The ATM in the Church Lobby

[jeffrey]

Credit and debit card swipe machines in churches may startle some of the pious, but such kiosks, already present in some houses of worship, might become even more commonplace now that a new IRS regulation is in effect.

Beginning with gifts given in 2007, the IRS will demand documentation for charitable contributions under $250. Once, all one needed was a diary entry to vouch for such donations. Specially designed ATMs at church will help document such spur-of-the-moment cash gifts, as well as planned giving. Also as a result of the new IRS rule, credit card donations and tithing are likely to increase too because such electronic fund transfers leave a paper trail.

The ATM in the Church Lobby - TIME

[poundwise]

Completely unnecessary.

Writing a check also creates a "paper trail" and doesn't cost the church a percentage fee to the merchant service.

This smacks of money changers in the temple to me. However, many churches now-a-days aren't really that concerned with spirituality anyway, so I'm sure this will grow in popularity.

[Pupart]

I wonder how Dave Ramsey feels about this?

[PrincessPerky]

humph, church is more and more about money and less and less about anything else, some days I would rather hear a hellfire and damnation sermon, than yet another why don't you give more speech.

[dcox20]

thinking this isn't such a good idea... there are many ways that giving is tracked... most churches send you a giving report at the end of the year (you may have to be a member for them to track it). Our church doesn't have membership but does track every check that comes in and we get a statement twice a year. Also you can use a check like someone else pointed out... really using the ATM would be the worst way to track it because I think you'd ahave a line of people getting cash out at the church and then spending it elsewhere, calling it a donation cause look! I have the receipt!

this seems like one of those things that is made to hype us all up - like smoking causing cancer.. bah!



lol

[Pupart]

this seems like one of those things that is made to hype us all up - like smoking causing cancer.. bah!



lol[/QUOTE]


Why would adults get hyped up about this?
I don't understand.

[momof1in150]

Our church has to account for every penny that comes into and out of the church. If it is cash in the plate then it is called loose plate. If it is cash in a pew envelope with a name and/or address then it is credited to the person giving it. Checks are also credited. Each quarter pledging members get a statement and each January everyone who donated to the church gets a statement. It doesn't matter if you gave $1 or $1000 you get a statement.

No kiosk needed!

[Fern]

Wow. This would make me feel really uncomfortable. More than that, it'd make me angry. Course, i don't go to church anyway, but makes me wonder what's next.

[Pupart]

You Tube has the interview with the minister who started this .
He calls it an automated tithing machine

YouTube - ATM in a church

[disneysteve]

We actually have an ongoing debate at our temple about accepting credit card payments for dues and donations. On the one hand, giving people more payment options makes it more likely that people will pay their bills on time. People like the convenience of charging things to a credit card and paying it later, and often earning reward points in the process.

On the other hand, many people use credit cards irresponsibly and charge more than they can afford to pay off each month and there are some on the board who feel we shouldn't contribute to people getting themselves in debt. Of course, there are the processing fees for accepting credit, but many feel that would be balanced out by the better collection rate and improved cash flow.

In either case, I would be opposed to sticking an ATM outside the sanctuary. That's distasteful in so many ways.

[txex86]

In either case, I would be opposed to sticking an ATM outside the sanctuary. That's distasteful in so many ways.

Agreed, DisneySteve. Our Episcopal church just began the "convenience" of online payment of pledges. It is my belief that once that begins, then ATM kiosks and credit cards can't be far behind.

[Adambnn]

Agreed, DisneySteve. Our Episcopal church just began the "convenience" of online payment of pledges. It is my belief that once that begins, then ATM kiosks and credit cards can't be far behind.

Yeah, agree. People need to concentrate.

[cschin4]

It doesn't seem that the churches are to blame. Just more iregulation from the IRS.
I think we will get to a point where actually paper money is unnecessary. Gives me the chills.

[Aleta]

In a world where we need to go and get away from the business of life: we see where that could be taken away. I don't think that a place of worship should even resemble a bank. It just doesn't sound right at all. There shouldn't be that kind of distraction there. It should be a house of prayer not ATM's

[Cassandra]

I'm against the idea of having ATMs available at church. Like others have said, it's inappropriate and takes away from the sanctity of the place. I bet dishonest people would try to take advantage of the church ATMs and try to write off donations they never gave.

However, I must ask-has anyone seen an ATM in a church? This is the first time I've heard of it and none of the fathers (or anyone else) at my church have mentioned it. Luckily, this hasn't hit my town yet.

Cassandra