to biblical stewardship, ensuring that even financial decisions honor its core beliefs.

Third, BRI doesn’t necessarily sacrifice financial performance. While early BRI funds were sometimes criticized for high fees or limited options, recent studies suggest that faith-based, screened portfolios can perform competitively with unscreened ones over time. This means participants can pursue both their spiritual and financial goals without compromising returns—crucial for a retirement plan aiming to provide long-term security.

Finally, for participants who see money as a tool for God’s work, BRI offers a way to steward resources responsibly. By directing funds toward companies that align with biblical principles, they can feel their investments contribute to a greater purpose, rather than just personal gain. This can be especially motivating for employees in mission-driven roles, enhancing the plan’s appeal.

That said, not everyone may agree. Some might argue that focusing on BRI could limit investment diversification or impose subjective criteria that don’t suit all participants. Others might prioritize maximizing returns over ethical considerations, especially in a retirement context where financial security is paramount. Ultimately, whether a 403(b) plan should use a BRI money manager depends on the values and priorities of the organization and its employees. For those who see faith as integral to all aspects of life—including finances—it’s a compelling option.

When considering why a church might choose Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) over other approaches like ESG, and specifically why they might partner with a group like Kingdom Financial Ministries to manage a 403(b) plan, several scriptures can provide a foundation. These verses emphasize stewardship, moral purity, and aligning resources with God’s principles—key ideas behind BRI. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Stewardship and Faithfulness with Resources:

• Luke 16:10-11: (NIV): “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”

2. Avoiding Partnership with Evil:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NIV): “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

3. Purity in Actions and Associations:

• Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”



4. Using Wealth for God’s Glory:

• Matthew 6:24 (NIV): “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

This underscores the need to prioritize God over profit. While ESG might chase secular trends, BRI ensures money serves kingdom purposes, not just financial gain—a principle Kingdom Financial Ministries could apply to your church’s retirement plan.

5. Holiness in All Conduct:

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV): “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

All you do” includes financial decisions. A 403(b) plan that’s not BRI compliant might indirectly fund unholy practices, while the BRI approach reflects a commitment to holiness, aligning every aspect of church life with God’s character. These scriptures don’t directly mention investing as the world would see it, (obviously the Bible predates modern markets), but they provide Biblical principles such as: be faithful stewards, avoid evil associations, pursue purity, prioritize God over wealth, and live holy lives. Your employee's retirement plan should have the same values as your church does!

BRI, as implemented by the Faithful Futures Plan with Kingdom Financial Ministries, by design applies these principles by screening out investments that conflict with Biblical values and seeking investments that support them.

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