FAQs - joinruach/JoinRuach GitHub Wiki

FAQs

General Questions

What is Ruach Studios?

Ruach Studios is a faith-driven media and technology initiative that creates content and systems to restore identity, purpose, and hope. We build software, produce films, publish articles, and foster a community of creators and technologists who want their work to matter eternally.

What does "Ruach" mean?

Ruach (Χ¨Χ•ΦΌΧ—Φ·) is the Hebrew word for Spirit, Wind, and Breath. It's the same Spirit that hovered over creation, breathed life into Adam, and descended at Pentecost. The name represents movement, life, and divine power in our work.

Who can contribute?

Anyone who:

  • Shares our commitment to truth, excellence, and purpose
  • Respects our faith-driven foundation (even if they don't share our beliefs)
  • Wants to build something meaningful

You don't have to be a Christian to contribute, but you do need to respect the biblical worldview that grounds our work.

Is this a nonprofit or a business?

We're exploring a hybrid model β€” likely a public benefit corporation (PBC) or L3C (low-profit limited liability company). Our goal is to sustain operations while staying mission-focused, not profit-maximized.

How is Ruach Studios funded?

Currently through:

  • Donations from supporters
  • Grants from aligned organizations
  • Future revenue streams (content licensing, product sales, consulting)

We're committed to transparency β€” financials will be shared publicly as we grow.

For Contributors

Do I need to be a Christian to contribute?

No. You need to:

  • Respect our faith-driven mission
  • Align with our values (truth, excellence, purpose)
  • Contribute meaningfully to the work

We welcome diverse perspectives, but we won't dilute our foundation to be "inclusive."

How much time do I need to commit?

As much or as little as you can give. We have contributors who:

  • Spend 1 hour a week reviewing code or providing feedback
  • Dedicate 10+ hours a week building features or creating content
  • Participate sporadically when inspiration strikes

Consistency matters more than quantity. Small, regular contributions add up.

Will I be paid for my work?

Not initially. We're a volunteer-driven community right now. However:

  • Recognition β€” Your work will be credited and celebrated
  • Portfolio β€” Build real projects that showcase your skills
  • Future opportunities β€” As we grow, paid roles may emerge

If you need paid work, we understand. But if you can contribute for the mission, we'd love to have you.

How do I get started?

  1. Read the Vision & Mission β€” Understand why we exist
  2. Review the Code of Conduct β€” Respect our values
  3. Choose a path β€” Developer, Designer, or Creator
  4. Introduce yourself β€” Join GitHub Discussions and say hi
  5. Pick a task β€” Find an issue or propose an idea
  6. Start building β€” Make your first contribution

What if I'm new to open source?

Perfect! We're here to help. Look for issues labeled "Good First Issue" β€” these are beginner-friendly tasks designed to onboard new contributors.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone was a beginner once.

What skills are most needed right now?

Technical

  • Frontend development (React, Next.js, TypeScript)
  • Backend development (Node.js, Prisma, PostgreSQL)
  • DevOps (CI/CD, cloud infrastructure)

Creative

  • Video editing and motion graphics
  • Scriptwriting and storytelling
  • Podcast production and audio editing

Operational

  • Community management
  • Project management
  • Fundraising and grant writing

About the Projects

What are you building?

Technical

  • Ruach Hub β€” A platform for discovering and collaborating on faith-driven content
  • Open-source tools β€” Resources for creators and developers
  • APIs β€” Enable third-party integrations

Media

  • Short films β€” Narrative and documentary content
  • Podcasts β€” Conversations on faith, culture, and purpose
  • Articles β€” Thought pieces on technology, creativity, and calling

When will the first projects launch?

  • Website (ruachstudios.com): Q4 2024
  • First short film: Q1 2025
  • Podcast series: Q1 2025
  • Ruach Hub (platform): Q2 2025

Check the Roadmap for detailed timelines.

Can I pitch my own project?

Absolutely! Submit a pitch via GitHub Discussions or email us at [email protected].

Include:

  • Project description (2-3 sentences)
  • Why it matters (alignment with mission)
  • Resources needed (people, tools, budget)
  • Timeline (when can you deliver?)

How do you decide what to build?

