Podcast Episode 203: Inside Rock’s Funding & Release Strategy Published Dec 8, 2025 In episode 203 of Rock Cast, Jon, Emily, and Nick discuss Rockʼs unique funding model and the key advantage of giving at the recommended donation rate: Early Access. Because of the Communityʼs faithful giving and our grant program, opting out of Early Access is a deliberate decision that may limit your staff and the broader Community from advancing together. If you're unable to meet the $4.45 rate, you can apply for a grant today. They segway from funding to address two major questions from the Community: How can I make the right product decisions for my digital ministry? How can the church approach paying its staff? Emily shares her highly requested video from RX25, Tech-Savvy Shepherding: Leading Product and People Well, for you to share with your leadership as they discern these answers. Lastly, the team announces exciting changes in the release process, all aimed at improving quality and clarity: Dot releases (starting with v18) will now include only bug fixes and security patches making them faster to test and lower risk to install. Major releases will roll out twice a year, in Spring and Fall, and include new features and performance enhancements. Alpha testing will focus less on speed and more on depth, with two rounds: one to retest issues found, and another to verify fixes. Rock is also transitioning from Process Street to our own LMS tool for streamlined testing. Beta testers will now run shorter versions on production, receive priority support from the core team, and gain even more recognition for their act of service. You can get the full scoop by tuning into this episode! Rock Partners We are thankful for our Rock Partners and their support of the Rock Community. Visit their websites through the link above to learn how they can help your ministry and confirm that those you work with are as invested in the success of Rock as you are! Quick Links Help your church leaders discern practical strategies in their approach to product decisions by sending them this video! Not giving at the $4.45 rate yet? Update your commitment before 2026 by visiting "My Organizations" on your Community profile or apply for a grant today. Interested in becoming an Alpha or Beta tester? You can learn more about the process here.