Americans Are Giving More. But Not To Church.

Last year, Americans donated Last year, Americans donated more than $600 billion to charities, more than $600 billion to charities, setting an all-time record, but donations to religious organizations fell short of even keeping up with inflation. In other words, while charitable donations are short of even keeping up with inflation. In other words, while charitable donations are increasing, church donations are increasing, church donations are not showing corresponding growth. not showing corresponding growth. So today, we will analyze the latest national So today, we will analyze the latest national So today, we will analyze the latest national research results together with data on research results together with data on research results together with data on over $1 billion in over $1 billion in over $1 billion in church donations that we collected ourselves church donations that we collected ourselves church donations that we collected ourselves . Let . Let us examine what these figures show and what they do not show, and where the opportunity for the church to respond practically lies. So, shall we get started us examine what these figures show and what they do not show, and where the opportunity for the church to respond practically lies. So, shall we get started ? Hello, ? Hello, ? Hello, welcome to the Pro Church Tool Show welcome to the Pro Church Tool Show welcome to the Pro Church Tool Show . We have gathered here to help you . We have gathered here to help you and your church cope with the and your church cope with the biggest communication changes in 500 years biggest communication changes in 500 years . I . I am host Brady Shearer. am host Brady Shearer. am host Brady Shearer. As always, we are joined by our co-host, As always, we are joined by our co-host, Alexander Mills, whom we call 'Bishop Budget' Alexander Mills, whom we call 'Bishop Budget' . . . hello. hello. hello. Today, I have prepared the 'Giving USA 2026' report Today, I have prepared the 'Giving USA 2026' report . This report . This report covers all donations made in the United States in 2025 covers all donations made in the United States in 2025 . . . Total charitable donations by Americans are Total charitable donations by Americans are expected to exceed $600 billion in 2025, with expected to exceed $600 billion in 2025, with expected to exceed $600 billion in 2025, with about a quarter of that going to religious organizations about a quarter of that going to religious organizations .

. . So, out of a total of $600 billion, So, out of a total of $600 billion, So, out of a total of $600 billion, approximately $150 billion was approximately $150 billion was approximately $150 billion was donated to religious organizations. The donated to religious organizations. The donated to religious organizations. The interesting point here is that, interesting point here is that, interesting point here is that, when adjusted for inflation, when adjusted for inflation, when adjusted for inflation, total donations to non-profit organizations total donations to non-profit organizations total donations to non-profit organizations increased by about 3% increased by about 3% increased by about 3% . I was . I was . I was surprised too. surprised too. surprised too. However, donations to religious organizations However, donations to religious organizations However, donations to religious organizations decreased by 0.2%. decreased by 0.2%. In other words, there is a gap of about 3.2% In other words, there is a gap of about 3.2% . The amount of donations itself increased . The amount of donations itself increased . The amount of donations itself increased , but , but , but donations to the church did not donations to the church did not donations to the church did not . This figure is . This figure is . This figure is based on the total amount of donations, not the number of donors based on the total amount of donations, not the number of donors . . . Based on this report, I would like to examine Based on this report, I would like to examine Based on this report, I would like to examine how this phenomenon manifests from various perspectives how this phenomenon manifests from various perspectives . In addition, we extracted relevant information by analyzing . In addition, we extracted relevant information by analyzing private data from our own donation platform private data from our own donation platform . And . And this provides us with another interesting perspective this provides us with another interesting perspective this provides us with another interesting perspective focusing on the methods and aspects of church offerings focusing on the methods and aspects of church offerings . First of all, it is true that the amount of offerings increased before considering inflation. However, the total true that the amount of offerings increased before considering inflation. However, the total number of donors decreased. A number of donors decreased. A separate study called the Fundraising Effectiveness Project estimated that separate study called the Fundraising Effectiveness Project estimated that fundraising would increase by 5% in 2025 fundraising would increase by 5% in 2025 fundraising would increase by 5% in 2025 , which is , which is , which is very similar to Giving USA's estimate.

very similar to Giving USA's estimate. very similar to Giving USA's estimate. However, the number of donors decreased by 3.6% However, the number of donors decreased by 3.6% However, the number of donors decreased by 3.6% . In other words, this means that the increase in fundraising is due to the expansion of . In other words, this means that the increase in fundraising is due to the expansion of individual donations, not an increase in the total number of donors . Yesterday, I boarded a British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport to Toronto British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport to Toronto British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport to Toronto , and while , and while , and while browsing social media, I saw a notice that British browsing social media, I saw a notice that British browsing social media, I saw a notice that British Airways plans to convert several A380 aircraft into Airways plans to convert several A380 aircraft into business class seats on the upper decks . And that plane had plane had far more business class seats than any other plane far more business class seats than any other plane far more business class seats than any other plane . The reason is that . The reason is that . The reason is that business class seats can be sold at a higher price than premium business class seats can be sold at a higher price than premium business class seats can be sold at a higher price than premium economy or economy seats economy or economy seats . That's obvious . That's obvious . The problem was always the imbalance between supply and demand . The problem was always the imbalance between supply and demand . If there were an . If there were an ideal situation where airlines maximized profits much more than they do now, all ideal situation where airlines maximized profits much more than they do now, all seats would be business class seats would be business class . Business class is bigger . Business class is bigger . Business class is bigger , but it's not that big of a difference , but it's not that big of a difference , but it's not that big of a difference . However, you can . However, you can . However, you can sell it for a much higher price. For example, sell it for a much higher price. For example, even if you price business class five times higher, if it only takes up even if you price business class five times higher, if it only takes up twice the space, you twice the space, you can generate much more profit.

British Airways calculated that luxury British Airways calculated that luxury travel and high-value travelers have increased travel and high-value travelers have increased travel and high-value travelers have increased . . . That is why I That is why I That is why I thought it would be okay to secure more business class seats thought it would be okay to secure more business class seats thought it would be okay to secure more business class seats . They concluded that business class seats would sell . They concluded that business class seats would sell . They concluded that business class seats would sell , and even if they didn't sell out, , and even if they didn't sell out, actual actual profits would increase thanks to high-value donors and buyers profits would increase thanks to high-value donors and buyers profits would increase thanks to high-value donors and buyers . You can see a similar phenomenon in the church or the world of donations as well . You can see a similar phenomenon in the church or the world of donations as well . Do you think that although the . Do you think that although the number of donors has decreased, the increase in new number of donors has decreased, the increase in new number of donors has decreased, the increase in new donors and those donating large sums is donors and those donating large sums is driving the overall increase in donation amounts? Many of you listening to today's broadcast are likely facing similar financial situations, thinking, "Wait, my money has n't increased at all compared to last year. And considering the inflation rate n't increased at all compared to last year. And considering the inflation rate , it's not like it's more than last year , it's not like it's more than last year , it's not like it's more than last year ." ." ." I think you might think that. But you know I think you might think that. But you know I think you might think that. But you know the saying, "The rich get richer." Is the saying, "The rich get richer." Is the phenomenon we are witnessing right now exactly like that the phenomenon we are witnessing right now exactly like that ? Do wealthy people ? Do wealthy people ? Do wealthy people have more money, and do they have more money, and do they have more money, and do they donate that much more donate that much more donate that much more ? Do people ? Do people ? Do people donate more now that they have more money?

