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In today's wired world, many consumers have set aside their checkbooks in favor of electronic payment systems. Worshipers are no exception, and churches are taking notice of this trend by offering electronic giving options. Propelled by its consistent nature, ease of use, and ability to transcend physical in-house attendance, this relatively new method of accepting offerings is helping churches of all sizes increase their level of donations.

Matt Whitaker, president of Smart Payment Solutions, has noticed a surge in both awareness and implementation of electronic giving since he began working with churches about three years ago. "The first year that we started talking to churches," he says, "eight or nine times out of ten the reaction we got was, 'We had never thought about that,' or 'We didn't know we could do that.'" Whitaker says now most churches are aware of it and have thought seriously about implementing such a program.

Electronic giving (e-giving) programs provide a number of benefits. The primary one, says Whitaker, is that they create a stable source of revenue year round. Summer vacations, inclement winter weather, and illnesses are all factors that may cause parishioners to miss a week's service. Without an e-giving program in place, says Whitaker, "A small percentage of people will make up their donation the following week, but most people won't."

Deborah Matthews, vice-president of marketing at ACH Direct, agrees and points out the benefits to the donor as well as the church. "By setting up recurring payments," she says, "members of the congregation can remain faithful to their commitment to give even when they are not physically at church."

Another attribute of e-giving is its potential to bring in larger donations. Matthews notes that the Kintera/Luth Nonprofit Trend Report (report can be obtained at kinterainc.com) shows that online contributors give as much as 50 percent more than those that give through traditional means. Whitaker attributes this phenomenon to people making a one-time decision to give a certain amount each week, rather than deciding how much to give each week based on what's in their wallet at that time.

E-giving is also ideal for people who have a church home, but for some reason (work schedule, health, or travel) don't attend very often. It will be easy for them to continue supporting the church financially through e-giving, whereas they probably wouldn't mail a check every week or every month.

As more and more church members participate in e-giving, the administrative process of receiving, counting, storing, and depositing funds, and preparing detailed financial reports is significantly streamlined. This frees up church staff and volunteers to focus on other ministries, such as reaching out to infrequent attendees to increase their involvement in the church.

So how should a church go about implementing e-giving? Mark Lowenstein, sales manager for ACH Direct, recommends assembling a team intimately familiar with the organization's technology and business framework. "Get two or three heads together and interview a couple of companies," he says. "Look for the best technology and the best processing fees. Different companies offer different types of pricing programs."

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