Once upon a time, paying and giving via paper checks was pretty much the norm. Of course, that time was not long ago, but, before that, cash was used almost exclusively. In some cultures, bartering was used to pay for services, and even giving took the form of animals and food. Today, however, it’s clear that times have changed. An increasing number of Americans pay bills with credit cards, online or through EFT systems.
While the secular world has been quick to see the benefits of modern payment pathways, many Christian organizations lag behind in developing culturally normative giving pathways that mesh with the lifestyles of those who wish to give. Some of the same people who would shake their heads at a business’s refusal to have a website or accept credit card payments and who lack sympathy when that business goes under might still have qualms over using such tools for the cause of Christ.
Part of the reason for this hesitancy is a general resistance to change within the Christian world. God’s message certainly hasn’t changed, but the way that we communicate it certainly has. Paul never used a microwave or thought of broadcasting his message through radio waves or online venues, yet most would agree that such methods of increasing the scope of a sermon would be beneficial.
In the same way, modern giving pathways such as recurring electronic giving solutions and online giving options can increase the funding potential for both churches and parachurch ministries.
In addition to reluctance regarding change, another reason some ministries may be timid in accepting electronic giving solutions is a fear of unsecure payment methods. While susceptibility to fraud, error, and theft are certainly frightening thoughts, they are not relevant to the kinds of PCI-compliant processing pathways that Egiving allows. In fact, regulated electronic payment or giving venues are actually much more secure than mailed paper checks. Through automatic processing, the potential for human error is minimized, as well.
A third reason for Christian ministries’ reticence regarding these modern tools relating to finances is simply the fear of the unknown. Part of the full-service financial planning offered by Egiving.com includes explaining exactly how our systems work and helping your leadership team develop an incremental plan for adopting various aspects of our systems while also learning how to explain the system to others and defray their fears, as well. Unless the entire team is behind the changes that you’re making, they will have little chance to succeed. Through our introductory brochure, conference calls, in-person training sessions, and ongoing customer support, Egiving.com aims to form lasting relationships with the ministries we serve.
While you struggle through the barriers to modern giving pathways, Egiving.com would like to be your partner as you begin this exciting journey. We’ve been able to help many churches and other Christian ministries put their fears aside and see God work in exciting ways, and we’d love to see Him do the same in your little corner of His Kingdom.
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