donate more now that they have more money? It seems this phenomenon is a question that permeates the economy as a whole; couldn't it It seems this phenomenon is a question that permeates the economy as a whole; couldn't it also be related to generational differences also be related to generational differences also be related to generational differences ? The Baby Boomer ? The Baby Boomer ? The Baby Boomer generation may have reached a point where, having saved up some money generation may have reached a point where, having saved up some money , they think, "I can buy more business class tickets and I , they think, "I can buy more business class tickets and I want to give more gifts want to give more gifts ." That might be one reason, but it is difficult to say for sure. yes difficult to say for sure. yes . . . What do you think? What do you think? What do you think? Hmm, I'm not sure. Hmm, I'm not sure. After hearing the story about British Airways and hearing you talk about luxury travel, I thought, "Ah, that could be true." As the rich get I thought, "Ah, that could be true." As the rich get richer and more richer and more richer and more people become wealthy, the people become wealthy, the people become wealthy, the demand for business class demand for business class demand for business class increases. Because they increases. Because they increases. Because they can buy more money. can buy more money. can buy more money. However, if I look at the church I attend or the However, if I look at the church I attend or the However, if I look at the church I attend or the churches nearby, most of the people there are churches nearby, most of the people there are churches nearby, most of the people there are ordinary working-class people ordinary working-class people ordinary working-class people . . Not all of them fly business class. Not all of them fly business class. Actually, not many people take airplanes Actually, not many people take airplanes Actually, not many people take airplanes . And, " . And, " . And, " When looking at budgets and donations, the calculations When looking at budgets and donations, the calculations When looking at budgets and donations, the calculations don't always add up. don't always add up.

There are cases where the level of generosity shown in the report is not reflected in the actual donation records." So, I think this part stands out a bit. a bit. a bit. Then, what can be seen in Nucleus's private Then, what can be seen in Nucleus's private Then, what can be seen in Nucleus's private donation data donation data donation data ? This is an ? This is an ? This is an excerpt from an article we wrote excerpt from an article we wrote excerpt from an article we wrote . You . You . You can check it on the nucleus.church blog can check it on the nucleus.church blog can check it on the nucleus.church blog . This is an article titled 'Church Donation Statistics . This is an article titled 'Church Donation Statistics . This is an article titled 'Church Donation Statistics 2026' 2026' 2026' . In 2025, approximately 1 million . In 2025, approximately 1 million . In 2025, approximately 1 million online donations online donations online donations were processed, and the total exceeded $200 million were processed, and the total exceeded $200 million were processed, and the total exceeded $200 million . And . And . And from this private data, we from this private data, we from this private data, we discovered the following facts. discovered the following facts. Donations of over $1,000 Donations of over $1,000 accounted for only 3% of total transactions. accounted for only 3% of total transactions. Yes, that is correct. In other words, it means that the number of transactions for Yes, that is correct. In other words, it means that the number of transactions for people who donated more than $1,000 to the church is people who donated more than $1,000 to the church is very small very small very small . However, . However, . However, this donation, which accounted for only 3% of the total number of transactions, this donation, which accounted for only 3% of the total number of transactions, this donation, which accounted for only 3% of the total number of transactions, accounted for 30% of the total donation amount accounted for 30% of the total donation amount accounted for 30% of the total donation amount . It has increased . It has increased . It has increased tenfold in terms of transaction volume compared to the number of card payments tenfold in terms of transaction volume compared to the number of card payments tenfold in terms of transaction volume compared to the number of card payments . Donations of less than $100 . Donations of less than $100 accounted for 45% of total transactions. In other words, nearly half of the transactions transactions transactions were under $100, but the donations were under $100, but the donations were under $100, but the donations amounted to only 8%. This amounted to only 8%. This amounted to only 8%. This exactly matches the core content of the report exactly matches the core content of the report exactly matches the core content of the report . The difficult . The difficult . The difficult part here is exactly this.

part here is exactly this. Imagine you are Alexander Mills, a budget manager sitting across from me. I am a part-time pastor at a rural church with about 65, 75, or 85 members part-time pastor at a rural church with about 65, 75, or 85 members . It is never a pleasant thing for a budget to be . It is never a pleasant thing for a budget to be . It is never a pleasant thing for a budget to be determined by a single large donation determined by a single large donation . It is much more stable to receive a consistent . It is much more stable to receive a consistent donation of a similar amount every month donation of a similar amount every month . The same applies to people like me who manage . The same applies to people like me who manage multi-million dollar budgets at Pro Church Tools multi-million dollar budgets at Pro Church Tools . Of course, there are also cases where promotions are run in certain months, leading many church members to choose annual donations. Such a month is there are also cases where promotions are run in certain months, leading many church members to choose annual donations. Such a month is enjoyable and good. enjoyable and good. enjoyable and good. However, there However, there However, there are months when that is not the case. Who would run a campaign in the summer are months when that is not the case. Who would run a campaign in the summer ? I do ? I do n't have any money. It's n't have any money. It's n't have any money. It's hot outside, and it's hot here too. hot outside, and it's hot here too. hot outside, and it's hot here too. Looking at these numbers makes me break out in a sweat. Because we have to Looking at these numbers makes me break out in a sweat. Because we have to wait for an abundant month only to face a famine. The face a famine. The face a famine. The situation can be more complicated in the church situation can be more complicated in the church situation can be more complicated in the church . yes . yes . yes .

. . So, let's So, let's So, let's move on to the second important idea. move on to the second important idea. move on to the second important idea. In our Nucleus dataset, In our Nucleus dataset, In our Nucleus dataset, weekly and monthly donors weekly and monthly donors weekly and monthly donors accounted for about a quarter of the total donors accounted for about a quarter of the total donors accounted for about a quarter of the total donors . In other words, it means that about a quarter . In other words, it means that about a quarter donate regularly every week or month. However, these donors However, these donors accounted for 70% of the total donations accounted for 70% of the total donations . So I . So I thought about how to explain the 3.2% difference between the total amount of donations to non-profit organizations and the amount of donations to religions and churches. That is exactly why I thought about how to explain the 3.2% difference between the total amount of donations to non-profit organizations and the amount of donations to religions and churches. That is exactly why I wanted to make this episode wanted to make this episode wanted to make this episode . Whether . Whether people have reduced their donations to charities people have reduced their donations to charities overall overall overall , or whether they have cut , or whether they have cut , or whether they have cut back because they themselves lack funds, there are back because they themselves lack funds, there are back because they themselves lack funds, there are aspects beyond our control aspects beyond our control aspects beyond our control . That's right. There . That's right. There are clearly economic problems that the church cannot get involved in. However, I realized that while people are are clearly economic problems that the church cannot get involved in. However, I realized that while people are increasing their offerings, the same is increasing their offerings, the same is increasing their offerings, the same is not true for the church not true for the church not true for the church . yes . yes . yes . . . In that case, there are certainly things we can do to bridge this gap In that case, there are certainly things we can do to bridge this gap . When I . When I looked at the Nucleus data, looked at the Nucleus data, looked at the Nucleus data, what stood out was that what stood out was that what stood out was that small donations come together regularly and account for small donations come together regularly and account for nearly three-quarters of the church budget nearly three-quarters of the church budget . Yes, small . Yes, small donations may seem insignificant compared to large donations, but if these small donations these small donations continue steadily, they can be of continue steadily, they can be of continue steadily, they can be of much greater help to the church than large donations much greater help to the church than large donations . yes . yes . yes . This is precisely the paradoxical

