Electronic Giving at FBC

See Pastor Gerten’s post regarding Electronic Giving by clicking here.

At the beginning of 2008 we began investigating electronic giving. After researching a few options, we set up a system to test and evaluate before we offered it to the church. After two to three months of testing with four volunteer families and individuals we are ready to offer this service to the congregation.

If you are interested in participating in this program please pick up a packet at the Welcome Center or download the forms by clicking here. Fill out the authorization agreement and turn it into the church office during the week or give it to Kris Tarkiewicz on a Sunday morning.

If you have further questions please do not hesitate to ask. You can reach me at 781-8400 ext. 104 or ktarkiewicz@familybiblechurchmarshall.org.

Below you will find frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of Electronic Giving?

There are numerous benefits to electronic giving. For example:

• Those who are committed to giving can make sure their gifts are given on a consistent basis.
• If someone misses a Sunday morning service they can still give to the ministry they are committed to. Many people are excited about this because they travel and still want to give even while they are absent.
• It encourages the giver to give their “first fruits” instead of leftovers because they are committed to giving each week or every other week.
• It is an opportunity for those who want to develop or strengthen the habit of giving. It is a way to be accountable.

Is Electronic Giving secure?

Absolutely. In fact, electronic giving can be more secure for the giver and the church than traditional methods.

Can I use a credit card?

No. As a church, we do not and will not encourage the use of credit cards. Electronic giving operates as a transfer of funds from your checking account to the church account.

If I give to the church, is it mandatory for me to sign up for the program?

No. This is an optional program for those who chose to participate.

Will the offering plate still be passed in Sunday morning service?

Yes.

How does Electronic Giving relate to giving with a cheerful heart? Will giving this way take away the joy?

II Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This is an individual’s choice of how they give with the most joy. If giving electronically takes away the joy I would suggest they not partake. If it helps them give with joy, I would strongly encourage it. Giving an envelope with a check or cash versus having an electronic transfer most likely will not change whether a person is giving with a cheerful heart. This is determined long before they arrive on a Sunday morning.

What options do I have regarding frequency of giving?

There are currently two options: weekly and bi-weekly. The bi-weekly batch draws every other week. June 23, 2008 will be the next bi-weekly draw.*

*To figure out the bi-weekly draw begin on June 23 and continue forward in time to know the next draw.

When will the first draw be taken from my account?

All transfers occur on Monday. The first Monday after you turn your paperwork we will send out a prenote to the Federal Reserve confirming your information is correct, this process takes seven days. The second Monday after you turn in your paperwork will be the first draw from your account.*

*If you are on a bi-weekly cycle and the second Monday does not line up with the bi-weekly cycle your giving will be delayed until the following Monday to match the bi-weekly cycle.

When will it draw from my account?

The transfers take place on Monday mornings unless there is a holiday and will therefore be drawn the next day.

Will I be able to skip a week of giving? If so how?

Yes. If for any reason you cannot give for a week to a few weeks we will be able to stop the transfer. You will need to come into the office and fill out a short “Direct Withdrawal Skip Authorization” form. This must be done by the Sunday morning of the week(s) you will not be giving.

I’ve signed up for Electronic Giving but want to stop. How do I cancel Electronic Giving?

A short visit to the church office and a simple form will cancel your Electronic Giving.

I’d like to change the amount I give. Will I be able to change it?

Yes and no. Yes, if you are increasing or decreasing the amount for an ongoing period of time (one month or more). No, if you need to change your dollar amount each week due to various reasons.

What if I’m giving electronically and would like to give more on a particular Sunday?

Feel free to give in the offering plate on that Sunday while knowing that the electronic giving will draw as usual on Monday.

What will my electronic giving look like on my statement?

It should be very similar to this example:

DPT WK FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH $xxx.xx

Family Bible Church

How does electronic giving affect my giving record for tax purposes?

Your giving will be recorded in the same way that it always has been. You will not notice a difference in your giving record.