Biblical Giving

One of the most oft quoted passages of Scripture about giving is Malachi 3:1-10. Tithing is certainly a biblical principle we are expected to follow, but it is not the last word on giving. Christianity Today has an excellent little side-bar article of different characters in the Bible and how they expressed different aspects of giving.

Cashless Offerings

More churches are opting for cashless offerings as new technologies have made it possible. Giving kiosks, in the form of ATM style machines are appearing all across America's evangelical landscape.

It seems that churches are recognizing that the upcoming generation rarely carries cash or, for that matter, caries a checkbook. They are used to swiping an ATM card for everything from a pizza to plasma TV. As a result, they often come to church unprepared to participate in the offering. Some churches have added an internet link on their websites to encourage giving, but the latest trend is to install these kiosks in the church lobbies.

These kiosk do not accept credit cards (to discourage giving on credit) and they do not dispense cash. They only accept debit cards so that givers are encouraged to only give what they already have.

A number of newer churches, where younger Christians tend to congregate, have reported a remarkable increase in giving as a result. They have also found that giving increases when a special offering is taken for missionaries or special projects.

When pressed by detractors, pastors respond by saying that it is no different than phasing out cassette tapes for CDs, or replacing pews with chairs. It is a trend of our culture that we must accommodate. What would you think of an ATM kiosk for giving being installed in your church's lobby?