We prioritize projects based on:

  1. Mission alignment β€” Does it restore identity and purpose?
  2. Impact potential β€” Will it reach and transform people?
  3. Feasibility β€” Do we have the resources to execute well?
  4. Community input β€” What do contributors and supporters want?

Technical Questions

What technologies do you use?

  • Frontend: Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
  • Backend: Node.js, Prisma, PostgreSQL, tRPC
  • Hosting: Vercel, Railway, AWS
  • CMS: Sanity.io
  • CI/CD: GitHub Actions

See the Technical Stack for full details.

Can I use a different tech stack?

For new projects? Maybe. For existing codebases? Probably not.

We value consistency over personal preference. If you have a strong case for a different tool, propose it in GitHub Discussions.

How do you handle security?

  • Authentication: NextAuth.js with JWT and OAuth
  • Data validation: Zod schemas on all inputs
  • SQL injection prevention: Prisma's parameterized queries
  • Environment variables: Stored securely, never committed
  • Code reviews: All PRs reviewed before merging

See the Technical Stack for security best practices.

Do you support open source?

Yes! Our code is open source (MIT License) wherever possible. We believe in:

  • Transparency β€” Anyone can audit our work
  • Collaboration β€” Shared tools benefit everyone
  • Generosity β€” We give back to the ecosystem

However, some proprietary assets (brand files, private content) remain closed.

Content & Media Questions

Can I submit my own content?

Yes! Follow the Content Guidelines and submit via:

What kind of content do you create?

  • Faith and culture β€” How biblical truth intersects with modern life
  • Creativity and calling β€” Stories of purpose and vocation
  • Technology and ethics β€” Building with Kingdom values
  • Redemption and transformation β€” Testimonies of grace

See Content Guidelines for themes and standards.

Do you accept sponsorships?

Selectively. We partner with organizations that:

  • Align with our values
  • Serve our audience
  • Enhance our mission (not distract from it)

No tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or exploitative businesses.

Community Questions

How do I stay updated?

  • Newsletter: Sign up at ruachstudios.com
  • GitHub: Watch the repo for updates
  • Discord: Join our community server (link in README)
  • Social Media: Follow us on Instagram, X, and YouTube

Can I meet the team?

Absolutely! We host:

  • Monthly community calls (virtual)
  • Regional meetups (in-person, when feasible)
  • Annual conference (future plan)

Join GitHub Discussions and introduce yourself!

How do I report a bug or issue?

Open an issue on GitHub with:

  • Description: What went wrong?
  • Steps to reproduce: How can we replicate it?
  • Expected behavior: What should happen?
  • Screenshots: If applicable

How do I report inappropriate behavior?

Email us at [email protected] with:

  • Description of the incident
  • Who was involved
  • When and where it occurred

All reports are confidential and handled promptly.

Financial Questions

How do you make money?

Currently, we don't. We're volunteer-driven and donation-supported.

Future revenue streams:

  • Content licensing (films, articles, media)
  • Product sales (courses, tools, templates)
  • Consulting services (for faith-driven organizations)
  • Platform subscriptions (premium features on Ruach Hub)

Can I donate?

Yes! Donations help us:

  • Cover operational costs (hosting, tools, software)
  • Fund content production (equipment, editing, distribution)
  • Support contributors (eventual paid roles)

Donation link: ruachstudios.com/donate

Are donations tax-deductible?

Not yet. We're exploring 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsorship to make donations tax-deductible.

Theological Questions

What denomination are you?

We're non-denominational but rooted in orthodox Christian theology. Our foundation includes:

  • The authority and inspiration of Scripture
  • The deity of Christ and the Trinity
  • Salvation by grace through faith
  • The resurrection and return of Christ

We welcome contributors from all Christian traditions (Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox) as long as they affirm these core beliefs.

Do you engage in politics?

Not explicitly. Our work is prophetic, not partisan.

We care about:

  • Justice β€” Protecting the vulnerable
  • Truth β€” Speaking what's real
  • Human flourishing β€” Promoting life and dignity

But we don't endorse candidates or political parties.

What about controversial topics?

We address them thoughtfully and biblically, avoiding:

  • Tribalism (us vs. them)
  • Culture war rhetoric
  • Overly simplistic answers

We aim for nuance without compromise.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Us

Join the Conversation

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." β€” Matthew 7:7