Should Christian Entrepreneurs Use Substack in 2026?

Should Christian entrepreneurs use Substack in 2026? The platform is attracting creators and brands, while its handling of extremist content raises questions about stewardship, money, and audience trust.

On June 15th, the company announced a partnership program allowing brands to fund creators directly. Balenciaga became the first fashion brand to participate, with plans to sponsor newsletters, collaborate with writers, and co-host events. Vogue reported on the partnership later in June.

For Christian entrepreneurs looking for an easier way to publish, grow an email audience, and earn subscription revenue, Substack holds plenty of appeal.

Its growth also brings an uncomfortable question back into the conversation.

What should Christian business owners know about the extremist content Substack hosts, recommends, and earns money from?

Why creators are drawn to Substack

Substack combines a newsletter, website, social feed, podcast platform, and paid subscription system.

Creators can begin publishing without paying a monthly platform fee. Substack earns money by taking 10 percent of paid subscription revenue.

Its recommendation network also helps writers reach people beyond their existing email lists. For newer creators, built-in discovery may offer something a traditional email platform doesn’t provide.

Substack says publishers retain ownership of their intellectual property, mailing lists, and subscriber payments. Creators can also export their email lists and move to another provider.

The appeal is easy to understand. Starting takes little time, and writers don’t have to build an entire website before publishing their first post.

Why the extremist content controversy returned in 2026

Concerns about Nazi and white supremacist content on Substack began receiving widespread attention in 2023.

An investigation published by The Atlantic found newsletters promoting Nazi ideology, antisemitism, and white supremacy. Some offered paid subscriptions, which meant Substack received a portion of the revenue.

The issue hadn’t disappeared by 2026.

A February investigation from The Guardian found paid newsletters promoting Nazi ideology, Holocaust denial, white supremacy, and antisemitism. One newsletter reportedly had 2,800 subscribers and charged $80 per year.

The investigation also examined Substack’s recommendation system.

After subscribing to one Nazi publication for reporting purposes, The Guardian said its account was directed toward 21 similar profiles within two hours. The full investigation explains what reporters found.

Substack didn’t respond to The Guardian’s request for comment.

What Substack says about moderation

Substack has defended a narrow approach to content moderation.

In 2023, co-founder Hamish McKenzie wrote that the company opposed Nazi beliefs. He also argued that censorship and demonetization wouldn’t make extremist beliefs disappear. Substack’s position favors open discussion unless content violates one of its specific rules.

The company’s current content guidelines, updated in March 2026, prohibit credible threats and content inciting violence against people based on protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation.

The published guidelines don’t list Nazi ideology, antisemitic conspiracy theories, or Holocaust denial as automatic reasons for removal when the material stops short of inciting violence.

Substack has removed some extremist publications for violating its rules. Its broader moderation position has remained permissive toward offensive and extremist views.

Publishing on Substack doesn’t equal endorsing every writer

Using Substack doesn’t automatically mean a creator agrees with every publication hosted there.

Christian entrepreneurs publish valuable work on the platform. Holding each creator responsible for every harmful account would be unfair.

Similar concerns exist across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and other large platforms. Harmful material can appear anywhere people are allowed to publish.

Substack’s controversy raises a more specific concern, though.

Critics aren’t only questioning the existence of extremist newsletters. They are questioning Substack’s decision to earn revenue from paid subscriptions and recommend related accounts through its discovery system.

Hosting, promoting, and profiting are three different actions. Christian entrepreneurs considering the platform may want to examine all three.

Where stewardship enters the decision

Faith-fueled business owners often think carefully about partnerships, spending, and public messaging.

Platform choices belong in that conversation too.

Choosing Substack doesn’t require a rushed decision based on fear or social media pressure. It does call for careful questions.

• How does the company earn money from my publication?
• Am I comfortable with its current moderation policy?
• How important is its recommendation system to my growth?
• Could my audience misunderstand my decision to publish there?
• Would another email platform support my goals?
• Do I have a plan for moving my subscribers later?

Free publishers don’t give Substack a percentage of subscription revenue. Their activity still adds content, attention, and users to the platform’s wider network.

Paid publishers have a clearer financial relationship. Substack receives 10 percent of their subscription income.

Each entrepreneur will have to decide how heavily those factors weigh.

So, should Christian entrepreneurs use Substack?

There isn’t one responsible answer for every Christian entrepreneur.

Some may review the controversy, set firm boundaries, and continue using Substack. Others may decide its moderation and recommendation practices conflict with how they want to steward their businesses.

Both decisions can come from thoughtful conviction.

Using the platform doesn’t automatically make someone complicit in extremist beliefs. Avoiding it doesn’t automatically make someone morally superior.

The strongest decision begins with accurate information.

Christian entrepreneurs can reach different conclusions about Substack. Some will use it with clear boundaries. Others will choose a platform whose policies better reflect their convictions.

Either choice should come from careful stewardship, not popularity or pressure. Before building an audience on Substack, look closely at how the platform makes money, what it recommends, and how comfortable you are connecting your business to its wider community.