PRLog (Press Release) -
Mar 25, 2009 -
Churches Go High Tech to Collect Funds
AUGUSTA, GA--(Marketwire - March 23, 2009) - Stevens Creek Church has discovered a new way to collect donations during tough economic times. In addition to the traditional passing-of-the-
plate, this contemporary church added giving kiosks in their lobby so that parishioners can donate using their bank cards. In today's economy, fewer and fewer people, particularly the younger generations, are carrying cash or check-books. Today, churches are forced to consider alternative ways of collecting money.
The giving kiosk provides a quick and easy way for church-goers to donate by using a touch-screen and swiping their bank card. Contributors can choose up to eight different ministries to donate to with one swipe of their card. This concept was pioneered by Pastor Marty Baker, the founding pastor of Stevens Creek Church (www.stevenscreek.net)
. "Our focus at Stevens Creek is to help people take their next step spiritually. Adding a giving kiosk makes it easier for people to take a step of faith and bring the Lord's tithe to the church," said Pastor Baker.
Giving at Stevens Creek Church has seen a double-digit increases since the giving kiosks were installed at this evangelical church. Last year the church collected nearly a half million dollars electronically. "People use their debit card for gas, groceries, why not something they truly believe in -- the local church," Pastor Baker said.
The results encouraged Pastor Baker and his wife, Patty, to form a for-profit company, called SecureGive (www.securegive.com)
. This young technology company has placed giving kiosks in nearly one hundred organizations. In recent days, this concept has spread across the country and has expanded to include non-profit organizations like the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund. Money is being raised for a new and much larger Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum and contributors can donate with a SecureGive kiosk at the Visitors Center of the USS Arizona. "The economy affects all us," said Mr. Baker. "Churches and non-profits have to consider new ways of collecting funds. It's time to embrace a new way to give."
