DISQUS

Mattress · 1 year ago

Interesting, I know my church has an automatic withdrawal option. Those tithing machines are creepy though, how impersonal can you get? (Though I'm not totally sure how it's more impersonal then an auto-withdrawal, but there's something not right about it.) Would you use your credit card and get rewards points for tithing? that's definitely not right!

We still write out our checks for tithe, mostly because there are a number of organizations that we tithe to, so it's not always automatically going to our church.

Money Matters · 1 year ago

Yeah, something about the tithing machine just doesn't feel right... although as PT says, i can imagine actually using one on the sundays that I forget a tithe check, or something. Personally I like still writing a check because it forces me to think about the act of tithing, and it is more of an intentional act of worship for me..

Faye · 1 year ago

I can't believe that tithing can be so impersonal nowadays. I still bring cash, put it in an envelope and place it on the offering plate every Sunday. The automatic withdrawal sounds like a good idea, but it would not work if you're on an hourly job or has irregular income as the article says. I would try not to use the Automated Tithing Machine. I don't think my church offers that much technology yet. It would be my last resort if I can't write out a check or bring cash. Maybe I'd just send an e-check, especially since I have an Online Savings Account. We can still send it through paper, right?

Faye · 1 year ago

Oh, by the way, does anybody know if sending your tithes to an international church would be tax deductible?

Mattress · 1 year ago

Should whether or not your tithe is tax deductible have any bearing on who you tithe to?

Money Matters · 1 year ago

It certainly can make a difference for a lot of people, but to be honest, I haven't even thought about it. I just give to the organizations I believe in, and take the tax deduction as a bonus.

The Happy Rock · 1 year ago

The ATM thing kind of skeeves me out for some reason. The act should be intentional and personal not rote habit.

I stopped trying to remember my check book a year or so ago(because I couldn't), and started using free paper checks of the ING Electric Orange. Sometimes you do have to face the awkwardness(real or perceived) that we put on each other when people don't drop your envelope or cash in the bag/bucket/plate.

Our church does have an online giving portal, but it doesn't feel right either. Plus why would you want to give credit card companies 2.5% percent or so of your tithe.

Mo_Money · 1 year ago

Our church has the ability to process your debit card. Just record your information on an envelope and drop it in the collection plate.

Money Matters · 1 year ago

Our society really is moving to all plastic isn't it?

ChristianPF · 1 year ago

You know I tried automating my tithing and I had to switch back to checks. My wife and I just need something tangible to give. We always like to pray over it as we give it and give it with expectancy that God is going to do what He promised.

And if we had to stop automating it I feel pretty confident that we will not be using the tithing ATM any time soon

PT · 1 year ago

@Faye - you can search to see if your international Church qualifies here: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=9613...

Thanks for all your comments everyone. I knew Pete's blog was the perfect forum for this post.

Money Matters · 1 year ago

It sure seems to have been PT - thanks for the great post!

tlange · 1 year ago

If giving is an act of worship, then why would we relegate it to treating it like "another bill". I pay everything via online bill pay except our rent and our giving to our local church. Even though I embrace the advances of technology, I do not embrace it in this area.