What is Christian-values screening?

Socially responsible investing (SRI) has become popular recently in the secular world as more investors want their investments to reflect their values. They want to know that their money is making a difference, not just for their financial futures but also for the world around them.

As Christians, we’re no different. In fact, we’re called to even a step further. Our faith guides how we live and should also guide how we invest. Faith-based investing, a subset of the broader socially responsible investing movement, is an investment strategy guided by biblical principles.

At GuideStone^®, we want to see the world transformed by Christian investing by helping you align your faith with your finances. We’ve developed a faith-based investing methodology based on our long-standing foundation of Christian-values screening.

Our investment strategies do not invest in companies or organizations that offer products or services that are incompatible with our Christian values, including, but not limited to, those involving abortion, sexual immorality, alcohol, tobacco or gambling.¹

How do we do it?

The GuideStone Committee on Faith-Based Investing directs the ongoing and robust screening process for all of GuideStone, including the GuideStone Funds® suite of registered mutual funds. The Committee meets quarterly to review and revise screening criteria and the restricted securities list to ensure that the investment strategies managed by GuideStone or its sub-advisers honor the Lord, as desired. Additionally, GuideStone Capital Management, LLC (GSCM), the adviser to GuideStone Funds, has full-time analysts devoted to monitoring the Christian-values screening procedures for the Funds daily.

1. Research and Identify

First, investable companies and organizations providing products and services that conflict with the screening criteria are identified through a variety of innovative research tools: Bloomberg Corporate Action Tool, ISS Governance DataDesk and MSCI ESG Manager. Once this data has been compiled, the restricted issuers list is developed.

2. Implement and Monitor

Using the restricted issuers list as a guide, a faith-based investing mandate is created for all GuideStone investment products and services. Trades are monitored daily to ensure compliance with the Christian-values screening requirements.

Extensive due diligence is also conducted on prospective sub-advisers to ensure they are willing and capable of abiding by the restrictions while still performing competitively for investors.

3. Review and Revise

Our culture is constantly changing, and not always for the better. New products and services that enter the market reflect some of these negative changes. Because of this, our screening process is continual, and the criteria are regularly reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure that GuideStone remains faithful to Christian principles and honors the Lord as new investment opportunities are discovered.

Align Your Faith with Your Finances

Pursuing a world transformed by Christian investing begins with a disciplined approach to Christian-values screening, while still seeking attractive returns that are competitive with the broader market. GuideStone strategies are devoted to helping you steward the resources God has given you.

Are you interested in learning more about aligning your faith with your finances through faith-based investing? Contact one of our financial consultants² and discover how to leverage GuideStone’s distinct approach to investment management.