First Baptist Church of Newalla

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Spontaneous, generous giving in response to divine revelation and human need is a beautiful thing! (Think about the time Moses had to ask the people to stop giving so much! Or Paul’s commendation of the Macedonian churches’ “overflowing generosity” in a time of affliction and poverty.)

But planned, proportional giving is also biblical (as several Psalms and 2 Cor. 8-9 attest). Across the centuries, God’s people have given animals, produce, precious metals, fabrics, oils, and other gifts to the Lord and his work. Today, some make their offerings in cash, by check, or through automatic bank drafts. Many churches even have “kiosks” where members can give. Some modern Christians “turn in their envelopes” in Sunday School, while others drop them in the offering plate during a worship service. (We currently use offering boxes near the church’s entrance/exit doors.)

The Lord is always pleased when his people give according to his Word and in the right spirit. So . . . what about online giving? Does this method make giving less worshipful? Not necessarily. As with any form of giving, of course, we must be sure we are “presenting our offerings” in gratitude, humility, obedience, and trust. We’re not paying dues, after all! And by “promoting” online giving, we never wish to give the impression that we are just after people’s money! Otherwise, there is nothing intrinsically “unspiritual” or “worldly” about it.

But doesn’t this method require the payment of percentage and transaction fees? Yes, there is a small percentage charge (less than 3%) plus a 30-cent fee for each donation. But as we do with so many other services rendered, we are paying for the convenience and recording of the donations our church receives. We are not being wasteful as long as the charges are reasonable. Practically speaking, most churches who have implemented online giving have realized higher offerings. Church members have found it very helpful, too—especially if they are homebound or away from home for extended periods. Every church member or pastor I know who has tried online giving has ended up liking it very much! Whenever and however you give, thank you for your continued faithfulness in honoring the Lord and practicing biblical stewardship!may join the church in one of the following ways: