Khachkar Studios has launched a more than $10 million initiative that could reshape how churches think about stewardship, accountability, and mission.
Focused on Armenian churches in the U.S., the program ties funding directly to measurable growth in faith engagement — a moral challenge as much as a management one.
The initiative’s guiding scripture is the parable of the talents: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Rather than offering charity for its own sake, Khachkar Studios is demanding results — chiefly, increased participation in Non-Holiday Badarak services (KPI #1). Just 13,000 Armenian Americans currently attend such services — 3% of the population.
Churches chosen for the pilot will be ranked on SROI (Social Return on Investment) and supported through eight structured activities, such as training leaders, conducting home visits, and spreading Good News content. Annual support ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per church.
Crucially, the initiative is designed to be both efficient and equitable. Churches can implement all eight activities with a total of six volunteer hours per week — ensuring no congregation is overburdened.
The media strategy is similarly ethical: to address years of silence and underinvestment in religious outreach. Khachkar Studios’ media budget exceeds the collective spend of all Armenian churches in the U.S. by over 25 times. Content will flow through podcasts, videos, events, music, and writing.
The April 2025 Pilot Briefing Packet outlines the full performance framework, including anonymized rankings, financial disclosures, and implementation logistics.
By demanding outcomes and ranking performance transparently, Khachkar Studios isn’t just funding churches — it’s calling them to higher standards of care, discipline, and mission. In a sector where vague impact often passes for virtue, this ethical clarity is refreshing.
