May 9, 2007

NEWS: Holy Plastic!

Things just got a little better for the churchgoer who routinely has nothing to add to the collection plate, due to a cash shortage. Nowadays, more and more people are going cashless, which means that they prefer to rely solely on credit or debit cards to carry out life’s transactions. Many churches are said to be slowly becoming hip to that fact, and installing kiosks at which parishioners can make their accustomed tithe, just with plastic.

The concept of plastic in the sanctuary is commonly attributed to Marty Baker, pastor of Stevens Creek Community Church in Augusta, Georgia. Baker innovated the terminals after being caught unprepared one too many times for the collection by not having any cash. He began to wonder how many other congregants had a similar desire to give, but not the cash to do so. Some write checks he said, but on top of being a hassle, there is always a security risk with doing so. A recent story about a robber overtaking the courier carrying the week’s collections at a big church is a key example. The church’s administration had the unenviable task of calling churchgoers to let those who paid with check know that they had just been made vulnerable to fraud.

Other churches are offering similar cash alternatives, like direct debit, or online donations. Whichever way, however, it’s becoming apparent that there are not your parents’ offerings! With more and more evidence that society is going cashless, it’s probably wise that places of worship are ready to accommodate.


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