This inspiring panel discussion about the “Impact Investing Movement – Insights & Stories” includes Greg Lernihan, Rachel McDonough, and DG Elmore with facilitator Jon Halverson at Talanton’s Bringing Hope Celebration 2023 LIVE! held at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. (May 8, 2023)
by
Desiree Latu
published
May 8, 2023
Overview
This panel discussion from a Talanton investor event explores the intersection of faith, wealth stewardship, and impact investing. Three prominent Christian investors share their perspectives on moving beyond traditional profit-maximizing investments to create lasting social, spiritual, and financial returns.
Featured Speakers
Greg Lernihan - Chairman of Impact Foundation
Former Siemens Senior VP who founded Convergint (now 9,000 employees globally)
Manages 140 investments across 80 companies focused on impact
Advocates for "Spirit-led" investing that prioritizes spiritual and social returns over maximum financial gains
Specializes in helping wealthy Christians align investments with Kingdom values
Challenges investors to avoid "blind" S&P 500 investing that may support harmful industries
DG Elmore - Chairman of The Navigators Board
Owner of multiple businesses including Colorado Springs Minor League Baseball team
Shares powerful story of business partner finding faith through their relationship
Emphasizes using business as a platform for spiritual transformation
Key Themes Discussed
The Capital Gap: Only $485 billion goes to charitable causes annually (unchanged for 40 years), while trillions sit in investable assets
Reinterpreting the Parable of the Talents: Moving beyond doubling money to taking Kingdom risks with God's resources
Job Creation as Ministry: "We cannot solve global issues with grant dollars" - sustainable employment is key to breaking poverty cycles
The Christian Investment Paradox: Secular investors are more willing to accept lower returns for impact (33%) than faith-driven investors (17%)
Practical Applications:
Avoiding investments in exploitative industries (pornography, gambling, tobacco)
Supporting businesses that create dignified work opportunities
Building long-term relationships that lead to spiritual transformation
The panelists challenge Christian investors to see all resources as God's, move beyond fear-based wealth preservation, and actively deploy capital for Kingdom impact—even when it means accepting lower financial returns for greater eternal significance.
