While paper checks are quickly becoming a thing of the past, many Christian ministries have failed to set up timely options for their donor base to use in giving. When paper checks were first becoming popular in the 1950s, many churches were hesitant to accept that method of payment, too. While resistance to change may be rooted in wisdom and caution, failure to be forward-thinking in our approach can mean more than being labelled as “old fashioned”: It can mean ending opportunities for influence by having to close the doors.
Of course, we all want to avoid the negative results that can stem from failing to remain relevant to the ever-changing culture around us. While Christ’s message is timeless, the means we use to spread it have expanded greatly with technology. Few would argue the legitimacy of using radio, audio recordings, video, or websites to proclaim biblical truth. Yet many still resist the idea of electronic giving. Some of the main reasons for such resistance include these:
• Lack of expertise and knowledge about EFTs
• Concerns for safety and security
• Misunderstandings about electronic and online giving
Because E-Giving Systems is a ministry that aims to further Christ’s Kingdom, part of our mission is to see your ministry succeed, for the cause of Christ. Some of the unique ways we do this begin during the pre-implementation stage of our relationship. We are open to personal visits for those ministries within a feasible distance of our headquarters in Mount Vernon, Washington; otherwise, we can address your leadership team through a webinar or conference call.
Through this kind of meeting, we would provide additional information or explanations of the tools we offer and exactly how we’d recommend implementing them for your particular ministry. Besides disseminating information, though, we would gear the conversation toward achieving a unified and focused leadership that will get behind the program, giving your ministry’s new financial framework the greatest chances of success.
The kind of success we typically see regarding giving includes greater reliability and easier management of the giving. These changes allow both paid and volunteer workers to focus on something other than fundraising and re-evaluating an already bare-bones budget, freeing them to actually minister to people. We’re pleased that according to studies we’ve conducted, 95% of those who sign up for our electronic recurring giving are still giving 5 years later.
As the years progress, the willingness of future generations to use outdated methods they no longer use to pay bills, in order to give to ministries, will continue to lessen. To keep your ministry from experiencing those unneeded trials, you can start the road toward E Giving today, by downloading our introductory brochure.
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