For me, working with a female Christian financial advisor made all the difference

Combining faith and finances

The opportunity to serve as a guide in faith as well as finances is at the heart of what makes this profession deeply fulfilling for many who practice it.

Scripture holds many insights for faith-based advisors as they work with clients. Proverbs offer invaluable wisdom on money management — highlighting the importance of saving and warning against debt — while Ecclesiastes reminds us to enjoy the blessings we have been granted. These scriptural insights can form the foundation of conversations that shape how clients view their finances through a lens of responsibility and generosity. For example, the Proverb of the shrewd manager serves as an essential reminder: though our resources may seem ours alone, they are ultimately entrusted to us by God for stewardship.

Guiding clients in their financial journeys isn’t merely transactional; it’s about facilitating personal and spiritual growth in alignment with biblical stewardship principles. Such a nuanced approach becomes even more vital when engaging with clients who may be hesitant or unfamiliar with discussions around faith and finance.

While not all clients will feel comfortable diving into these topics, those who do often find profound meaning in prayerful discussions about their financial health.

How Christian advisors can serve women

Though the investment industry still lags in the number of women advisors, they are an important segment in reaching and serving the growing number of female clients. In the world of financial advising, the opportunity to serve female clients is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships that honor their unique experiences and perspectives.

I had the pleasure of speaking with three financial advisor colleagues here at Everence. Mackenzie Snyder, a mother of two and quilter emphasizes that women often feel more comfortable asking female advisors questions — no matter how simple they may seem. This openness fosters an environment where understanding and trust can flourish more quickly, allowing advisors to move forward with their clients’ needs in mind.

Mackenzie believes that her faith plays a pivotal role in how she approaches her work. To her, advising isn’t merely a job; it’s a sacred calling. She finds profound meaning in being present for clients through life’s many seasons — whether navigating cancer diagnoses or enduring bereavement. Her commitment goes beyond traditional business interactions; it’s about lifting up the personhood of each client and ensuring they feel seen and valued as children of God.

Similarly, Lisa McHenry’s faith informs her daily practice of financial advising. Each morning begins with a prayer asking to be part of God’s provision for her clients, regardless of their specific beliefs. This foundation of faith and openness helps advisors like Lisa connect on deeper levels with women who might otherwise feel sidelined in financial discussions often dominated by male voices.

Jen McCoy, a mother of four and avid hiker, emphasizes that her work as a Christian financial advisor is deeply rooted in grace — especially the grace we sometimes forget to extend toward ourselves.

To effectively engage female clients, it is crucial to create spaces where their voices are heard. Advisors should actively draw out women during meetings — even when men are present — as they often play significant roles in decision-making processes within families. By speaking directly to them and addressing their concerns around issues such as life insurance or college planning — even before they have substantial assets — advisors can provide holistic guidance that acknowledges both current needs and future aspirations.

Moreover, women tend to understand that investing isn’t solely about maximizing financial returns; investments can also reflect their values and benefit society as a whole — a concept encapsulated by the idea that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” By focusing conversations on exploring what truly matters to these clients — like supporting increased female representation in workplaces or boardrooms or ending child sexual exploitation — advisors can align financial strategies with these clients’ values more effectively.

In this evolving landscape of financial guidance, embracing the opportunity to serve women investors represents not only growth potential for one’s financial practice but also divine purpose — a way for advisors, both male and female, to contribute positively towards enhancing the lives of women through stewardship grounded in faith.

Article by Stella Tai, Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis Manager for Praxis Investment Management and Everence Financial. Stella is passionate about her faith and creative and innovative ways finance practitioners can use financial assets to make a difference in the world. She provides primary leadership for the promotion, integration and development of impact investing and reporting for both Everence and Praxis Mutual Funds.

About Praxis Investment Management