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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"All Year Round Tithing"
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No Subject Given
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church tithing
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Re: church tithing
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.
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Re: church tithing
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)
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