Case Summary
Ethan Miller, a lone software engineer at a large, donor‑funded Christian ministry, upgrades the website’s analytics and discovers that reported traffic has been inflated by roughly 50X. Management—whose salaries depend on keeping donations high—orders him to “align the new tool with the old numbers” before a $1 million donor’s audit. For two months Ethan resists, offering truthful engagement metrics and growth plans. After a ten‑hour standoff on audit week, leadership fires him for insubordination, triggering a crisis of integrity inside the ministry.
Facts of the Case
- Ethan is the only full‑time employee working onsite; most executives “raise support” while traveling.
- New analytics show ≈ 18 k monthly visitors vs. the 900 k claimed in donor reports.
- Engagement per visitor (time‑on‑page, prayer‑requests) is high, but management fixates on reach.
- A Fortune‑500 donor who recently gave $1 million plans an on‑site audit.
- Over two months, directors email and Zoom Ethan, insisting the “historic” numbers be preserved.
- Ethan documents every test, explains bot filtering, and offers marketing fixes.
- On Day 90, HR revokes his credentials and locks him out, citing “insubordination” and “failure to align with ministry goals.”
Extended Facts (Internal Climate)
- Interns notice Ethan’s sudden disappearance; rumors of “data scandal” spread.
- Management continues quoting the inflated reach in conference slide decks.
- The board has no independent tech oversight; all metrics flow through the directors.
IRAC Analysis
Issue: Identify the heart of the conflict — not just the symptoms.
Rule: What biblical verses, principles, commands, or examples apply towards resolving the issue?
Application: How does the biblical rule apply to the specific facts of this case?
Conclusion: What is the righteous resolution based on God’s Word?
Course of action: List steps towards restoration, integrity, and faithful obedience.