Our Mission
Managing the invested assets of Brethren Pension Plan members, Brethren Insurance Services, and Brethren Foundation Funds clients is a primary function of BBT. The mission of the investment program is to provide sound asset management consistent with the values of the denomination. Many of our congregations, agencies, and individuals depend on our asset management services to undergird their ministry.
Our Program
Since 1980, assets under BBT management have grown from $25 million to $491 million as of Dec. 31, 2015, including over $155 million of assets under Brethren Foundation Funds management. This growth is due to an increase in the number of clients and a sound investment strategy.
Growth presents opportunities. Our program is large enough that we've been able to retain some of the best asset managers in the country.
Growth increases responsibility. While always working to achieve competitive returns, we also seek to preserve assets and minimize risks.
Growth tests our values. As investors, we must accomplish our objectives within the ethical and social values of the Church of the Brethren, even if it means refusing to invest in companies that traditionally produce strong returns on investments. We reject investments in companies that generate significant revenue from products that relate to abortion, alcoholic beverages, gambling, pornography, tobacco, or war and weapons. Our investment managers indicate that our socially responsible investment screens sometimes hurt and sometimes help performance in the short term, but long-term performance of our invested assets is similar to that of non-screened assets.
