Across the country and the world we have entered a season where we are not able to meet as local churches in the same way we have been accustomed to. As churches, each of you are making decisions and judgments on how to navigate through this season of ministry and administration. Wisdom seeks to be a resource for you as you navigate this changed season well.
Giving is one area where a quick adaptation to our new environment of connection could allow for a lessening of the impact on church finances. Providing your congregation options on how to keep their convictions in the discipline of giving may assist your church in being able to continue and accelerate your ministry efforts during this unprecedented time.
Online Giving
If your church has not incorporated an online giving platform as a way you accept contributions, this would be a good time to set it up. Online giving will allow congregants to continue seamlessly giving as they have been without face to face interactions. Online giving platforms generally require a small fee, but many churches will find the convenience and ease of use worth it, especially in these days of social distancing. There are plenty of options out there. Wisdom recommends that each church do their own research into what would be best in your specific circumstances. Capterra is a good source for comparing software. Many of our clients recommend both Breeze and Planning Center.
Checks
Even with the offer of online giving, some congregants may prefer to continue writing checks. If this is the case, the church still has options to consider.
Instruct congregants to mail their checks into the church.
Create either a drop off or drive-thru mailbox/lock box they can use to drive and drop their giving off at.
Cash
If cash is still being used for giving, we recommend giving the cash contribution an incubation period of at least 2 weeks. Institute a counting practice of containing the cash offering in a counting bag or in the delivery method received for at least 2 weeks. Officials are still unsure of how long the virus stays alive on surfaces, but many agree that this is a base to hold to. This precaution not only safeguards the health of your counters but, delays the reintegration of cash back into circulation via the bank, with the goal of stopping the perpetuating spread of the virus within your community.
Keep hope! Giving may experience a reduction during this time, however we serve Jehovah Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide.”
“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:14
We are praying alongside each of you that God will provide, and as your congregation is able that they too will continue to give, allowing the local church to continue and expand during this time.
Please reach out if you or your church needs specific prayer during this time. As your partner in ministry, we work to expand God's Kingdom and want to partner with you through this season as we always have.
This blog post is part of an ongoing series to keep churches informed of the resources available. Here are more resources to explore:
By: Bill O’Connell, CPA
Published March 16, 2020