. This is precisely the paradoxical . This is precisely the paradoxical situation. situation. When a big donation comes in, I say "Wow!" just like a huge annual subscription fee. There is "Wow!" just like a huge annual subscription fee. There is cheering. However, what cheering. However, what cheering. However, what truly sustains us are the truly sustains us are the small donations that come in regularly every month or every other week small donations that come in regularly every month or every other week . The . The . The same is true when looking at the church's operating budget. same is true when looking at the church's operating budget. same is true when looking at the church's operating budget. So, how So, how So, how should we communicate about donations? I believe we should emphasize that "all should we communicate about donations? I believe we should emphasize that "all should we communicate about donations? I believe we should emphasize that "all donations are precious, regardless of their size donations are precious, regardless of their size ." At least ." At least I—and perhaps I—and perhaps not everyone shares this sentiment—like it when not everyone shares this sentiment—like it when not everyone shares this sentiment—like it when the church the church the church transparently discloses its financial situation transparently discloses its financial situation transparently discloses its financial situation . This is because . This is because all ministries and missions within the body of Christ are all ministries and missions within the body of Christ are accomplished entirely through the donations of the saints accomplished entirely through the donations of the saints . . . Yes. That is why I Yes. That is why I think it is important to be honest about how things are run. Of course, think it is important to be honest about how things are run. Of course, this is just my personal opinion this is just my personal opinion this is just my personal opinion . "Did you know that it is . "Did you know that it is . "Did you know that it is actually large actually large actually large donations that make all of this possible donations that make all of this possible donations that make all of this possible ?" I ?" I ?" I think it is interesting to say that. " think it is interesting to say that. " However, the operating budget, and the However, the operating budget, and the driving force that actually enables the church to exist, is precisely all the offerings you regularly give, big and small.

all the offerings you regularly give, big and small. I believe this allows us to look at what you have been I believe this allows us to look at what you have been I believe this allows us to look at what you have been saying about church members from a saying about church members from a saying about church members from a completely new perspective completely new perspective . Surely, not all church members travel in business class, right travel in business class, right ? ? ? My church is not like that. My church is not like that. My church is not like that. You probably sit there thinking, ' You probably sit there thinking, ' You probably sit there thinking, ' This is all I can give. This is all I can give. This is all I can give. I am I am I am like the widow Jesus spoke of. This is all I have like the widow Jesus spoke of. This is all I have like the widow Jesus spoke of. This is all I have .'" You might think that .'" You might think that .'" You might think that . . . However, if everyone willingly gives However, if everyone willingly gives However, if everyone willingly gives what they have, no matter how little, what they have, no matter how little, what they have, no matter how little, that that becomes the very resource needed to fulfill the church's entire mission. I now feel becomes the very resource needed to fulfill the church's entire mission. I now feel great pride, confidence, great pride, confidence, great pride, confidence, and passion when I give offerings. This is and passion when I give offerings. This is because I know that my offering actually creates change. And because I know that my offering actually creates change. And I believe this is a gap the church I believe this is a gap the church I believe this is a gap the church needs to fill. needs to fill. needs to fill. We have all sat in the sanctuary and We have all sat in the sanctuary and heard someone say, "Every offering, big or small, can bring about a big change heard someone say, "Every offering, big or small, can bring about a big change ." Then you would probably say, " ." Then you would probably say, " Yeah, yeah, I get it Yeah, yeah, I get it Yeah, yeah, I get it ." "If we ." "If we can convince people that this is true, I think it will have a real impact on their behavior real impact on their behavior real impact on their behavior . . . Yes, you are right. I believe there are several practical ways that Yes, you are right. I believe there are several practical ways that Yes, you are right. I believe there are several practical ways that every church, regardless of size, can every church, regardless of size, can every church, regardless of size, can consider to bridge this gap consider to bridge this gap .

. First of all, the first thing that comes to mind is whether First of all, the first thing that comes to mind is whether First of all, the first thing that comes to mind is whether regular offerings, especially digital regular offerings, especially digital regular offerings, especially digital offerings, are a feasible option for the church offerings, are a feasible option for the church offerings, are a feasible option for the church . . . We are increasingly moving toward a cashless society We are increasingly moving toward a cashless society . . . Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I used cash Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I used cash . When I was young..." In the past, churches accepted offerings only in cash and by check. We used to offerings only in cash and by check. We used to pass around offering envelopes. pass around offering envelopes. pass around offering envelopes. Now, the era of passing around offering plates is Now, the era of passing around offering plates is Now, the era of passing around offering plates is over. Was there a over. Was there a time when we received a new offering envelope every year with the date, name, and phone number written on it? Yes, that is time when we received a new offering envelope every year with the date, name, and phone number written on it? Yes, that is correct. correct. correct. So, if your church So, if your church So, if your church has a digital offering system has a digital offering system , it is the , it is the , it is the first step toward the digital realm. first step toward the digital realm. first step toward the digital realm. We live in the digital age, but are We live in the digital age, but are there recurring donation options? If not, look for a software company that offers a recurring donation option look for a software company that offers a recurring donation option . Of course, Nucleus Giving is . Of course, Nucleus Giving is . Of course, Nucleus Giving is available, but there are available, but there are available, but there are other companies that offer regular donations other companies that offer regular donations other companies that offer regular donations . Shall we also talk about practical offering . Shall we also talk about practical offering . Shall we also talk about practical offering education and pastoral leadership education and pastoral leadership education and pastoral leadership ? As I ? As I mentioned just before pressing the record button, I don't know how many years it has been since I clearly taught the mentioned just before pressing the record button, I don't know how many years it has been since I clearly taught the ethical and spiritual practices regarding offerings in my Sunday sermons ethical and spiritual practices regarding offerings in my Sunday sermons . We talked about tithes . We talked about tithes , defined what a tithe is , defined what a tithe is , defined what a tithe is , what it means, and what it can look like , what it means, and what it can look like , what it means, and what it can look like , and we , and we had a serious discussion about offerings. However, to be had a serious discussion about offerings. However, to be honest, having seen how the appeal to give offerings to the church has been honest, having seen how the appeal to give offerings to the church has been abused and abused and misused over time, I think misused over time, I think misused over time, I think my views on offerings have become somewhat biased my views on offerings have become somewhat biased

