If Matthew, a twenty-something male, makes an online donation to your church, what happens next? Generosity demonstrates trust. Matthew is telling you that he trusts your church enough to make a financial gift. There’s many, many voices calling for his money. He chose to give the church. That’s a big deal.

A quick primer on ways churches can collect the offering when they can’t pass the plate

If you can’t pass the plate, you can still celebrate the offering during a livestream or virtual worship service. Start with gratitude to God, the giver of every good thing.

How does the church encourage the spiritual discipline of giving without the offering plate?

Every church in Canada which is a registered charity can receive gifts online, either through the CanadaHelps website or through a donate button powered by CanadaHelps on your church’s website.

If someone has $40 in their wallet, they may give $20 - saving that second $20 for lunch the next day. Online gifts were $160. Lots of great examples and statistics here from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)