Faith in Action: How AdelFi Empowers Christian Communities

For over 60 years, AdelFi has demonstrated that banking can extend beyond transactions to create meaningful kingdom impact. This Christian financial institution has built a model where faith and finance work together to strengthen communities and support ministry work.

Beyond Banking: A Movement of Faithful Stewardship

AdelFi's approach to financial services represents a fundamental shift in how Christians think about money. Rather than simply offering banking products, we have created a movement that multiples the impact of faithful stewardship by ensuring every dollar supports economic and spiritual growth.

With over 15,000 consumer, non-profit and for-profit Christian members, AdelFi has built a community that keeps financial transactions within the Christian ecosystem. This intentional approach to stewardship strengthens both individual lives and the broader Christian community.

"We don't just manage financial resources—we steward them for kingdom impact,"explains Interim Chief Executive Officer Susan Rushing.

This philosophy shapes every aspect of AdelFi's operations, from their global missionary support to their local community investments.

The Give Back Promise: 10% for Kingdom Impact

In 2022, AdelFi formalized their commitment to giving through their Give Back program, which sets aside 10% of profits annually for missionaries and non-profits globally. This binding commitment has already generated significant impact.

In 2024 alone, AdelFi employees directed $100,000 to 71 different Christian non-profits and organizations. These weren't corporate boardroom decisions made in isolation. Instead, employees’ hand-selected organizations that resonated with their personal ministry passions, creating a deeply personal connection between the institution and the causes they support.

The diversity of supported organizations reflects the breadth of Christian ministry work: from Compassion International and Samaritan's Purse addressing global humanitarian needs, to local churches like Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and educational institutions like Biola University. Organizations received grants ranging from $1,000 to $6,800, with each contribution carefully considered for its potential kingdom impact.

Empowering Employee Service Through Paid Ministry Time

AdelFi's commitment to service extends beyond financial giving. Through their Serve Day program, employees receive two paid days annually to volunteer with faith-aligned organizations. In 2024, this resulted in 685 hours of service to ministries and non-profits—time invested in kingdom work rather than banking operations.

The testimonials from AdelFi employees reveal the program's transformative impact. Application Manager Sandy Sidders used her time creating quilts for cancer patients and hospital care through her church's "Handmade Treasures From the Heart" ministry. Chief Technology Officer Chuck Kelly led a team packing gifts for children in Taiwan, noting they "more than doubled the production of the high average" because they "worked hard for Jesus."

Chief Banking Officer Carey Price's experience with Illinois Habitat for Humanity Women Build demonstrates the program's broader impact. After leading prayer for a family receiving a new home, she reflected: "The team was amazed that I worked for an organization that encouraged serve day! It reiterates the amazing culture that we have at AdelFi to encourage us to give back to the kingdom of Christ!"

Global Reach with Local Heart

AdelFi provides financial services to missionaries in over 150 countries, often in regions where traditional banks refuse to operate. From funding Bible translations to providing clean water projects and supporting vulnerable children, AdelFi ensures that resources reach believers serving in challenging mission fields.

This global perspective is balanced with deep local investments. AdelFi partners with organizations like Teach Them Diligently, supporting Gospel-centered homeschooling families with complimentary access to biblically-based financial stewardship courses. They offer free memberships to students and alumni of Christian institutions like Judson University and Central Christian College of Kansas, ensuring that faith-based education continues to flourish.

Strategic Partnerships That Multiply Impact

AdelFi's partnership approach recognizes that coordinated kingdom work creates greater impact than isolated efforts. By aligning with established Christian organizations, colleges and universities, we create multiplier effects that extend far beyond just direct financial contributions.

These partnerships aren't passive sponsorships—they're active collaborations designed to "strengthen Christian homeschool organizations, colleges and university initiatives—equipping the next generation of faith-driven leaders," Rushing explains.

By providing both financial services and educational resources, AdelFi helps ensure that Christian institutions have the tools they need for sustainable growth.

The Ripple Effect of Christian Dollars

When believers choose financial institutions that share their values, they create a virtuous cycle where their everyday banking activities contribute to kingdom work. Every account opened, every loan processed, every investment made through AdelFi generates resources that flow back into Christian ministries, missions and community organizations. This approach transforms routine financial transactions into acts of stewardship with eternal significance.

Looking Forward: A Model for Faith-Driven Business

As we look at the second half of 2025 and beyond, AdelFi’s model offers valuable insights for Christian business leaders across industries. The key principles—community focus, profit sharing for ministry, employee empowerment for service and strategic partnership—can be adapted across sectors.

The results demonstrate success: a thriving business that has grown consistently for over six decades while maintaining unwavering commitment to Christian values. AdelFi proves that kingdom principles and sound business practices not only coexist—they amplify each other.

Susan Rushing captures this vision perfectly: "Let's continue to steward God's resources faithfully—supporting ministries, strengthening communities and sharing His love through generosity."

For Christian business leaders, non-profit organizations and individual believers seeking to align their financial choices with their faith values, AdelFi represents more than a banking option; it's a partner in kingdom building. Rather than simply dividing resources, AdelFi shows how financial services can unite believers in common purpose, creating lasting impact that extends far beyond quarterly earnings reports.

To learn more about AdelFi's faith-driven financial services and community impact programs, visit their website to discover how your financial choices can contribute to kingdom growth.