. but… Let us examine . but… Let us examine the words and warnings of Jesus, as well as the the words and warnings of Jesus, as well as the the words and warnings of Jesus, as well as the things He said and the topics He frequently things He said and the topics He frequently things He said and the topics He frequently addressed addressed addressed . He spoke a lot . He spoke a lot . He spoke a lot about money, and about about money, and about about money, and about where our treasure is and where our hearts are where our treasure is and where our hearts are . . Then, Then, Then, how should we use what we have? how should we use what we have? how should we use what we have? This is an important topic that should This is an important topic that should actually be discussed in the church, not just during Sunday sermons . Offering time at church is . Offering time at church is usually held every Sunday usually held every Sunday usually held every Sunday . . . There is a time to talk about offerings. There is a time to talk about offerings. There is a time to talk about offerings. However, during the offering guidance time, it was However, during the offering guidance time, it was However, during the offering guidance time, it was simply, "Yes, you can make an offering like this simply, "Yes, you can make an offering like this simply, "Yes, you can make an offering like this ." If you just say that, it is ." If you just say that, it is ." If you just say that, it is n't very convincing. n't very convincing. n't very convincing. Therefore, we recommend presenting Therefore, we recommend presenting Therefore, we recommend presenting 'one story and one 'one story and one 'one story and one next step' together during church guidance time next step' together during church guidance time next step' together during church guidance time . . . Next time during the offering guidance, I will say, " Next time during the offering guidance, I will say, " Yes, you can make an offering in this way Yes, you can make an offering in this way Yes, you can make an offering in this way . There is a QR code on the screen . There is a QR code on the screen ." Instead of saying that ." Instead of saying that ." Instead of saying that , "Why don't you talk about how generosity has impacted someone within the church community , "Why don't you talk about how generosity has impacted someone within the church community ? For example, it ? For example, it could be stories shared among members, or a could be stories shared among members, or a story about someone donating to the church. Or, if you practice tithing like our church, it would be good to talk about the organizations that fund local and international ministries and and and how those funds affect people. You how those funds affect people. You suggest the next step along with a story like that.

suggest the next step along with a story like that. And the next step is always, 'Yes, And the next step is always, 'Yes, please donate to what we do. We share everything we have to help everyone have what they need help everyone have what they need .'" It is something like that. " .'" It is something like that. " Well, thanks to you, I now feel like Well, thanks to you, I now feel like Well, thanks to you, I now feel like donating too donating too donating too . Not just once, but . Not just once, but . Not just once, but perhaps that story might perhaps that story might inspire me to donate what little I have every week inspire me to donate what little I have every week . And so, just as . And so, just as . And so, just as you mentioned, I have now you mentioned, I have now become part of a truly meaningful and significant group of people who support the work you do. Honestly speaking, that is exactly it become part of a truly meaningful and significant group of people who support the work you do. Honestly speaking, that is exactly it . It is . It is . It is repetitive actions that repetitive actions that repetitive actions that shape us. Think about health and shape us. Think about health and shape us. Think about health and nutrition. You could be having the nutrition. You could be having the worst meal of your life worst meal of your life worst meal of your life ." Hmm, yes, that would probably be a ." Hmm, yes, that would probably be a ." Hmm, yes, that would probably be a good thing. " good thing. " good thing. " Donating just once might not make much of a difference Donating just once might not make much of a difference Donating just once might not make much of a difference . However, if you . However, if you . However, if you donate consistently every day, every week, and every month, that is when donate consistently every day, every week, and every month, that is when changes begin to occur in your behavior and body changes begin to occur in your behavior and body . This is precisely an . This is precisely an important element for spiritual growth, and it is the important element for spiritual growth, and it is the important element for spiritual growth, and it is the reason why regular giving is beneficial reason why regular giving is beneficial reason why regular giving is beneficial . It might feel good to raise a large sum of money all at once and donate it at the end of the year, especially as . It might feel good to raise a large sum of money all at once and donate it at the end of the year, especially as . It might feel good to raise a large sum of money all at once and donate it at the end of the year, especially as Christmas approaches and Christmas approaches and tax deductions for the New Year are anticipated. tax deductions for the New Year are anticipated.

However, I believe that regular giving is regular giving is much more effective for spiritual growth much more effective for spiritual growth much more effective for spiritual growth . And isn't the church budget . And isn't the church budget . And isn't the church budget funded by regular donations? funded by regular donations? funded by regular donations? Those who donate every week or month Those who donate every week or month account for about a quarter of the total budget, but 70% of the budget is account for about a quarter of the total budget, but 70% of the budget is thanks to them. Yes, it is thanks to them. Yes, it is thanks to them. Yes, it is certainly a topic worth discussing certainly a topic worth discussing certainly a topic worth discussing . Perhaps only those interested in numbers like me... . Perhaps only those interested in numbers like me... . Perhaps only those interested in numbers like me... " Wow " Wow " Wow , that's interesting. Those numbers are really , that's interesting. Those numbers are really , that's interesting. Those numbers are really fascinating. "You fascinating. "You fascinating. "You might be thinking, '...' Hal said might be thinking, '...' Hal said might be thinking, '...' Hal said at the beginning of this episode, 'Oh, you at the beginning of this episode, 'Oh, you at the beginning of this episode, 'Oh, you titled this episode 'An Unexpected Discovery' too.' titled this episode 'An Unexpected Discovery' too.' So I replied, 'Yes, I So I replied, 'Yes, I really love making unexpected discoveries really love making unexpected discoveries really love making unexpected discoveries .' .' So, I believe that So, I believe that So, I believe that telling that story can inspire people to donate, even if they don't feel like the amount makes a huge telling that story can inspire people to donate, even if they don't feel like the amount makes a huge telling that story can inspire people to donate, even if they don't feel like the amount makes a huge difference difference . Yes, . Yes, we compile an internal donation we compile an internal donation we compile an internal donation data report every year data report every year . For example, things like the . For example, things like the . For example, things like the 2026 Nucleus donation statistics you just mentioned 2026 Nucleus donation statistics you just mentioned 2026 Nucleus donation statistics you just mentioned . I’ve put a . I’ve put a . I’ve put a link in the description of this blog post, so please link in the description of this blog post, so please link in the description of this blog post, so please click to check it out click to check it out click to check it out . I remember discovering a lot of . I remember discovering a lot of really interesting facts when I first came across the donation data from everyone using the Nucleus donation system . 'Wow, I never imagined that these small recurring donations would make up such a large portion of the church's monthly and annual budgets imagined that these small recurring donations would make up such a large portion of the church's monthly and annual budgets .'" "I had thoughts like that .'" "I had thoughts like that .'" "I had thoughts like that ." "Also, several interesting points stand out, such as whether people prefer credit cards or ACH ." "Also, several interesting points stand out, such as whether people prefer credit cards or ACH ." "Also, several interesting points stand out, such as whether people prefer credit cards or ACH transfers transfers transfers , and what the fee structure is like , and what the fee structure is like .

. Beyond mere interest, as you Beyond mere interest, as you Beyond mere interest, as you mentioned, this provides important implications for the mentioned, this provides important implications for the mentioned, this provides important implications for the message we convey in the modern digital age message we convey in the modern digital age . We offer digital offerings . Therefore, it is . Therefore, it is important to help congregants and church members make wise decisions based on sufficient information regarding offering methods. important to help congregants and church members make wise decisions based on sufficient information regarding offering methods. To bridge the offering gap, first, we must encourage To bridge the offering gap, first, we must encourage To bridge the offering gap, first, we must encourage regular offerings, even if they are small amounts regular offerings, even if they are small amounts . Second, . Second, . Second, generous Christians do not generous Christians do not generous Christians do not give only to the church give only to the church give only to the church . . . According to a survey conducted by Giveify, According to a survey conducted by Giveify, 61% of respondents said they donated to registered non-profit organizations 61% of respondents said they donated to registered non-profit organizations , and 62% , and 62% said they donated to individuals in need said they donated to individuals in need said they donated to individuals in need . These are people who . These are people who have already offered to the church; they are have already offered to the church; they are not people who have left the church but still claim to believe in Jesus. As such, we must consider various aspects regarding offering methods."

