Churches Banking On E-Tithing

from the pass-the-collection-plate-virtually dept

Technologists will try to come up with solutions for just about any problem, it seems. Some churches that are trying to deal with week-to-week fluctuations in donations are moving to an automated solution. That's right, just as your paycheck gets automatically deposited to your bank, and some of your bills can be paid automatically, many churches are testing out ways to let you automatically donate every week whether you go to church or not. For those concerned with the feelings of fellow churchgoers seeing you not donate to the collection plate, some of the electronic donation services will give you a receipt to put in the plate - so you still look like you're putting some money in. As with anything that "updates" religion, some people aren't so happy. They're complaining that giving should be a conscious decision that people make each time they do it. However, it appears that churches that are desperate for money are willing to put those issues aside.
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  1. identicon
    Phibian, 24 Feb 2003 @ 10:12am

    "All Year Round Tithing"

    This is not exactly a new trend. I've been using it for the last ten years, and my parents used it before that.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Chris, 24 Feb 2003 @ 11:20am

    No Subject Given

    Of course, the churches are missing the point here. If a church is having a hard time keeping donations up, maybe the question to be asked is how they can be more relevant to their parishioners, so that the donations continue to come in. Using technology as a crutch only goes so far.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    david, 24 Feb 2003 @ 11:23am

    church tithing

    as the evangelical christian in our techie crew, i have mixed feelings about 'e-tithing'. i like it when i'm out of town or forget my checkbook, and it does make it easier for the church to track your donations (for tax purposes only, right?)...but it seems like tithing should be an intergral part of worship, not three clicks at your desk. it seems so...cold.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Phibian, 24 Feb 2003 @ 1:04pm

    Re: church tithing

    Another way of looking at it is that with e-tithing, giving to God becomes automatic. It's not a question of whether or not you are going to church, whether you forget your checkbook or whether the sermon particularly inspires you that day, it's the concept that a portion of everything you earn should be given back to God.

    Personally, I don't believe that the decision about when / how much to tithe should be limited to once in church (it's something that should be evaluated on an ongoing basis). By the time I get to church, I want to be focussed on worship, not on the amount I'm going to give as a thankgiving offering.

    And if I've already prayerfully considered the amount and frequency - then does it matter how the tithe is delivered? I personally prefer the relative anonymity of e-tithing, since I don't want to receive my reward in the pride I feel when I put a bunch of bills on the plate for everyone to see.

    I still think the blessing of the gifts is appropriate during the worship time, but just because my gift is delivered electronically doesn't mean it is "less blessed"...

    In fact, there was one critism I would make to my current church elders, it would be that tithing is too much a part of our worship - to the point where sometimes it feels like everything is one giant fundraiser.

    Ultimately, what's important is not the money, nor how it is donated. The important thing is ensuring that you are living your life obedient to God's will.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  5. identicon
    Mike Miller, 25 Feb 2003 @ 12:59pm

    Re: church tithing

    Incredibly well put and biblical point of view.
    Personally, I give to a couple of organizations and I have to make it automated, otherwise I start forgetting some months on a couple of them.
    As it says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (sorry about the KJV)

    link to this | view in thread ]


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