The Religion Business: Exposing Truth and Transforming Faith

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As I sat down with Nathan Apffel for my Fresh Courage podcast, I knew we were in for a deep dive into a topic that's been simmering beneath the surface of religious institutions for years.

Nathan's journey from action sports filmmaker to religious finance investigator is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

The Wake-Up Call

Nathan's story struck a chord with me. Here's a guy who grew up in the church, experienced disillusionment, and instead of walking away, decided to tackle the problem head-on. He told me:

"I realized the content I'm making is strictly entertainment and I was like, what am I doing with my life? I've been given amazing resources that could be utilized to create a better world for my daughter."

This shift in perspective is something I think many of us can relate to. It's that moment when we realize we have the power to make a real difference.

The Hidden World of Religious Finances

Religious institutions have long been pillars of communities worldwide, offering spiritual guidance and support to millions. However, a lack of financial transparency has cast a shadow over their operations.

For centuries, religious institutions have operated with minimal financial oversight. This lack of transparency has led to widespread mismanagement and, in some cases, outright fraud.

The numbers Nathan revealed about religious finances are staggering:

• Christians globally donate about 890 billion dollars annually

• American Christians alone contribute roughly 450 billion dollars each year

• Only 6 cents of every dollar donated makes it outside church walls for community impact

• An estimated 53 billion dollars is stolen by church staff annually

These figures paint a troubling picture of financial mismanagement within religious institutions. What's even more concerning is that the 53 billion dollar theft estimate is based on voluntary reporting, suggesting the actual number could be much higher.

These numbers are hard to swallow, especially for those of us who've grown up in the church and continue to be part of religious communities.

The Root of the Problem

Nathan's research led him to the core of the issue: the tax code. He explained how the 1913 tax laws, which are still largely in effect today, created a system where religious organizations have minimal financial accountability.

For instance:

• Churches don't have to register with the IRS

• There's no legal requirement for churches to file financial documents

• The IRS estimates there are 400,000 churches in the US, but the actual number is unknown due to lack of registration requirements

This lack of oversight has created an environment ripe for financial mismanagement and fraud.

The Tech Solution

What really got me excited was Nathan's approach to solving this problem. He's not just exposing issues; he's working on a solution. He's developing an app that brings accountability and transparency to religious institutions and non-profits.

Nathan explained:

"We have a tech team working to develop what will become a global app or a global piece of technology that religious institutions can implement, non-profits can implement, donors can implement, and it's just bringing accountability and transparency into the system."

This is the kind of innovation that could truly transform the religion business. Imagine being able to see exactly where your donations are going and the impact they're making. It's a game-changer.

The Potential for Change

What struck me most during our conversation was the immense potential for positive change. Nathan pointed out:

"The Christian church could literally radically transform the world overnight. You don't need to do anything else. You don't need to ask for more money. You don't need to demand more. It's just there. You just gotta be better stewards of your resources and bring some accountability to the system."

We're talking about the ability to end deaths from diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, double infant survival rates, eliminate world hunger, and house every homeless person in the US. The resources are there; we just need to use them more effectively.

A New Generation of Faith

One of the most encouraging aspects of our conversation was Nathan's insight into younger generations' perspectives on this issue. He shared how his teenage nephews expressed excitement about his project, recognizing the need for change in religious financial practices.

This aligns with broader trends we're seeing:

• Less than 50% of Americans now see religion as a net positive for society

• Gen Z volunteers more hours than any other generation

• Younger generations are demanding more accountability and social impact from institutions

Moving Forward

As I reflect on my conversation with Nathan, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. There's anger at the mismanagement and fraud that's been happening, but also hope for the future. Nathan's work with "The Religion Business" documentary and his accountability app could be the catalyst for real change.

Here's what I think we all need to do:

1. Start asking questions about financial transparency in our religious institutions

2. Support initiatives that bring more accountability to the system

3. Be open to new technologies that can help track and manage religious finances

4. Engage in honest conversations about these issues within our communities

5. Remember that change is possible, and it starts with each of us

Nathan's journey from disillusionment to action is a perfect example of what I call "fresh courage." It's about facing difficult truths and taking bold steps to make things better. His approach of "failing forward" and continuing to push for change despite obstacles is something we can all learn from.

In the end, this isn't about tearing down religious institutions. It's about making them stronger, more transparent, and more impactful. It's about ensuring that the faith we hold dear is reflected in the way we manage our resources and serve our communities.

The transformation of the religion business through accountability isn't just a possibility – it's a necessity. And after talking with Nathan, I'm more convinced than ever that it's within our reach. Let's have the courage to make it happen.