Can you persuasively convey the church's mission and story so that people can empathize Can you persuasively convey the church's mission and story so that people can empathize ? Of course, I do not intend to encourage you to donate only to the ? Of course, I do not intend to encourage you to donate only to the church instead of donating to neighbors in need church instead of donating to neighbors in need . When people donate to neighbors in need donate to neighbors in need donate to neighbors in need , what is their motivation? It is , what is their motivation? It is the feeling of seeing a desperate need and thinking, 'Ah, I want to fulfill that need.' I recently went to Cape Town, South Africa with my wife, and went to Cape Town, South Africa with my wife, and while she was shopping, while she was shopping, while she was shopping, I was I was I was standing in front of a Zara store in a shopping mall. Just standing in front of a Zara store in a shopping mall. Just then, a man then, a man approached me and said, "I haven't been able to eat anything for a few days approached me and said, "I haven't been able to eat anything for a few days approached me and said, "I haven't been able to eat anything for a few days . . . There's a McDonald's nearby; would you There's a McDonald's nearby; would you There's a McDonald's nearby; would you mind buying me something?" asked mind buying me something?" asked mind buying me something?" asked . I said, "Okay, let's do that . I said, "Okay, let's do that ." ...answered. ." ...answered. ." ...answered. So I went across the shopping mall with him to the So I went across the shopping mall with him to the So I went across the shopping mall with him to the McDonald's McDonald's McDonald's . I said, "Please . I said, "Please . I said, "Please pick whatever you want." He pick whatever you want." He pick whatever you want." He said. Speaking about his son, he said. Speaking about his son, he mentioned that his wife had passed away due to drug addiction, and although he is trying to get along with his son, he is having difficulties as the son enters puberty.

mentioned that his wife had passed away due to drug addiction, and although he is trying to get along with his son, he is having difficulties as the son enters puberty. We had a brief conversation and We had a brief conversation and We had a brief conversation and went our separate ways, but he went our separate ways, but he went our separate ways, but he clearly had a need, and I was clearly had a need, and I was glad to be able to willingly meet that need. It was glad to be able to willingly meet that need. It was not planned, but because his not planned, but because his not planned, but because his request was so clear, request was so clear, request was so clear, I I I felt the motivation and necessity to move in that direction felt the motivation and necessity to move in that direction felt the motivation and necessity to move in that direction . I gladly . I gladly agreed to that request. In fact, the church's agreed to that request. In fact, the church's agreed to that request. In fact, the church's needs are often disconnected from donors needs are often disconnected from donors needs are often disconnected from donors . This is because it is not clear . This is because it is not clear where the church's mission is headed or where the church's mission is headed or where the church's mission is headed or what changes it is creating what changes it is creating . Therefore, . Therefore, conveying these stories conveying these stories conveying these stories brings about two effects. brings about two effects. brings about two effects. First, it motivates people to First, it motivates people to First, it motivates people to donate. This donate. This donate. This is a very good thing. Second, it is a very good thing. Second, it helps establish the church's culture and identity. helps establish the church's culture and identity. This is exactly why we This is exactly why we This is exactly why we love communication so much and why we talk love communication so much and why we talk so much about it in this program so much about it in this program so much about it in this program . . Please ask the congregation, "Please make offerings. Please ask the congregation, "Please make offerings. Please participate in gatherings. Please participate in gatherings. Please participate in gatherings. Please volunteer Please volunteer Please volunteer . Please come back to Sunday worship . Please come back to Sunday worship ."

." ." Most Most Most people do not respond to your request whenever you make a request like this people do not respond to your request whenever you make a request like this people do not respond to your request whenever you make a request like this . That is just how the world is . That is just how the world is . That is just how the world is . However, . However, when you convey an invitation through stories and the church's mission, even if when you convey an invitation through stories and the church's mission, even if people do not respond or move on to the people do not respond or move on to the people do not respond or move on to the next step next step next step , you are still , you are still , you are still building the church's identity building the church's identity building the church's identity . We always . We always say that the language we use creates culture. I absolutely do not want to miss the opportunity to create a culture. This is because, for me, fostering culture is the most important and priority. Once a culture is because, for me, fostering culture is the most important and priority. Once a culture is established, people will established, people will take action as a result. take action as a result. take action as a result. We know that storytelling can influence attitudes, We know that storytelling can influence attitudes, We know that storytelling can influence attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors beliefs, and behaviors beliefs, and behaviors . . . So, even So, even So, even if not right now, I am if not right now, I am if not right now, I am building a greater resolve for the future, and building a greater resolve for the future, and building a greater resolve for the future, and through the words I use, I am through the words I use, I am shaping the church's overall direction and identity shaping the church's overall direction and identity . How can I know, you . How can I know, you . How can I know, you ask? The Bible says that the tongue has the ask? The Bible says that the tongue has the power of life and death power of life and death power of life and death . Think about applying this to human relationships . Think about applying this to human relationships . Think about applying this to human relationships . If I say . If I say . If I say nice things to Alex, I nice things to Alex, I nice things to Alex, I can encourage him, but if I say can encourage him, but if I say can encourage him, but if I say terrible things, I terrible things, I terrible things, I can break him down. This can break him down. This applies equally to the church community, which is the body of Christ. You can change the appearance of the church with the language you use can change the appearance of the church with the language you use . yes . yes . yes . great. We . great. We . great. We talked about financial difficulties earlier, didn't we?

talked about financial difficulties earlier, didn't we? People like us who can't fly business class. Imagine there are people who want to make an offering but are not financially well-off, so they are unsure if they can donate as wisely as they would like . . And this is exactly why I like to talk about " And this is exactly why I like to talk about " what missionary work the church is what missionary work the church is what missionary work the church is doing and doing and how that affects donations." how that affects donations." Rather than coercive persuasion or requests Rather than coercive persuasion or requests . Of course, coercive requests are . Of course, coercive requests are necessary, but you must necessary, but you must necessary, but you must not do them out of shame. not do them out of shame. According to the aforementioned Givefy survey, 60% of respondents expressed a strong desire to donate more to charities 60% of respondents expressed a strong desire to donate more to charities , and 51% were concerned that changes in their financial situation might , and 51% were concerned that changes in their financial situation might affect their ability to donate affect their ability to donate affect their ability to donate . . . This This This is the result of a survey on Christian donors, not a survey of all Americans is the result of a survey on Christian donors, not a survey of all Americans . This study . This study was originally a different study. Therefore, was originally a different study. Therefore, was originally a different study. Therefore, the church must bear in mind that it may make the mistake of misdiagnosing issues of donation consistency the church must bear in mind that it may make the mistake of misdiagnosing issues of donation consistency the church must bear in mind that it may make the mistake of misdiagnosing issues of donation consistency or a lack of donation capacity, and or a lack of donation capacity, and concluding that there is a "lack of willingness to donate."

