Faith-based investing has expanded dramatically in recent decades. What began as a niche concept—often misunderstood or difficult to implement—has grown into a global movement driven by conviction, transparency, and a renewed understanding of stewardship. Today, new tools are opening fresh doors for Christians who want their investing to reflect biblical values.

Among the most discussed innovations are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer investors greater flexibility and access. To explore the growing opportunity, we spoke with Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan and a long-time pioneer in Faith-Based Investing.

From Idea to Movement: The Story Behind Timothy Plan

Before ETFs and portfolio screens were commonplace, Timothy Plan helped shape the language and frameworks believers use today to think about investing.

“Back in the early 90s, Timothy Plan was really just an idea,” Mumbert recalls. “In 1994, that idea became a mutual fund aimed to serve non-denominational pastors. Our very first slogan asked, ‘How much is okay to invest in abortion or pornography?’ And the answer is simple—none.”

The motivation wasn’t merely strategic—it was theological. It pushed Christians to wrestle with a deeper question: If God owns it all, how would He want us to invest what He has entrusted to us?

Over time, what began as a single fund evolved into a broader conversation about alignment between faith, stewardship, and financial markets. Three decades later, Mumbert describes Faith-Based Investing not merely as a strategy, but as a movement—one that begins “with the heart” and calls believers to steward God’s resources rather than treat them as their own.

What’s Driving the Momentum Today?

While conviction hasn’t changed, the landscape around investing has. Mumbert points to one factor in particular: information.

“When we started, it was incredibly hard to access meaningful information about companies—what they owned, where they profited, or whether their business practices aligned with biblical values,” he explains. Today, the opposite is true. Digital media, public disclosures, and social platforms constantly reveal what companies support and how they operate.

That transparency has awakened discernment. Investors are asking new questions: What am I participating in? What am I profiting from? Is there a better alternative?

With more options now available—across asset classes and risk profiles—momentum continues to build.

ETFs Explained: Why They’re Attracting Faith-Based Investors

Among the fastest-growing vehicles in the investing world are ETFs—exchange-traded funds. For those less familiar, Mumbert offers a simple explanation:

“ETFs hold a basket of investments and trade throughout the day like a stock. They generally offer lower fees, greater transparency, and the ability to buy or sell at any point during the trading day.”

Mutual funds remain a valuable entry point for many investors, but ETFs introduce distinctive advantages:

• Lower average costs
• Passive, rules-based strategies
• Real-time liquidity
• Full disclosure of holdings
• Ease of access across platforms

And most importantly for Faith-Based Investing, greater transparency reinforces values alignment.

What Sets Timothy Plan’s ETFs Apart?

While the vehicle may be new, the convictions behind Timothy Plan’s offerings remain unchanged.

“Every Timothy Plan product is pro-life and pro-family,” Mumbert emphasizes. “Our ETFs are screened and filtered the same way as our mutual funds. The convictions haven’t changed—just the investment vehicle.”

Timothy Plan also employs volatility-weighted strategies designed to prevent oversized company exposure, helping reduce the impact of major market corrections.

A Growing Opportunity for Purpose-Driven Investors

The rise of ETFs represents more than access—it represents maturation within Faith-Based Investing. With stronger tools, better research, and expanding product sets, Christians now have more opportunities than ever to align their portfolios with their values.

For Mumbert, that alignment is not merely practical; it’s an expression of stewardship.

“It’s really about how God would have us invest the money He’s entrusted to us.”

As the ecosystem grows, so does the hope that more investors will embrace that vision—not out of obligation, but out of conviction shaped by faith.

If you're exploring how to bring greater alignment between your financial decisions and your values as a follower of Christ, Faith-Based Investing continues to expand with new tools, new research, and more accessible investment vehicles. 

To learn more about faith-aligned investment strategies, visit TimothyPlan.com to explore their ETFs, mutual funds, and educational resources.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’m 60 and living off mutual funds with no income. My expenses are about $2,024 a month, so my savings will run out in about two years. I have health challenges and can’t work, and Social Security Disability hasn’t been approved yet. I’m looking for affordable housing options and Medicare/health insurance solutions.
• My wife passed away recently, and she handled all our finances. I haven’t paid bills in 25 years and don’t have a budget. I’m closing some credit cards, but I’m not sure what to do next or where to turn for help.
• I’m 66 and considering paying off my mortgage. We can afford the payments, but I could pay them off using less than 10% of my 401(k). Should I do that, or just keep making monthly payments?
• We can’t qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and we’re being sued for a loan tied to a vehicle that died. I’m not sure whether Chapter 13 or debt consolidation makes more sense once you factor in legal fees and total cost.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Timothy Plan
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.