ATMs let Sunday giving to high-tech
By Virginia Norton | Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle
Saturday, July 29, 2006Eric Bradley usually goes online for his banking and pays for gas and groceries with a bank debit card.
Now, he also can use his debit card to make donations at his church, Stevens Creek Community Church in Martinez.
The church has several ATM kiosks in the fellowship hall. In 15 to 20 seconds, Mr. Bradley can swipe the card, tap in his PIN, specify the donation and get a receipt printed with a Scripture verse.
The senior pastor, Marty Baker, said he used hardware and software from different manufacturers and introduced the kiosks about 18 months ago. With the kiosks, Stevens Creek has seen its income jump. The 1,100-member church is projecting a 19 percent increase this year over last year, said Dr. Baker.
Stemming credit card use also better suits the church's philosophy on giving, Dr. Baker said.
"We don't encourage anyone to go into debt to donate," he said.
He and his wife, Patty, formed Automated Giving Solutions to market the kiosks to other churches and nonprofits.
"We feel like we will branch out with other nonprofit organizations, such as hospitals, schools, aquariums, any nonprofits that are raising money," Mrs. Baker said.
The kiosks are now in use in a handful of other churches, including nondenominational Victory World Church in Norcross, Ga. About 5,000 people attend Victory World each week, according to Dave Nowak, the church administrator.
The kiosk is in a test, with staff members making their donations in the administrative office area, but he expects it will be released to the congregation.
"A lot of the young adults don't carry cash. I don't even know if they have wallets, but they do carry debit cards," Mr. Nowak said.
