some people use a bank card for an account that is not accessible (for example, we get paid via paypal from overseas contracts- using our paypal card is extremely convenient)
using a tithing kiosk would have been convenient for us, not all credit card usage is actually ‘credit’- some is real money on a card. the kiosks are getting in touch with this modern generation.
although i think oyur points are very valid and i do enjoy your blog
Thanks for visiting Sarah Jane,
I’m glad that you enjoyed it
The convenience of the tithing kiosk is definitely a good idea for today. I just wonder how many persons’ debt has increased with their usage of a credit card for tithing.
I really appreciated your thoughts. Our church is considering electronic giving, and I really object to offering short term loans for paying your tithes and offerings. I see this blog is from 2008. Any new thoughts on the topic, or are you changing your tune from what you wrote on this blog?
I have not changed my position since I last wrote this article. I support electronic giving where a Debit card not a Credit card is used. A debit card links to your savings account where you need to have funds (although I’m aware that many US Debit cards also come with an overdraft facility).
The principle of tithing allows for us to be flexible and creative in giving the best we can. I am not yet convinced by any of the arguments I’ve seen/heard for ‘giving’ money you borrowed. If you have to take a loan/use credit to Tithe then something is wrong with your finances that needs to be sorted out. And I think that the church should be concerned about that, confront the issue and help our membership to manage debt – especially at a time like this. Not encourage members to take on more debt.
Thanks again, and I’ll look around to see if there is anything new that I’ve missed in the past couple months. [This is an ongoing discussion in my congregation as well]
some people use a bank card for an account that is not accessible (for example, we get paid via paypal from overseas contracts- using our paypal card is extremely convenient)
using a tithing kiosk would have been convenient for us, not all credit card usage is actually ‘credit’- some is real money on a card. the kiosks are getting in touch with this modern generation.
although i think oyur points are very valid and i do enjoy your blog
Thanks for visiting Sarah Jane,
I’m glad that you enjoyed it
The convenience of the tithing kiosk is definitely a good idea for today. I just wonder how many persons’ debt has increased with their usage of a credit card for tithing.
Please share your insights anytime.
I really appreciated your thoughts. Our church is considering electronic giving, and I really object to offering short term loans for paying your tithes and offerings. I see this blog is from 2008. Any new thoughts on the topic, or are you changing your tune from what you wrote on this blog?
Hello Ruth,
Thank you for visiting.
I have not changed my position since I last wrote this article. I support electronic giving where a Debit card not a Credit card is used. A debit card links to your savings account where you need to have funds (although I’m aware that many US Debit cards also come with an overdraft facility).
The principle of tithing allows for us to be flexible and creative in giving the best we can. I am not yet convinced by any of the arguments I’ve seen/heard for ‘giving’ money you borrowed. If you have to take a loan/use credit to Tithe then something is wrong with your finances that needs to be sorted out. And I think that the church should be concerned about that, confront the issue and help our membership to manage debt – especially at a time like this. Not encourage members to take on more debt.
Thanks again, and I’ll look around to see if there is anything new that I’ve missed in the past couple months. [This is an ongoing discussion in my congregation as well]
Blessings!
Marvia