FAQs About Online Giving

What are Tithes and Offerings?

Financial giving at Macedonia can generally be divided into two categories: tithes and offerings. The Bible teaches us that we worship the Lord with our tithe, which is ten percent (10%) of our income contributed to the church on a regular basis. When we feel called to give over and above our tithe, we do so as an offering.

The Bible says, The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. (Deuteronomy 14:23 TLB) Tithing is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything we have. It is also God’s personal invitation to an outpouring of his blessing in your life.

The word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma’aser and it literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10 (NLT), God says this: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This is the only place in Scripture where God tells us to put him to the test. In other words, he’s saying, “Go ahead. I dare you. See if you can out-give me.”

Is God wise? Do you trust him? These are two fundamental questions behind the act of giving. If God is wise, then you should listen to what he says about financial stewardship. If you trust him, then you should trust him with all aspects of your life, including your finances. So go ahead. Accept God’s invitation to put him to the test. Start tithing faithfully and watch what he does in and through your life.

Why would I want to give online?

Security and convenience make online transactions an increasingly popular means of donating to an organization. Plus, our ministry enjoys administrative savings (manual check processing and record keeping add up in a hurry). You also can take advantage of the discipline that recurring donations can provide for your giving.

How do I get started giving online?

1. Members and regular attenders can click on the  located at the top right of any page.
2. Login or create a new account by clicking on the link "create new account"
3.  Once your account is setup and you are logged in, you can:
   • Make a new donation (click on the image to create a new transaction)
   
   
   • Setup a recurring donation (and manage existing recurring donations)
   • View your Giving History

Is my online giving secure?

Yes.  Every transaction is encrypted with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the same industry-standard encryption trusted for online commerce with world-class financial organizations.

When will the transaction go on my account?

You set the date when you want your card charged.

Which credit/debit cards can I use for my donation?

We currently accept the following credit/debit cards for online donations:

Can I use an e-check for my donation?

Currently we cannot process e-checks, but this feature will be coming soon.

Can I give as little or as much as I want?

Donations must be a minimum of $5.00 (US) and there are no limitations on the maximum amount.

What if I make a mistake and need to have a completed transaction reversed?

Contact the church office immediately so your situation can be handled appropriately at 610-279-6240 and ask to speak with someone in the finance ministry.  You can also send an email to finance@mbcministries.org

What are your stewardship practices?

The ministry of Macedonia is funded by God's provision through the tithes and offerings of faithful Macedonia members and attenders. At Macedonia we honor God's provision by exercising wise and faithful stewardship, ethical business practices, and full accountability so that the financial integrity of Macedonia remains beyond reproach.  Our mission is facilitated through our system of internal controls over financial reporting and our internal budgeting and reporting processes. Additionally, Macedonia has a financial review performed annually.

Members of Macedonia may request a copy of our most recent financial statements or ask general questions about our financial practices at any time by contacting the finance office.

Stewardship Resources

As we continue to update our site we will provide links to other resources that will assist you in being a good steward of your finances as God has called us to be.

"But just as you excel in everything… see that you also excel in this grace of giving." - 2 Corinthians 8:7

A Note About Credit Cards

While we allow the use of credit cards for tithes and offerings, we still strongly encourage the use of electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for two primary reasons:

• Although many pay off their credit cards each month, many also do not.  We do not want to encourage someone to go into debt and pay interest on gifts given to the church.
• With electronic transfer, your entire gift goes to the church. When using a credit card, as much as 3% of your gift can go to the credit card company.

Online Giving Privacy Policies

Your information is held securely by the AMP Fusion system. This information will remain private and will never be given away to third parties, other than to process your scheduled contributions. You can schedule new contributions at any time and can modify or cancel those contributions at any time prior to the date they are scheduled. Once the contribution has been processed, however, it cannot be cancelled. If you have any problems or questions related to this, please contact us at finance@mbcministries.org.