Vision

At the turn of the 19th century, faith-based organizations and individuals built significant institutions for the purpose of social benefit.

Since that time, however, dramatic shifts within the religious landscape in America have left many religious institutions unwilling or unable to tolerate the risks necessary for entrepreneurship and innovation. As a result, in recent years, the launch of social enterprises for the common good has largely existed outside of religious institutions, creating a gap in the impact investing landscape with the Church on one side and social entrepreneurs on the other.

​This matters not only because faith-based organizations hold a compelling moral vision for the good that can be done in the world, but also because of the tremendous capital these institutions still hold. According to one 2016 Guardian article, religious institutions and industries in America represent $1.2 trillion a year in wealth, more than Apple, Amazon, and Google combined.

​Instead of being bold and courageous with these tremendous resources – moral as well as financial – too many Christian institutions are preoccupied with a narrative of decline.

​But…let’s be honest: staving off death is not a compelling moral vision.

Still, too much time, focus, energy, and money within the institutional Church is being given in service to this end. As the narrative of the increasing and steady decline of institutional religion in America grows more real with each new news story, people of faith are responding by defaulting to a theology of scarcity. We need a narrative of hope that helps us to see the abundant resources that are ours to steward and God’s invitation to join in the work God is doing in the world - work that is not dead, but is bringing about healing and restoration of all things and a fullness of life often beyond the walls of the Church.

​Many of our newer leaders understand this, which is why some of the brightest and most innovative, theologically-trained world changers are finding their vocations outside stained glass walls—in their communities: launching social enterprises, creating alternative economies, and innovating in contexts beyond the institutional Church.

Meanwhile, the gap between institutions and innovation leaves philanthropists with an imperfect choice: give to Christian institutions that have significant infrastructure and capacity but are failing to innovate, or to invest in scrappy social entrepreneurs doing kingdom work on the margins but burning out at significant rates. This dichotomy is a disservice to everyone in the equation. Institutions are starved for innovation. Entrepreneurs are hungry for resources, support, and community. And philanthropists long for their money to create meaning and impact. What would happen if we brought all three together?

People of faith need an organization that bridges social innovation and the resources of America’s religious institutions to close the gap between them and invest in the well-being of our neighbors, to rebuild communities, to do the work of the gospel in the world.

Invested Faith is looking for partners who share this vision and are ready to invest in the future. We’re working on matching large grants with smaller individual donations, and already many of you are responding enthusiastically. All donations are tax-deductible , and gifts can be given online. Funds given through this link will automatically be directed to Invested Faith.

The theology and practice around this idea is exciting; helping pastors, other leaders, and people of faith think creatively about how the work of God is happening among us. Read more about how churches, institutions and individuals can be partner with Invested Faith on our FAQ for Churches Page here.

Representatives of Invested Faith would love to preach, talk with your church or institution, share with you about all the possibilities coming to be; please reach out if that’s of interest to you.

Together we can bridge tradition and innovation to imagine a new way - and a new world!