b'heavy fines, and facing lawsuits or public exposure. More importantly, compliance reflects stewardship. Protecting digital information is an extension of protecting people. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much (Luke 16:10). Digital stewardship as a ministry mindset I n ministry, stewardship has always meant taking care of resources wisely: time, money, and people. Today, it must also mean protecting data. Every donor record, volunteer file, or transaction is a piece of someones story, and those stories deserve security. Public safety now extends far beyond physical walls. It includes protecting the unseen, the digital spaces where generosity flows and trust is built. The way we protect data is the way we protect trust. Because in the end, stewardship isnt just financial; its spiritual. And in todays world, its digital, too. At Schooley Mitchell, part of our responsibility is to notify clients when theyre not PCI compliant and guide them through the steps to get there. Most nonprofits are already following the right practices; they just havent completed certification. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the payment processing industry, not being certified is the same as not being compliant. If your min-istry has compliance gaps, we can help you get on track. \x03NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 49'