"No, no; I am simply saying that this is possible this is possible this is possible . As I said before, . As I said before, . As I said before, when communicating about these issues, when communicating about these issues, when communicating about these issues, my philosophy is to treat people as adults and my philosophy is to treat people as adults and my philosophy is to treat people as adults and speak accordingly speak accordingly speak accordingly . . . If you are aware of the situation, I think it is better not to beat around the bush If you are aware of the situation, I think it is better not to beat around the bush . I believe this is the way to treat . I believe this is the way to treat people maturely when discussing donations people maturely when discussing donations . Of course, you should not try to manipulate them or display a deceitful attitude. I think not try to manipulate them or display a deceitful attitude. I think we would all agree on that we would all agree on that we would all agree on that . Many people still . Many people still approach this cautiously because they know it is a sensitive and delicate issue. approach this cautiously because they know it is a sensitive and delicate issue. I understand why. I understand why. I understand why. However, I think it is better to take a more direct However, I think it is better to take a more direct However, I think it is better to take a more direct stance and say, 'We understand that stance and say, 'We understand that stance and say, 'We understand that situations like this can occur for some people. situations like this can occur for some people. ' ' And And And if that is the case for you, there is absolutely if that is the case for you, there is absolutely if that is the case for you, there is absolutely no problem. There are other ways to give besides money no problem. There are other ways to give besides money . . Yes. Yes. Yes. And please provide what people need And please provide what people need And please provide what people need . It is about . It is about . It is about treating them with dignity. treating them with dignity. treating them with dignity. If you do not speak up, people If you do not speak up, people will think, 'Ah, there is some misunderstanding,' and you are resolving a problem that could will think, 'Ah, there is some misunderstanding,' and you are resolving a problem that could create a negative image of your church create a negative image of your church . That is just how things are in the world . That is just how things are in the world . Perception is reality . Perception is reality . Perception is reality ." Appearance matters.

." Appearance matters. ." Appearance matters. And sometimes, what is left unsaid is just And sometimes, what is left unsaid is just And sometimes, what is left unsaid is just as important as, or perhaps even more as important as, or perhaps even more as important as, or perhaps even more important than, what is said important than, what is said important than, what is said . . . Yes. Yes. Yes. That is exactly what I told the congregation a few weeks ago That is exactly what I told the congregation a few weeks ago That is exactly what I told the congregation a few weeks ago . . . Oh my, oh my, Oh my, oh my, a call just came in from the credit union. Good heavens. Is this a a call just came in from the credit union. Good heavens. Is this a a call just came in from the credit union. Good heavens. Is this a divine revelation? divine revelation? divine revelation? Should I answer it? Should I answer it? Should I answer it? Uh, it should be set to Do Not Disturb Uh, it should be set to Do Not Disturb Uh, it should be set to Do Not Disturb , but the call , but the call , but the call came in. Interesting. came in. Interesting. came in. Interesting. Interesting. Ah, no, that is what I Interesting. Ah, no, that is what I said a few weeks ago while talking to the congregation about offerings. I said a few weeks ago while talking to the congregation about offerings. I said this: Now, well, despite said this: Now, well, despite said this: Now, well, despite everything we just talked about regarding donations everything we just talked about regarding donations everything we just talked about regarding donations , the , the , the question that still remains is this. question that still remains is this. question that still remains is this. How should I spend a lot of money How should I spend a lot of money How should I spend a lot of money ? How ? How ? How should I spend a small amount of money? yes should I spend a small amount of money? yes should I spend a small amount of money? yes . . . So, I So, I clearly told the wealthy people present here. "What I am telling you is that you must share a lot of am telling you is that you must share a lot of am telling you is that you must share a lot of money money money . Of course, I am not saying that you should . Of course, I am not saying that you should . Of course, I am not saying that you should donate here donate here donate here , but the , but the message Jesus gave you is that you must share a lot of money message Jesus gave you is that you must share a lot of money ." And I ." And I said this to those who do not have much money said this to those who do not have much money said this to those who do not have much money . Do not give . Do not give offerings to the church out of a sense of religious obligation or credit offerings to the church out of a sense of religious obligation or credit offerings to the church out of a sense of religious obligation or credit . Do not pay tithes out of credit simply because you . Do not pay tithes out of credit simply because you . Do not pay tithes out of credit simply because you think it is what God wants think it is what God wants . In many other areas, you can be . In many other areas, you can be much more generous much more generous much more generous . You . You can generously give your time, ability, energy, interest, and the willingness to meet and serve others.

Honestly speaking, if you are not financially well-off and financially well-off and cannot contribute generously to this Christian community, please humbly accept help when someone in the church wants to assist you assist you . By doing so, . By doing so, God may guide you God may guide you God may guide you to a position where you can give to a position where you can give to a position where you can give . Because . Because you accepted help when you needed it, you will be ready to willingly give . So I was proud of the way our community our community our community discussed these issues openly that Sunday and discussed these issues openly that Sunday and accepted everyone present just as they are . In that place, there are people with a lot of money , , , people with little, and people with little, and people with little, and many people in between. many people in between. many people in between. We are all concerned about how to manage finances for those dedicated to the Christian community We are all concerned about how to manage finances for those dedicated to the Christian community . How should I properly manage this work that God has entrusted to me How should I properly manage this work that God has entrusted to me ? This is precisely the ? This is precisely the ? This is precisely the pastoral perspective. It is not simply, "You pastoral perspective. It is not simply, "You pastoral perspective. It is not simply, "You must donate to the church. If you do must donate to the church. If you do must donate to the church. If you do not donate, how will the church be run not donate, how will the church be run ?" Or, ?" Or, ?" Or, " " " How can I fly business class if I don't make a donation How can I fly business class if I don't make a donation How can I fly business class if I don't make a donation ?" It is different from ?" It is different from ?" It is different from practical approaches such as Because practical approaches such as Because practical approaches such as Because business class is the only business class is the only business class is the only option.

option. option. I tried to make a reservation with British Airways, but only I tried to make a reservation with British Airways, but only I tried to make a reservation with British Airways, but only business class was available business class was available business class was available . I'm sorry, . I'm sorry, . I'm sorry, but I couldn't reserve both seats but I couldn't reserve both seats but I couldn't reserve both seats . . . Satan attacked me and Satan attacked me and whispered that economy class was not allowed. Since whispered that economy class was not allowed. Since God has not yet given our church a God has not yet given our church a private jet private jet private jet , we have no choice but to , we have no choice but to , we have no choice but to use British Airways business class use British Airways business class use British Airways business class . . . Finally, Finally, Finally, the point I wrote down is that setting a good example in financial management the point I wrote down is that setting a good example in financial management helps build trust. You might end up using private planes or business class less, but I think that depends on your individual beliefs. I’d like to think that depends on your individual beliefs. I’d like to brag a little about Nucleus Giving here brag a little about Nucleus Giving here brag a little about Nucleus Giving here . We were revamping the Nucleus site . We were revamping the Nucleus site . You should go there. It . You should go there. It looks really cool and neat now. While looks really cool and neat now. While revamping the donation page a month or two ago, I thought, 'It's time to start compiling some statistics .' Our donation platform started in 2018, so it's already started in 2018, so it's already started in 2018, so it's already been almost 10 years. been almost 10 years. So I looked through all the data So I looked through all the data , and the first thing that stood out was the , and the first thing that stood out was the fact that the total amount of donations had surpassed $1 billion. fact that the total amount of donations had surpassed $1 billion. That's a huge amount of money. To think that That's a huge amount of money. To think that That's a huge amount of money. To think that 1 billion dollars was donated to the church is a 1 billion dollars was donated to the church is a 1 billion dollars was donated to the church is a truly enormous amount truly enormous amount truly enormous amount . When we first launched the platform in 2018 . When we first launched the platform in 2018 . When we first launched the platform in 2018 , we thought that if we provided a way for people to , we thought that if we provided a way for people to donate without fees, donate without fees, donate without fees, more people would more people would more people would choose it choose it choose it . There is . There is . There is a fee when you make a digital donation using a credit card a fee when you make a digital donation using a credit card a fee when you make a digital donation using a credit card . As you all know . As you all know . As you all know , , when you try to buy a movie ticket or an item under $5 at a convenience store, you hear, "No. You

