posted
I am now working for a Mobile Phone company that offers specialty phones for companies.
One of thier options is a cel-phone that also acts as a credit card machine. It includes a card swiper that allows people to accept credit cards away from the office.
I thought one use of this technology would be to allow for credit cards to be taken during collection plate time. It could also be used for all fund raisers from the snack booth to the white elephant sale.
Do you good church people think announcing Credit Card options for the collection plate is tacky, or is it something that would bring in some needed extra cash to a church.
I am not suggesting an advertising blitz like "God doesn't take American Express, but NAME CHURCH HERE does." or "Eternal salvation--Priceless. For anything less, there's Master Card"
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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The answer: I have absolutely no idea what would be acceptable behavior for collections at a church. I suppose as a non-good-church-person I should not be attempting to answer this.
I'm very sorry-I wish I had a better answer for you. If it helps, Rick, William, and I split the costs for the supplies for each sabbat. However, generally that includes writing checks, not credit card transactions.
Hopefully someone else up posting late this evening will be able to better answer your question.
Posts: 701 | Registered: Jul 1999
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posted
Seems to me a reasonable thing to do? I mean, the purpose of the collection plate is so people donate money to the church and its works. People, more and more, don't carry cash on them. If they are more comfortable paying with credit cards then trying to remember to bring cash to church, why not?
I guess, having attended a fairly modern temple as my only house of worship, I don't see whats wrong with using modern technology, as long as it doesn't interfere with the holy rites of the service.
Posts: 4112 | Registered: May 2001
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posted
I think many if not most churches might be of the impression that there's more to the matter of the collection plate than simply satisfying the operating costs. Those same churches might question whether or not someone is truly giving of their "firstfruits" when they put donations on a credit card.
posted
I agree many churches might not want to do it. But I don't think it's so outrageous as to make it inappropriate for Dan to approach them with the idea.
posted
Um, I hope that doesn't spoil the point of tithes and offerings, 'cause that's how I do mine. Automatically out of my checking account every week, then I write checks for special offerings when I get my bonus or tax return or whatever. Or if there is a special need at church.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
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However, generally that includes writing checks, not credit card transactions.![[Smile]](smile.gif)
