a feature, not a bug

A church (or synagogue or mosque, etc.) rises through mainstream social strata at its peril.  Ordinary folk do not want to join a congregation that reminds them of their place.  So how may a church survive the monetary fruits of frugal, virtuous living?  By separation - by weirdness - the creation of an alternative social structure set apart from the mainstream.  For example, the Mormons or the Hasidic Jews.