Revenue Strategy: A Kingdom Economy Model
ethnē operates on the biblical principle that the body of Christ flourishes through dynamic interdependence, as diverse gifts join together in common mission. We draw inspiration from one of Paul's favorite Greek words, koinonia (κοινωνία), often translated as communion, fellowship, partnership, participation, or financial contribution—depending on context. This spirit of koinonia shapes our revenue model, embodying a reciprocal relationship of giving and receiving.
The Gospel is free
The ethnē app and all Bible translations are available at no cost to those using or producing the translations.
Koinonia creates sustainability
We work in koinonia - reciprocal partnership - with Last Mile ministries. Like Paul's relationship with the Philippians (Phil 4:15), this involves mutual giving and receiving as ministries invest in custom software and professional services designed specifically for their contexts. This model gives ministry leaders full decision-making authority over their content, deployment, and strategic choices. Our tiered pricing structure enables ministries at every size, from frontier networks to large organizations, to participate in affordable strategies that maximize long-term sustainability for the individual ministries and for ethnē.
Breakthrough requires generous donors
Generous donors fund the rapid scaling of languages and infrastructure that benefit the entire ecosystem. Like Barnabas laying resources at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37), donors enable exponential Kingdom impact that multiplies across regions and ministries.
Mutual sharing
Last Mile ministries share spiritual wisdom and innovative approaches that challenge and inspire the Western church—when and how they choose. In turn, Western donors and ministries provide resources that equip Last Mile partners to pursue their Kingdom vision effectively in their own contexts.
This is the body functioning as God designed: every part giving, every part receiving. Together we form an economy where each one contributes according to their capacity and everyone benefits from the collective investment.
This creates a flywheel of Kingdom impact—2 Corinthians 8:14 in action: "Your surplus meets their need, so that in turn their surplus meets your need. Then there will be equality."
FAQs
Q: "Freely you have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). Why charge for anything related to Scripture?
A: We take this command seriously, which is why the ethnē app and all Bible translations are completely free—always. Scripture access never depends on ability to pay.
We learn from how the Apostle Paul navigated finances. While he established that gospel workers have the right to financial support (1 Cor 9:14), he chose not to exercise that right—sometimes working with his hands (Acts 18:3), sometimes receiving financial gifts from churches (Phil 4:15-16). His approach was flexible, context-driven, and aimed at removing barriers to the gospel.
Our approach follows this practical wisdom: Scripture is free. We offer specialized solution engineering, custom infrastructure, and ongoing support as paid services for those who desire them. We provide the "equipment" and "guides" that help ministries reach their summits.
Q: How do you serve ministries who genuinely can't afford even $10/month?
A: If $10/month presents a barrier, we have solutions:
Our approach:
We begin with a tiered pricing model that serves ministries from frontier networks to large organizations.
We work with your ministry to identify a sponsor from your network who would be blessed to partner financially to equip your ministry with the technology you need.
We persevere. If we can't identify support, we work directly with you to find a sustainable solution.
Q: Why not open source?
A: We're focused on rapid product iteration, co-creating features with innovative Last Mile ministries, and achieving product-market fit in these critical early years.
Our current approach:
Produce: Clean code, modular architecture, comprehensive documentation
Plan: Our 3 Year Plan through 2028 establishes the foundation and user base
Reevaluate: After 2028, we'll discern whether open source, strategic licensing, technology transfer, or partnership models best serve the Last Mile mission