A friend told me recently that he and his wife have chosen
to participate in a bank account deduction giving option that their church
offered. The offering is deducted from
their bank account on a regular basis and placed in the church account, all
done electronically. Not writing checks
or having to remember to take them to church to put in the offering plate
seemed like a good idea. He realizes now
that there are drawbacks.
One concern is that his children no longer see him
putting anything into the offering plate, so they are probably wondering, “Why
don’t Mom and Dad support the church any more?” Of course, other members may be
thinking the same thing! What kind of
example is he setting?
As important to my friend is that he feels that he is
missing out on an act of worship.
Offering something back to God in a tactile way can be a very satisfying
act of worship.
I understand how my friend feels. I have often said that offering is an
essential part of worship. Drop anything
else, but keep the offering! This has
nothing to do with ensuring the financial viability of the congregation. Failure to provide this opportunity to respond
in offering truncates the worship experience.
If anything, we need more rather than fewer ways for
worshippers to respond. I still like
altar calls and opportunities for members to respond in some tangible way. We need the chance to use our feet and hands
in worship as well as our voices.
My friend is thinking about some way to continue his bank
deduction and still participate in the act of giving in worship. Any ideas?
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