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September 4, 2008
Concerns about e-giving
Russell Woodbridge, a faculty member at SEBTS, expresses some concerns and hesitations on the practice of e-giving in churches in "Online Giving - Is it Profitable?".
His stated concerns echo much of traditional theology as it understands and interprets the public collection of money during a Worship service to be essential to the total corporate worship experience. I don't disagree.
The tension comes from practioners - those filling the pulpits across this land - who are faced with increased budgets and ministry expectations and are being pushed by the people funding those budgets and ministries to have the option of giving online.
I think the fallacy of Woodbridge's concerns come from not seeing a "both-and" solution. We have customers who offer online giving and include that as a "fund" line on the church's offering envelopes. This allows the member to give online and to participate in the worship experience.
The theology of giving and the practice of giving must find a way to co-exist. This is the challenge. And the reality is that it's already happening. Our envelope service subscribers are already merging the theology and practice of giving with great success.
What excites me most about Woodbrige's article is that the subject of online giving is forcing the Christian community to re-engage with the concepts of church stewardship and giving. This dialog can only bring about positive results as church leaders become more strategic and intentional about establishing sustainable ministry habits to ensure the work of the church continues until Christ's return.
Related Posts on E-giving:
Churches increase use of online giving
Electronic Giving, Part 1: The Forbidden Conversation
Electronic Giving, Part 2: Future or Fad?
Posted by bstroup at September 4, 2008 10:11 AM
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