Corinne Nelson
Investing as Worship
In the realm of finance, the concept of investing is often associated with the pursuit of wealth and personal gain. However, when viewed...
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Theological Background
At Provision, these biblical mandates drive our mission. Provision aims to encourage and enable faithful and wise financial stewardship for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Redemptive Investing
Faith-Driven Investing for the
Redemptive Good
At Provision, we aim to allocate capital to endeavors that foster the common good and advance the gospel. One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by implementing our Redemptive Investing Program.
This owner/agent framework is the foundation of biblical stewardship and is a principle found in the earliest pages of Scripture. In Genesis 1, God charges all of humanity (the agent) to develop and sustain the creation in accordance with God’s (the owner) nature and character.
The Redemptive Investing Program Seeks the Following Principles
(Gen. 1:26-28, cf. Gen. 2:16, Matt. 22:35-40, cf. Lev. 19:18, Deut. 6:4-5, Matt. 28:18-20)
Provision recognizes the power and promise of capital allocation as a significant stewardship obligation under the Cultural Mandate, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission.
Capital Allocation
(Prov. 1:10-15)
Provision recognizes a moral responsibility in both Christian stewardship principles, as well as its fiduciary responsibility under UPMIFA and other applicable frameworks, for the impact of its investments. The Provision is an agent of Christ and its clients.
Dual Stewardship Mandate
Provision will employ a redemptive investing program and recognize the Avoid-Embrace-Engage framework for its investments. To the extent possible, Provision will seek first to avoid investments that cause harm to neighbors. It will seek to embrace the possibilities of human flourishing through investing. Provision can participate in the cultural mandate to develop, sustain, and redeem the creation. As stewards, when possible and prudent, Provision will engage with companies and industries to positively influence the common and redemptive good in the world through its investments.
Avoid-Embrace-Engage
(Mark 12:17)
Provision also recognizes the potential of capital allocation to advance the gospel. Christians are called to render to God what is God’s. As part of its Render Capital Initiative, Provision will seek to reach 5%, but no more than 10% of the total portfolio in investments that are strategically positioned to advance the gospel.
Render Capital Initiative
Where possible, Provision will rely on Investment Consultants and Managers that employ the Avoid-Embrace-Engage framework as part of their process and have the expertise and experience to aid Provision in implementing its principles of Redemptive Investing.
Consultants and Managers
(Matt. 5:16)
The way in which Provision conducts its business should bring honor to God.
Conducting Business
The Cultural Mandate
In Genesis 1:28, the Bible says “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Additionally, in Genesis 2:15, scripture states “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” God declared everything good. Through the fall, the creation was corrupted. However, through the work of Christ, we have now been redeemed to do good in the world.
The Great Commandment
In Matthew 22, 36-40, Jesus, when tested by the religious leaders about the law, reiterates and clarifies for the Christ follower the greatest commandment: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend on all the Law and the Prophets.”
It is the Christian’s obligation under this commandment to be active in both not harming your neighbor, as well as finding ways to provide loving service to your neighbor.
The Great Commission
The Great Commission is central to Baptist theology and emphasis. “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20)
Ultimately, Jesus calls His church to make disciples to the ends of the earth. This call is congruent with the everyday life of the believer. Christ followers should seek and find opportunities for disciple-making as part of every endeavor of their lives.
Additional Resources
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