Faith Driven Investor

In this timely market analysis, Crossmark Global Investments' Bob Doll joins Richard Cunningham and John Coleman to dissect the dramatic market correction of Q1 2025 and the economic uncertainty driving it.Key Topics Covered:The fifth fastest market correction since WWII and what caused itTrump administration's economic strategy: taking pain upfront for potential gains laterTariffs as revenue generators vs. inflation driversRising recession probability (now 35-40%) amid continued uncertaintyThe "Magnificent 7" tech stocks' slowing cash flow and what it means for portfoliosGeopolitical outlook for Russia/Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and China's vulnerabilitiesWhat could restore market confidence in coming monthsFuture of M&A activity and IPO markets amid regulatory changesFaith-driven investing insights and the need for patience in volatile timesBob shares his current recession probability assessment and what economic indicators he's watching closely. The discussion explores how the administration's aggressive early moves—particularly around tariffs and budget cutting—are creating short-term market turbulence but could potentially lead to economic benefits if properly executed.The conversation concludes with personal reflections on patience, humility, and maintaining proper perspective as faith-driven investors during uncertain economic times.Recorded on April 1, 2025

In this episode of the Faith Driven Investor podcast, hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush welcome Chris Morris and John Farris, founders of LandFund Partners, to discuss their journey from a college classroom to managing 50,000 acres of farmland in the Mid-South.Episode Highlights:The divine intervention that brought John and Chris together at Center College in KentuckyHow a single idea to buy 100 acres evolved into a strategy for acquiring thousands of acresWhy the Mississippi alluvial aquifer makes the Mid-South an attractive region for farmland investmentThe price convergence thesis between Mid-South and Midwest farmland (currently 8,000 vs 15,000 per acre)How LandFund Partners differentiates itself through regenerative farming practices on 100% of their propertiesThe implementation of cover crops and no-till farming to restore soil healthThe three-year timeframe to see results from regenerative practices in the Mid-SouthHow building regional "pods" of farmland creates greater value than the sum of individual parcelsThe importance of being good stewards of both the land and community relationshipsFarmland as an inflation hedge and "gold with a coupon" that generates consistent cash flowThe long-term appreciation potential of farmland (5.2% annually since WWII, 6.2% in their region)Connect with LandFund Partners: Visit landfundpartners.com to learn more about their farmland investment strategy and regenerative approach to agriculture.

In this March "Marks on the Markets" episode, hosts Richard Cunningham and Luke Roush welcome Kingdom Advisors CEO Rob West to discuss the transformative impact of the recent Kingdom Advisors Annual Conference in Orlando.Key Points:About Kingdom Advisors:Founded in 2003 by Ron Blue and Larry Burkett to help Christians plan and manage finances with biblical principlesServes as the gathering place for the Christian financial industryOffers the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designation - the only designation for biblically-wise financial advice accepted by most major Wall Street firmsConference grew 40% in past two years to 2,700 attendees, significantly outpacing industry normsIndustry Trends:Financial advice evolving from product-driven to values-driven approachesChristian investors increasingly want their faith reflected in every domain of life, including money decisionsMajor financial firms recognize that connecting with clients at a values level creates better outcomes for everyoneIndustry acceptance of faith-based investing products and communities growing rapidlyMarket Opportunity:Approximately 350,000 client-facing financial planners in the USEstimated 90,000 practicing Christians in the field (26%)Kingdom Advisors currently serves about 4,000 members with 1,700 having earned the CKA designationChristians hold an estimated $20+ trillion in investable assetsNext Generation Focus:250 undergraduate students from 25 universities attended the conferenceEight universities now offer CKA alongside CFP (Certified Financial Planner) programsWith 38% of financial advisors retiring in next decade (average age 55), demand for next-gen advisors is highStudents now graduating ready to enter the industry with faith-aligned perspectives from day oneEvolution of Faith-Based Investing:Moving beyond just "avoiding" certain investments to "embracing" impact investmentsGrowing focus on deploying capital to solve problems and create positive changeIncreased emphasis on engagement through proxy votes and shareholder resolutionsNext generation of inheritors viewing wealth differently, prioritizing impact alongside returnsMarket Commentary:Despite current market volatility and uncertainty, biblical principles of economics and wealth creation provide stabilityReturn to more normalized cost of capital (8-12% interest rates) reflects historical norms after decades of artificially low ratesFaith-driven investors can find peace by anchoring to timeless truths rather than timely market fluctuationsClosing Wisdom:From Ecclesiastes 7:12: "Wisdom is a shelter, as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves those who have it."True wisdom is not just intellectual mastery or best practices—it's knowing Christ personallyFeatured Guest:Rob West, CEO of Kingdom Advisors and host of the nationally syndicated Faith and Finance radio programResources Mentioned:Kingdom Advisors Annual Conference "Redeeming Money"Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designationFaith and Finance radio program (faithfi.com)