when you try to buy a movie ticket or an item under $5 at a convenience store, you hear, "No. You cannot make a payment cannot make a payment cannot make a payment ." I often hear people say that ." I often hear people say that ." I often hear people say that . If you go to a movie theater, at least . If you go to a movie theater, at least . If you go to a movie theater, at least where we are, you can see that convenience where we are, you can see that convenience where we are, you can see that convenience fees or credit card fees are fees or credit card fees are added added added . So, we . So, we thought it would be a good idea to create a way to donate without any fees. That thought it would be a good idea to create a way to donate without any fees. That was exactly our idea. was exactly our idea. was exactly our idea. We named this model the 'opt-out We named this model the 'opt-out We named this model the 'opt-out model' model' model' . For example, . For example, if you want to donate $100, if you want to donate $100, if you want to donate $100, on the donor information screen, it says, "If you donate by credit card, a on the donor information screen, it says, "If you donate by credit card, a on the donor information screen, it says, "If you donate by credit card, a fee of approximately 2% will fee of approximately 2% will fee of approximately 2% will be charged. Therefore, the donation amount will be charged. Therefore, the donation amount will be $102." It be $102." It be $102." It is displayed as follows. If you is displayed as follows. If you is displayed as follows. If you do not wish to pay by credit card, you can do not wish to pay by credit card, you can do not wish to pay by credit card, you can donate via bank account for a donate via bank account for a donate via bank account for a fee of only 25 cents fee of only 25 cents fee of only 25 cents . The same fee applies to everyone regardless of the donation amount . The same fee applies to everyone regardless of the donation amount . So, . So, if you donate $10,000, a fee of $10,000 and if you donate $10,000, a fee of $10,000 and if you donate $10,000, a fee of $10,000 and 25 will be charged 25 will be charged , and if you donate $100, a , and if you donate $100, a , and if you donate $100, a fee of $100 and 25 will fee of $100 and 25 will fee of $100 and 25 will be charged. Most donation be charged. Most donation be charged. Most donation platforms report that 20 to 40 percent of donors platforms report that 20 to 40 percent of donors platforms report that 20 to 40 percent of donors donate via bank accounts donate via bank accounts donate via bank accounts . However, . However, . However, at Nucleus, at Nucleus, at Nucleus, 71% of total donations are made through bank accounts 71% of total donations are made through bank accounts 71% of total donations are made through bank accounts . Therefore, when . Therefore, when . Therefore, when conservatively estimating donation fees conservatively estimating donation fees conservatively estimating donation fees , assuming that , assuming that , assuming that $1 billion was donated through Nucleus over approximately 10 years $1 billion was donated through Nucleus over approximately 10 years $1 billion was donated through Nucleus over approximately 10 years , the , the , the effective fee rate for churches and donors combined is effective fee rate for churches and donors combined is only 0.62%. The numbers only 0.62%. The numbers may sound similar, but may sound similar, but may sound similar, but this means that over the this means that over the this means that over the 10 years we have operated this donation software, 10 years we have operated this donation software, 10 years we have operated this donation software, more than $17 million has been

more than $17 million has been returned to the church and used for ministry returned to the church and used for ministry returned to the church and used for ministry . . If that $17 million had ended up in our pockets, honestly, we could have flown business class much more often. flown business class much more often. Maybe I could have bought pajamas too Maybe I could have bought pajamas too Maybe I could have bought pajamas too . Well, anyway, it's a huge amount of money . Well, anyway, it's a huge amount of money . Well, anyway, it's a huge amount of money . However, that 17 million . However, that 17 million . However, that 17 million dollars was used for churches, dollars was used for churches, dollars was used for churches, for various churches, and for for various churches, and for for various churches, and for ministry. ministry. ministry. If you visit nucleus.church/giving, you If you visit nucleus.church/giving, you can see the counter we made. Based on the donation rate in 2025, calculations show that every 9 seconds, $1 is being used for ministry instead of our business class ticket funds being used for ministry instead of our business class ticket funds . This . This is a counter displayed in real time. You is a counter displayed in real time. You can see the numbers decreasing directly. yes can see the numbers decreasing directly. yes can see the numbers decreasing directly. yes . It was $17.5 million on the day this video was recorded . It was $17.5 million on the day this video was recorded . It was $17.5 million on the day this video was recorded , but I , but I , but I don't know how much it is now don't know how much it is now . It amounts to 1 dollar being collected every 9 seconds . It amounts to 1 dollar being collected every 9 seconds . It amounts to 1 dollar being collected every 9 seconds . When donating by credit card, . When donating by credit card, . When donating by credit card, the church covers the fees, the church covers the fees, the church covers the fees, so the general effective so the general effective so the general effective donation rate is about 1.71% lower donation rate is about 1.71% lower . . However, at Nucleus, the effective donation rate, combining donors and donors, is effective donation rate, combining donors and donors, is effective donation rate, combining donors and donors, is only 0.6%. That only 0.6%. That accounts for more than half of the 3% gap between total offerings and church offerings, but accounts for more than half of the 3% gap between total offerings and church offerings, but church church church offerings have decreased when inflation is taken into account. This is exactly what offerings have decreased when inflation is taken into account. This is exactly what offerings have decreased when inflation is taken into account. This is exactly what financial management looks like.

