Many people want to change the world. Few try.

Perhaps they haven't figured out the economics of making a difference and still meeting their needs to survive.

Let's look at the business models being used by those trying to do it.

1. Start a New Religion.
   Most who take a spiritual approach bump up against other spiritual-based institutions and beliefs. This doesn't mean their task is impossible, since there seems to be a large potential market to draw from. Many people are disconnected from what traditional religion promises and are ready for something new. However, it does mean those who try it will need to find the right niche in which they can compete for followers.

   While some churches sell courses or other training, most depend on regular donations or tithing by their members as the primary method of generating the money needed to sustain their efforts.

   As any prudent investor knows, regular, periodic contributions made over an extended can generate significant sums. Combined with prudent management practices, receiving small (and large) amounts from many people over time can build large coffers.

   A variation of this is for multiple churches to be established within the religion, each in turn transmitting a portion of its revenues to central authority. This is the model followed by the Catholic Church, perhaps the wealthiest institution on earth.

   Every service creates one or more ways for attendees to give. And those who don't come are expected to tithe anyway simply for the privilege of belonging.

   Of course, the Church is able to maintain this structure through an extensive network of churches and schools operated by a cadre of priests, nuns, and monks willing to do "God's work" essentially for slave wages (their support at minimal levels of subsistence).

   It should be noted that most churches are singular and usually locally-based organizations operated by a board of its members who hire a pastor to handle the spiritual side. They can be highly political affairs with infighting to see who will dictate policy. Receipts are determined by the success of the minister in drawing large and growing crowds. Some expand their reach through televised ministries, broadcast both locally and to other markets nationwide (and even internationally).

2. Selling Books, CDs, and Other Products.
   This model is commonly used by those with a message who aren't interested in building an organization around it. It's prevalent among speakers, both fee-based and free, either as the backbone or supplement to other streams of income.

   While this model holds great appeal, unless the author is a nationally known best-seller, the fact is that the author generally must engage in his or her own marketing efforts.

   It is, however, particularly effective as a supplemental or primary income generation tool among speakers, as well as those who are able to sell online.

3. Training
   There are many training models to teach others the basics of a message, idea, or approach to solve a problem. Some draw attendees to local, regional or national events (and perhaps sell products in the back of the room). Others set up a school of sorts and offer training either remotely (both live and recorded, presented by webcast, teleconference, or online course) or in specified locations.

   Coaching programs allow greater instructor contact, sometimes even 1:1, and offer more flexibility to adjust instruction to the needs of the student.

   Some teachers focus on high-end clientele, acting as a personal mentor or guide for a high value/high fee service.

   Many training models permit leveraging of core materials so that the effort of production can be used to benefit a large number of people (create once, use many times). If the instructor is not the author of the teaching materials, then the author (or whoever is operating the business) can leverage the services of surrogate teachers as well.

4. Individual Counseling.
   These afford the greatest adaptation to an individual's situation. However, the income that can be generated is limited by available hours and cost.
5. Public Speaking.
   Those willing to stand in front of an audience (and undergo the extensive travel that often accompanies the opportunity) may become paid speakers.

   Many recognized authors and experts hit the presentation trail for lucrative fees. Those of lesser recognition often have trouble getting booked, and even work for free for the chance to sell products or services.

   This type of income stream is available only so long as the speaker remains active and healthy. Stop speaking and the income dries up.

6. Advocacy for a Cause.
   One alternative rarely considered is to seek engagement as an advocate for another organization already trying to do the same work as you.
7. Think Tank/Charity Employment.
   Those interested in the formation or discussion of ideas but don't want to present them in public may find work in a think tank (or even start one). Many are supported by sale of journal subscriptions, charitable contributions (usually from large foundations), and governmental grants.
8. Volunteer/Employment with The Messengers and Teachers
   Of course, the way most people get involved is as a volunteer or employee of the messenger, teacher or group trying to make a difference in the world. They are not responsible for formulating the message, its production or presentation, and only need to carry out their particular [and very necessary] role to make it a success.

As you can see, these are rather traditional business models, elements of each which may be drawn upon to suit the personality and needs of the provider.

Other than in the religious model, all are operated on a commercial basis to generate enough money for the provider's needs. For those where it doesn't, those needs must be subsidized by other sources or sustainability becomes an issue and risks causing the server to slip into struggle and lack.

There is as of yet no good model where an inspired individual can freely give of him/herself and be assured to receive an exchange of energy from society at large. Absolute faith looks to be an essential element; whether that's enough remains to be seen.

Perhaps such an approach might benefit from an established methodology or infrastructure for receiving (and encouraging donations or setting fees) might be established so that the presenter does not come across as doing so for the solicitation of funds received during or after a program.

While Jesus may have walked from town to town preaching his message of love with his cadre of disciples, they were supported by gifts from ordinary citizens and donations by wealthy followers. One member (usually Matthew) was in charge of the funds. Jesus would say money will come when needed, but that didn't stop solicitation and encouragement of donations by others on his behalf.

God's will would be done, but it still took concerted action by many to make it possible -- even if the message-bearer seemingly had little part in that effort.

How does knowing any of this help the server working for a New World?

It doesn't, other than to say follow your heart. For there is no single model that will apply to everyone who wants to change the world.

Find the one that works for you and is most-easily aligned with the message or intention behind your efforts.

And if you come across one that varies from the above, please tell us about it.