Feed the flock, not on it

Attention, time, devotion and money are entrusted, not harvested. Ask for them honestly, never through guilt, fear, urgency or a promise.

From the calling

Scripture and tradition

“Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?” (Ezekiel 34:2). “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Praxis asks builders to make “what people want to want”, instead of products that appeal to “our most self-centered, lonely, addictive tendencies”. FaithTech names the tools of the reckless posture: “Dopamine loops, infinite scrolling, doomscrolling, echo-chamber, and engineered dependencies”. faith.tools asks that any cost be “very clear”.

Sources: The Redemptive Business playbook: products · The FaithTech Playbook · faith.tools selection criteria

What it rules in, and out

In

Reminders the person sets; streaks that can be switched off; a return without shame
Gifts that start at no amount; prices that say what they pay for
An honest free allowance, and a subscription that is easy to end

Out

Broken-streak warnings marked urgent
“We miss you” in a persona’s voice
Preselected tiers and added tips; asks after a prayer request
Weekly plans, hidden renewals and hard cancellation

What the maker gives up. The daily users, conversions and revenue that pressure would bring.

Qualification. Asking is not wrong: the church has always supported those who serve the word, and a chosen rhythm can help. The line is crossed when the ask uses guilt, fear, a moment of need or God’s name.

Test a design

Does this serve growth in faith, or only the usage numbers?

Freedom or anxiety?
Would someone who was short of money, or grieving, feel pressed by this screen?

Worked out in the deep dives

Every pattern tagged with this principle