Holy Shift #22 - The Cost of Growth at All Costs with David Royall (Subsplash)
May 7, 2025
David Royall, a pastor-turned-product-marketer who left ministry after a decade, shares his journey from church leadership to tech. He discusses a growth-at-all-costs culture, how that mindset impacted staff and families, the moment his wife helped him see the dysfunction, and what life and career look like after stepping away.
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From Missions Intern To Accidental Finance Director
- David started as a missions intern, moved into administration, then became finance/reporting lead by filling gaps after leaders left.
- He was once given three options after a miscommunication: move to Tijuana, work under exec pastor, or leave — illustrating volatile role decisions.
Multiplication Without Maturity
- Growth-at-all-costs strategies can multiply staff costs and burnout without increasing lasting spiritual impact.
- David used data showing 15 plants reached about the same people as two locations, revealing multiplication of costs not faithful outcomes.
When Serving Is Expected But Care Is Withheld
- Systems that require constant outward service but don’t replenish members create long-term spiritual emptiness.
- The membership covenant required 13 commitments including championing church planting while promised care chains repeatedly failed due to leader turnover.