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Introducing online giving to church members can be an exciting upgrade that’s welcomed with full support. But sometimes, it can be met with resistance, confusion, or a lack of enthusiasm. Whatever the case, transitioning to online giving can truly bring the church closer together, further the impact of God’s ministry, and expand the resources available to faith-based organizations as a whole.
When implementing digital giving solutions, there are some important facts and features your church needs to know about.
Why Churches Use Online Giving
Churches of all sizes, locations, and denominations benefit from using online giving tools. In addition to being a fully functional method of collecting generous donations, there are several other ways these tools support the church.
Why do so many churches use online giving? Here are some of the most obvious (and not so obvious) reasons.
It’s Easier for People to Give Digitally
Expressing gratitude and giving from the heart can be more convenient than in-person or website-only giving options. Discipline and Biblical obedience are important, and peace and thankfulness are to be expressed in all things, both through word and deed. When it’s easier for people to give to their church, the attitude of a thankful believer overflows.
It Benefits Church Ministries
Online giving for churches benefits the numerous ministries in a local body of believers. Easier donations mean an increase in church funds, and the ability to provide each ministry with the means to operate more effectively.
Donations help all church ministries, including:
- Local Outreach
- Youth and High School Ministries
- Support Groups
- Creative Ministries
- Worship and Music
- Bible Studies
- Counseling
- Teaching and Training
- Hospitality
- Overseas Missionaries
- Disability and Caregiving
It Allows Leaders to Responsibly Track Donations
Online giving platforms improve leadership responsibilities regarding donation management. With digital tools, tracking and accounting become much more achievable and transparent. Many giving platforms allow integration with church management software, which can result in streamlined operations for leaders and staff. In turn, better leadership helps church services and programs run more effectively.
It Encourages Community Growth
We’re in a time when everything is digital. Even the social connections we create can be increasingly personalized, thanks to the internet. Whether attending church in the pews or connecting via livestream or Zoom, online giving platforms make giving easy for everyone. Some giving platforms offer additional features to support this, such as church-based forums, community boards, and access to video recordings from previous events.
It Improves Communication
Setting up an online giving platform provides access to a whole new set of communication options. Email, in-app messaging, and online social platforms allow for communication beyond written prayer requests or verbal announcements.
How to Give to the Church Online
It’s clear to see why churches use online giving. But how exactly does it work for churchgoers? Here are the top giving methods the congregation can use when giving to church online.
Online Tithing and Giving Page
People can give their tithes and offerings to their church through a website giving page. This page is either found on a church online giving form or directly prompted on a giving platform’s landing page.
An individual gives online by signing into the page, entering their donation amount, and providing their credit card information for processing. It’s instant, streamlined, and accessible at any time.
Text Giving
Text-to-Give is a way for people to give to their church directly from their smartphones. They text a keyword of the amount they wish to give directly to a designated church phone number. An automatic reply is sent in return with a link to the mobile form for donations. The person fills out this online form and can submit their gift right away.
Digital Kiosks
Kiosk giving can mean one of two things:
- A kiosk machine is operating at specific locations throughout the church campus, which allows donations to be digitally submitted.
- Using a tablet or iPad, kiosk software can be connected to the online giving processor which accepts donations on-site.
Kiosk giving is a versatile method of in-person online giving.
Church Giving App
Giving apps are the most popular option for online donations of any kind. Mobile giving allows church attendees to download the app onto their smartphones, where they can sign up and access all features of the platform at any time.
A church giving app typically allows most of the options listed above, all in a handy app:
- Text to Give
- Website Donations
- In-App Giving
- Recurring Gifts
- Generous Option to Cover the Fees
- Easier Ways to Give
- Access to Church Resources System
- Track and Manage Donations Per Month
- And more
Many people prefer having the option to give through a mobile giving app. It’s easy to set up, create an account, and maintain personal and family tithes directly through the app. According to Nonprofits Source, 60% of churchgoers are willing to donate via digital platforms.
Debunking Common Myths of Online Giving
Some of the pushback people give when it comes to changes in online giving include fears of technology, opinions about discipleship, and privacy concerns. If you find yourself facing any of these common perspectives of online donation options, let’s clear up some of the common myths.
It’s a Less Disciplined or Meaningful Way to Give
Some people believe tithing online is an impersonal way to give back to the church. While it’s certainly easier (and more convenient) to donate online, it doesn’t make anyone less spiritually devout than someone who donates in person every week.
Giving online can actually increase accountability for spiritual tithes. It allows personal reminders, fund tracking, and provides the giver with an easy way to support the ministry.
It Puts Your Personal Information at Risk
If someone is worried about sharing their personal information — such as their name, email address, or banking information — with an online giving processor, we encourage them to read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for the online giving platform. These companies are very transparent about what happens with people’s data and want everyone to understand how the platform works.
The Technology is Too Confusing
Some individuals might find the technology of a giving platform confusing or hard to use. But overall, online giving apps are quite intuitive and user-friendly. This technology is called a “giving solution” for a reason— it makes it possible for more people to give.
It Prevents People from Giving In-Person
By adding an extremely useful giving technology, will churchgoers stop showing up to church? Absolutely not. People attend church to enjoy the fellowship and personal connection with God and other believers. Plenty of folks may still give by placing cash or checks in the offering plate. They can just as easily use their phones during offering time and give that way.
The Impact of Church Giving Online
As of 2021, nearly 50% of donated transactions to churches are made via credit/debit card. If half of the church donors are giving digitally, it’s no wonder that online giving platforms are in high regard among faith-based organizations and churches worldwide.
Everyone spends time online— whether it be for work, play, education, or social networking. Given that a majority of the world today operates with the help of digital tools, online giving for churches and their congregations is a trusted method for seeing major impact.
Sign up for free with easyTithe today to see how online giving and church management can grow the ministry of your church for good.
