I once heard that 75 years ago, 95 percent of church offerings were received in cash and only 5 percent by check. Today, we are going through another financial transition as more and more people handle their finances electronically. 

Some estimates indicate that 60 percent of people on the U.S. (and the percentage has been growing every year) handle at least part of their financial lives through electronic transactions (i.e. paychecks deposited electronically into their bank account or paying utility, mortgage, car, insurance or monthly bills online through electronic fund transfer (EFT) or through Web site online payments.) 

Churches that have begun to offer these services have often found about 5-15 percent of people ready to make this shift in how they give to their church. In the years to come, this number will continue to grow. While some church leaders complain that the offering should be made every week, the reality is that most people in their church give once or twice a month, usually based on when they get paid. 

More important than the frequency of a person's giving is the faithfulness of their giving.  The example I like to give is that of a cattle rancher or a farmer who only gives once a year after he sells his cattle or harvests his fields. Since he only received his income once a year, he gave once a year. If more and more people handle their finances electronically, churches should be looking for ways to help people be faithful in their giving (through whatever methods possible).

The reality is that a person that signs up for an EFT transfer of funds once a month will be 100 percent faithful in their giving, while the person that only puts an offering in the plate when they attend will frequently not be 100 percent faithful. 

Some churches are even allowing people to do their giving online through the church's Web site. This is especially helpful to people that do a lot of traveling, have vacation homes, etc.

Here are some helpful articles on e-giving, a list of companies that provide EFT services, and some churches that have opted to use EFT. Perhaps this information can assist you in deciding whether electronic tithing can help people in your congregation be more faithful in their giving to the Lord's work.

ARTICLES:

Church Technology: Paperless Stewardship

High-Tech Tithing: A Christian company brings Malachi's mandate into the 21st century
Electronic Giving Programs for churches

A NATIONAL SERVICE FOR ANYONE TO GIVE ELECTRONICALLY TO THEIR FAVORITE CHARITIES, MINISTRIES, AND CHURCH

ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER COMPANIES SERVING CHURCHES:

SAMPLE OF SOME CHURCHES USING EFT AND ON-LINE GIVING: