Shane Raynor recently wrote a blog post encouraging congregations to adopt a plate free practice. More specifically, Raynor proposes that congregations that still pass offering plates or baskets consider moving away from this practice for several reasons:
- Many people don’t use cash and checks anymore.
- Some people believe the negative stereotypes about churches and money.
- Passing the plate puts people on the spot.
- Someone could get the idea that church has a cover charge.
So What?
Regardless of how you feel about Raynor’s list, it is impossible to ignore the implications of the first item on it. While I have not ever been formally affiliated with a congregation that has stopped passing plates during worship services, thankfully I have been involved with multiple congregations who encouraged people to give electronically.
- Does your local congregation pass offering plates during worship services or have you gone plate free?
- If it is the custom of your congregation to pass plates or baskets (or have a set place for people to go to drop offerings into a bowl or box), what types of supplemental opportunities for giving do you provide for those who do not use or prefer not to use checks or cash? How are these options explained each week (e.g., in the worship bulletin)?
- Imagine a plate free offering experience within the context of a worship service in your congregation. Describe in detail what you picture happening.