Comments on: Should you be able to give your tithe on a credit card?

By: Financialbondage.org

Financialbondage.org — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:31:24 +0000

I would not go into debt to give to God. No where in the scripture does it say take on debt to help fund Gods kingdom.

By: E.D.

E.D. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:30 +0000

I’d love to pay tithing using my credit card because I use a rewards (airline mileage )card and pay it off every month. Being able to pay tithing using that card would ensure that I would almost never pay for a plane ticket again.

By: JimmyDaGeek

JimmyDaGeek — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:50:48 +0000

Contrary to what you have written, I’ve been told by some charitable organizations that it is cheaper for them to process credit card transactions, rather than a check.

Not only do they get a discounted credit card rate, but they pay extra fees for checks.

By: J. Money

J. Money — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:08:49 +0000

I’d love to be able to do this with my church! Would make it much easier for me not to forget – and track

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:56:16 +0000

In discussing churches and credit cards I think it is helpful to point out that many churches are doing financial mangement workshops with their members. Good Sense ministries, Crown Financial Ministries and Financial Peace University are all very popular programs that provide a Biblical basis for a comprehensive plan for better financial management.

By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:34:42 +0000

Brian, very good points.

So good, in fact, I’d like to respond to them in another post. I’ll get it ready for next Sunday.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:54:06 +0000

I work with more than 800 mainline protestant churches in Ohio. I say the credit card issue reflects larger issues in the church: The world is not the same that it was in the 50′s. Churches that do not recognize this will die.

This is seen in changes in music styles, less formal relationships with clergy, more short-term committee assignments and the way organizations of church women operate.

If we are to be relevant in our world and reach out to people, we have to be willing to do so on their terms and this includes finances. By allowing our “customers” to pay their pledges the same way they pay many other expenses, we are saying to them that we recognize we’re not in the 50′s anymore.

What is the good of churches allowing nontraditional giving methods?
1. Fewer people carry cash or check books with them at all times.

2. Regular on-line transfers help even out giving over the year. We know that if you don’t plop it in the pew you won’t put it in the plate, so giving traditionally dips in the summer time, during bad weather and on holiday weekends.

3. Electronic transfer allows greater privacy in giving. If I write a check and put it in the plate, volunteer counters and others may see what I give. But a concise electronic statement would only be seen by the Financial Secretary who would actually record my pledge.

4. Cash and checks have to be handled. They have to be counted, counted again, prepared for deposit and driven to the bank. In an era where volunteer time is harder to come by, let’s let our volunteers focus on doing the work of the kingdom and not tie them up counting money.

5. Cash is also a safety liability. Although this is quite rare, a pile of cash can be misapproriated, and with no cash register receipt to balance against, such a theft would go unnoticed.

I believe there are many positives to churches accepting credit cards, electronic funds transfers and other “modern” ways of conducting business.

By: Emily @ Under$1000PerMonth

Emily @ Under$1000PerMonth — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:33:13 +0000

I do everything with my debit card, except tithe and pay rent. If church and landord both took debit, I woudn’t have to buy checks – ever. That’s one upside, among many downsides.