financial management looks like. financial management looks like. I am not trying to recommend Nucleus I am not trying to recommend Nucleus I am not trying to recommend Nucleus . If it is an American church, you are . If it is an American church, you are welcome to use it as much as you want. However, welcome to use it as much as you want. However, when I calculated those figures, I was really when I calculated those figures, I was really when I calculated those figures, I was really proud. yes. We proud. yes. We proud. yes. We run a donation company and run a donation company and run a donation company and disclose everything transparently. disclose everything transparently. disclose everything transparently. Oh, Oh, do you know how many people are trying to scam you? There are do you know how many people are trying to scam you? There are so many. I like scams so many. I like scams so many. I like scams . yes . yes . yes . . . Scammers are notorious Scammers are notorious . I enjoy scamming. . I enjoy scamming. . I enjoy scamming. Customer support related to donations is Customer support related to donations is Customer support related to donations is less fun than customer support for other products less fun than customer support for other products less fun than customer support for other products . Because money is at stake . Because money is at stake . Because money is at stake . Especially, "If . Especially, "If $17 million comes to me $17 million comes to me $17 million comes to me ?" It is ?" It is ?" It is difficult to feel a sense of reward when I have thoughts like that. difficult to feel a sense of reward when I have thoughts like that. difficult to feel a sense of reward when I have thoughts like that. One thing I think is that we have One thing I think is that we have absolutely no idea what kind of ministry was carried out with that $17 million absolutely no idea what kind of ministry was carried out with that $17 million . Some of it might have been . Some of it might have been . Some of it might have been used to pay a meager salary used to pay a meager salary used to pay a meager salary , or , or , or to buy a private jet to buy a private jet to buy a private jet . . . However, However, a church that travels by private jet says, "We cannot pay the 2% fee a church that travels by private jet says, "We cannot pay the 2% fee ." Imagine saying that ." Imagine saying that ." Imagine saying that . . . Such a fee might seem good, but it Such a fee might seem good, but it Such a fee might seem good, but it might not be. I'm not sure might not be. I'm not sure might not be. I'm not sure . . Most of the churches using our platform are small to medium-sized Most of the churches using our platform are small to medium-sized churches. And I know that the churches. And I know that the churches. And I know that the money is being reinvested in ministry and money is being reinvested in ministry and money is being reinvested in ministry and creating real change creating real change creating real change .

. . And I am using that money to cover the church's And I am using that money to cover the church's And I am using that money to cover the church's operating expenses operating expenses . yes . yes . yes . And someday in heaven, I will . And someday in heaven, I will . And someday in heaven, I will go to God and say, "My question is go to God and say, "My question is go to God and say, "My question is this." I this." I this." I hope to be able to say that. hope to be able to say that. hope to be able to say that. My mother described heaven to me like this My mother described heaven to me like this My mother described heaven to me like this . You can ask . You can ask . You can ask God questions God questions God questions . " . " . " Lord, how much is $17 million now Lord, how much is $17 million now Lord, how much is $17 million now ?" "No one knows what it will become ?" "No one knows what it will become ?" "No one knows what it will become . Could you please . Could you please . Could you please tell me where that money was spent tell me where that money was spent tell me where that money was spent ? I did ? I did ? I did n't get to fly business class, you know. I am n't get to fly business class, you know. I am n't get to fly business class, you know. I am looking for my treasure in heaven looking for my treasure in heaven looking for my treasure in heaven . Is it here too?" " . Is it here too?" " . Is it here too?" " Yes." That was all. Yes." That was all. Yes." That was all. We called it that. We called it that. We called it that. I said this. Look I said this. Look , everyone. This is like a recorder where we , everyone. This is like a recorder where we , everyone. This is like a recorder where we store up treasures in heaven store up treasures in heaven store up treasures in heaven . This is because . This is because this recorder clearly shows every penny this recorder clearly shows every penny spent on ministry, not in our pockets spent on ministry, not in our pockets . We assumed that if people had the opportunity to avoid paying fees to credit card companies, they would do so. This is because assumed that if people had the opportunity to avoid paying fees to credit card companies, they would do so. This is because the money eventually the money eventually the money eventually goes to us or to card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and goes to us or to card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and goes to us or to card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express American Express . But what . But what happened? People thought, 'Could happened? People thought, 'Could happened? People thought, 'Could n't we just not pay?' ... n't we just not pay?' ... n't we just not pay?' ... asks. If given the option, they asks. If given the option, they asks. If given the option, they do so. This is precisely the do so. This is precisely the 'selective 'selective participation' model where one must directly say, 'I will pay the fee,' versus the 'There is a fee participation' model where one must directly say, 'I will pay the fee,' versus the 'There is a fee participation' model where one must directly say, 'I will pay the fee,' versus the 'There is a fee . Will you . Will you . Will you pay it or not?' This is the difference pay it or not?' This is the difference pay it or not?' This is the difference in the 'selective denial' model that can be described as follows in the 'selective denial' model that can be described as follows in the 'selective denial' model that can be described as follows . People can . People can . People can say, "I will not pay say, "I will not pay say, "I will not pay ." "And they can also refuse ." "And they can also refuse ." "And they can also refuse . Once again, . Once again, . Once again, take a look at the counter. It is take a look at the counter. It is take a look at the counter. It is interesting, and I am interesting, and I am interesting, and I am glad I designed it. Finally, glad I designed it. Finally, glad I designed it. Finally, Bishop Budget, do you have anything to say Bishop Budget, do you have anything to say Bishop Budget, do you have anything to say ?

? Well, yes, I believe that the core of many things Well, yes, I believe that the core of many things done in the church, not just in the financial realm, is done in the church, not just in the financial realm, is stewardship. Yes. It is the stewardship of caring for money, resources, people, souls, and children. It is the stewardship of caring for money, resources, people, souls, and children. How should we properly manage what God has entrusted to us How should we properly manage what God has entrusted to us How should we properly manage what God has entrusted to us ? And this is ? And this is something I often say in episodes where I talk about data," Brady said. "This data is useful not because Brady is a nerd, but not because Brady is a nerd, but because it helps to grasp the overall situation and make informed decisions." "He because it helps to grasp the overall situation and make informed decisions." "He says, 'We have to make says, 'We have to make says, 'We have to make many decisions for the church community many decisions for the church community many decisions for the church community . I believe this . I believe this . I believe this data is very important, especially in the area of ​​financial management data is very important, especially in the area of ​​financial management .'" What trends are popular in the U.S. .'" What trends are popular in the U.S. ? ? What is the financial status of our church? Where does the offering we gave go What is the financial status of our church? Where does the offering we gave go ? We ? We ? We can learn a lot through questions like these can learn a lot through questions like these can learn a lot through questions like these . This isn't an . This isn't an . This isn't an advertisement for Nucleus Giving; it's about questions such as advertisement for Nucleus Giving; it's about questions such as where our offerings go, where our offerings go, whether we are the ones paying or the whether we are the ones paying or the whether we are the ones paying or the donors are, donors are, whether fees can be lowered, and if the money could be recovered, whether fees can be lowered, and if the money could be recovered, how would we use it how would we use it how would we use it . I hope that . I hope that . I hope that through this data, you can through this data, you can through this data, you can grasp the overall situation and make wise decisions that will help grasp the overall situation and make wise decisions that will help grasp the overall situation and make wise decisions that will help those listening to today's broadcast those listening to today's broadcast those listening to today's broadcast lead their communities well lead their communities well .

. Amen. Thank you for taking the time to listen Amen. Thank you for taking the time to listen Amen. Thank you for taking the time to listen . I will see you again next week . I will see you again next week . I will see you again next week . I'm nervous . I'm nervous . I'm nervous calling the credit union again calling the credit union again calling the credit union again . I'm . I'm . I'm surprised they didn't answer surprised they didn't answer surprised they didn't answer . I am currently recording a podcast about church offerings, so please . I am currently recording a podcast about church offerings, so please wait a moment. wait a moment. Jessica, have you heard of the $1 billion figure Jessica, have you heard of the $1 billion figure Jessica, have you heard of the $1 billion figure ?