To give or not to give online, that is the question. Or at least that is the question that many churches are asking themselves. I have many conversations inside and outside of work about this topic. There are many people who are proponents of online giving but I also find quite a few people who don’t think that tithing or giving to the church should be done through a website.
For those who are in favor of it, some of the reasons are:
- More convenient for the person giving.
- Allows for auto-recurring giving.
- Allows for a way for people to give while out of town or on vacation.
- The church needs to stay current with technology.
For those who oppose it, some of the reasons are:
- It is not personal.
- If giving automatically, it is no longer a form of worship.
- It costs more for the church because the church must pay for credit card processing.
- It isn’t Biblical.
What do you think? Does your church have online giving? If they do, why did they choose to implement online giving? If not, why? Please post your comments below, I would love to hear what you think?
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9 Comments
I think the mechanism of how you give doesn't really matter, its how you give, God loves a happy giver!
Tithing, now that's a different story!
Thanks James. I tend to agree that the mechanism doesn't matter, but some would disagree, hence this post. 🙂
In 2 Corinthians 9:5 Paul speaks of the gift which had been promised. It had been promised a year or so earlier. I Reference this because the emphasis is placed on the gift not the method. I believe as long as we are giving cheerfully, God is satisfied.
Certainly the motive and attitude behind the gift matters a great deal.
The Church should first help their neighbor, in my life i have seen so many "Churches" peddle the gospel for profit and then ask for those in attendance to give 10% to "God". This is a shame, we make tithing a convenience of scripture Malachi 3:10. tithing was only one rule that was laid down with the Levitical Laws their were many many more but we cannot justify those in this society. Jesus said sacrifice was always second to obedience he would much rather have our hearts then our money because he doesn't need it to work his will on earth. Shame on all pastors who use the gifts from the saints for personal gain. They will be the one's Jesus will say "I never knew you"……..
Hi Quinn, thanks for your perspective. I think pretty much everyone would agree that pastors and all church leaders who are involved in budgeting and distributing tithes given to the church are called to a high standard for stewarding those resources in wise and God-honoring ways.
Since tithing is a part of the Law, wouldn't that make tithing both obedience and sacrifice?
We give online and it allows the church to stay current on its bills. We pay out of our first fruits. With family spread between 4 states we can be away on week ends and still maintain our giving. The lack of few missed offerings by a regular giver can easily offset the cost of the online fees.
Andrew, thanks for your perspective. We are an increasingly mobile society, so your situation is not uncommon. Online giving certainly helps the church and the giver when the giver is frequently out of town.
great work