By Aaron Earls
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus sparking churches across the country to suspend in-person meeting, Generosity by Lifeway is opening its digital giving platform to congregations immediately for free.
“Giving is one of the most significant faith experiences we have as believers. God is a generous God in so many ways to us and our giving in response to His generosity has been part of our worship since the very first family,” said Todd McMichen, director of Generosity by Lifeway.
Because of this, McMichen said Lifeway wanted to help as many churches as possible go digital with their giving during the coronavirus outbreak.
The “Special COVID-19 Digital Giving Plan,” which can be accessed at LifeWayGenerosity.com/coronavirus, provides any church with a custom online giving page that can begin receiving gifts within 48 hours.
With the offer, churches will pay no set up fees and no monthly subscription fees. The service does not require any technology or website experience.
After providing minimal information, Generosity by Lifeway creates and hosts the giving page, which the church only needs to promote to their people.
“Many small churches and church plants had not yet adopted digital giving as a practice when this global pandemic struck. And even those who have digital giving may only have a very small percentage of giving received through this means,” said McMichen.
“Today, in our unprecedented situation, we need as much generosity flowing through the internet as possible. The work of the church and kingdom ministry is needed now more than ever.”
After announcing the program on Wednesday, March 18, Generosity saw an overwhelming response from churches. McMichen said due to his team and others at Lifeway, Generosity has been able to meet the needs of every church requesting service.
Churches who already have a website but lack online giving can also get started with Generosity’s full digital giving platform at no cost.
“Generosity by Lifeway has given us a great opportunity to encourage our people to be more generous,” said Andy Brown, executive pastor of First Baptist Newnan, Ga. “We moved to Generosity because they are going above and beyond to serve churches beyond just offering a digital giving platform.”
To sign up for the free digital giving plan or for more information, visit LifeWayGenerosity.com/coronavirus.
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Aaron Earls is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.