In this episode of Faith Driven Investor, we dive deep with Brett Hagler, founder and CEO of New Story, a groundbreaking organization that's reimagining solutions to the global housing crisis. Brett shares his remarkable journey from a successful tech entrepreneur to launching New Story, which has become a pioneer in innovative housing solutions, including their revolutionary work with 3D-printed homes.The conversation explores how New Story is leveraging technology and entrepreneurial thinking to create sustainable housing solutions in developing nations. Brett discusses the challenges and opportunities of operating at the intersection of faith, innovation, and social impact, while sharing powerful stories of lives transformed through their work.Key topics include:The genesis of New Story and Brett's calling to tackle the global housing crisisHow faith informs New Story's approach to innovation and community developmentThe role of technology in creating scalable housing solutionsBuilding sustainable funding models that combine philanthropy with innovationLessons learned from working in developing nationsThe importance of dignity and community in housing solutionsHow faith-driven investors can participate in transformative housing initiativesThis episode offers valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in how faith-driven innovation can create lasting social impact while building God's kingdom through practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Join Richard Cunningham and John Coleman as they unpack all the excitement and insights from the 2025 Global Faith Driven Investor conference. Fresh off the gathering, they share how faith-driven investors are making an incredible impact across every corner of the investment world while pursuing excellence in all they do.Richard and John walk through the amazing transformation happening in public markets, where Christians are moving beyond just avoiding harmful companies to actively engaging and building positive cultures. They share their enthusiasm for what's happening in faith-driven entertainment, including the much-anticipated House of David, and discuss how Christians are reclaiming their legacy of cultural excellence. You'll hear about exciting innovations in real estate investment through Apartment Life's powerful ministry model, and learn how venture capital firms like Eagle Venture Fund are tackling human trafficking head-on.The conversation wraps up with John sharing his perspective on today's market dynamics, from groundbreaking AI developments to major policy shifts shaping 2025. Throughout their discussion, Richard and John highlight an inspiring truth: Christians can achieve remarkable success not despite their biblical values, but because of them. 

Register for the 2025 FDI Conference at: faithdriveninvestorconference.org/Introduction to guests Suzanne Daniel (Pilgrim Foundation) and Dana Wichterman (Impact Foundation), both speakers at the upcoming Global Faith Driven Investor Conference on February 7th, 2025Discussion of their personal journeys: Suzanne's transformation from traditional grant-making to impact investing, sparked by a pivotal experience with a Haiti-based enterpriseDana's initial resistance to faith-aligned investing and her eventual embrace of integrating faith with investment decisionsExploration of the three key approaches to solving world problems: building, investing, and giving How Pilgrim Foundation balances all three approachesThe role of charitable capital in catalyzing transformational businessesInsights on family stewardship: Suzanne's experience discussing money and inheritance with transparencyThe upcoming book "Stewards Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money with Your Faith" by Dana and Bill WichtermanCurrent state of faith-driven investing: Progress in available investment options and advisory servicesNeed for more accessible options for non-accredited investorsImportance of developing spiritual metrics and standardized measurement frameworksDetails about the Global Faith Driven Investor Conference: Date: February 7th, 2025Theme: Courageous CapitalFeatured speakers including Jeremy Lin122+ global watch partiesRegistration available at Faith Driven Investor website

In this premiere 2025 episode of Faith Driven Investor, host Richard Cunningham welcomes David Bahnsen, founder and CIO of the Bahnsen Group, alongside regular contributor John Coleman. The conversation begins with a comprehensive review of 2024's market performance, examining how corporate profits exceeded expectations despite earlier recession fears. Bahnsen provides detailed analysis of current market valuations, particularly focusing on the concentration risk in the top 10 companies of the S&P 500 and potential opportunities in small-cap stocks.The discussion shifts to the implications of Trump's upcoming presidency, with particular focus on deregulation, M&A activity, and trade policy. Bahnsen offers a detailed critique of protectionist positions on the Nippon Steel deal, while Coleman provides perspective on global security implications. The episode also features insights from Coleman's recent piece on Pax Americana and the enduring strength of American innovation and economic leadership.The conversation concludes with deeper reflection on purpose and meaning, drawing from Bahnsen's 2024 book "Full Time Work and The Meaning of Life," and exploring Christian perspectives on work as a divine calling rather than a curse. Both guests share powerful closing thoughts on God's work in history and the promise of new beginnings in 2025.Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction and holiday reflections 09:45 - 2024 market review 18:30 - Current market valuations and concerns 27:15 - Trump administration and economic policy 35:40 - Discussion of Nippon Steel deal 42:20 - Global security and Pax Americana 48:15 - Work and meaning 53:30 - Closing reflections

In this podcast, Samantha Couch, Vice President at Faith Driven Investor, and Justin Forman share insights on their groundbreaking 2024 conference, aiming to unite investors in faith. They discuss how wealth can create isolation and how FDI is fostering supportive communities for high-capacity investors. With a tease about a global event titled "The Riskiest Thing is to Do Nothing" set for February 2025, they emphasize the significance of intentional gatherings. Additionally, they highlight the expansion of watch parties, creating unexpected connections from Chicago to Ukraine.

Nick Bonner, a leader in faith-driven real estate with extensive experience from CBRE and the Pine Tops Foundation, discusses his journey in transforming church properties. He reveals that churches typically utilize their buildings only 5% of the week, leading to innovative models like Open Doors for shared spaces. Bonner emphasizes the $1 trillion locked in church equity and how impact investing can create community hubs while maintaining Christ at the center. His personal testimony reflects the beauty of surrendering to divine redirection in business.

Ross Roggensack, a leader in faith-driven investing and head of Oak City Consulting, shares insights on the aftermath of the 2024 election and its economic implications. He discusses President Trump's victory and the anticipated impact on financial markets, venture capital, and inflation. The conversation also touches on navigating economic uncertainty and the importance of humility in aligning with God's will. Lastly, Roggensack emphasizes the need for spiritual guidance amidst geopolitical challenges, inviting listeners to reflect on their faith in turbulent times.