Best Practices for Maximizing Church Giving Kiosks

Remember the last time you fumbled for cash or a checkbook during the offering? Those days might soon be behind you.

Churches nationwide are embracing a new way to collect donations: giving kiosks. These interactive screens are popping up in church lobbies and fellowship halls, offering members a convenient way to support their faith community.

If you’re a church leader, you might be wondering: Are these kiosks right for our congregation? How do they work? And if we have one, how can we use it most effectively? You’re asking all the right questions, and we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll dive into church giving kiosks, exploring their benefits and addressing common concerns. We’ll also share practical tips and success stories, helping you understand how these tools can enhance your church’s fundraising efforts and make giving easier for your members.

Benefits of implementing church giving kiosks

Increased donations: Church giving kiosks are visible reminders of the opportunity to contribute, often leading to more frequent and generous donations. They can display current fundraising goals or urgent needs, inspiring spontaneous giving.
Convenience and accessibility: With giving kiosks, members can donate using their credit or debit cards at any time. Plus, strategic placement in high-traffic areas like the lobby or fellowship hall creates convenient giving opportunities that align with people’s natural movements through the church.
Customization: Your church is unique, and your giving kiosk can reflect that. Many kiosks allow for customization, letting you showcase your church’s logo, mission statement, or current fundraising goals.
Secure transactions: Giving kiosks use encrypted transactions and secure data handling to protect your donors’ financial information. This level of security can help members feel more comfortable making electronic donations.
Integration with church management software: Effortless integration with your existing church management software can streamline administrative tasks. This means easier tracking of donations, simplified financial record-keeping, and less administrative work for your staff.
Event registration: Giving kiosks aren’t only for donations. They can also simplify event registrations, making it easier for members to sign up and pay for various church activities. From youth group outings to adult Bible studies, a kiosk can be a one-stop-shop for church engagement.

Why Jovvie is the best solution for a church giving kiosk

Jovvie by BizSwoop is a leading Point of Sale (POS) system that’s popular among various organizations, including churches. Its versatility and efficiency make it an excellent choice for congregations looking to modernize their giving process. Here are its key features:

User-friendly interface: Jovvie’s intuitive design is one of its biggest strengths. Everyone in your congregation, regardless of their comfort level with technology, can use the kiosk without assistance.
Real-time inventory management: With Jovvie, your team can say goodbye to hours of manual data entry. The system updates donation records instantly, providing accurate, up-to-the-minute financial data. This saves time, enhances transparency, and simplifies reporting for your church leadership.
Compatible with all devices: Set up a giving station using your church’s existing iPad, or let members donate using their phones. Jovvie’s compatibility with various devices eliminates the need for expensive, specialized hardware, making implementation budget-friendly and flexible.
Unlimited kiosks: Whether you have a small chapel or a megachurch, Jovvie is designed to grow with you. Set up giving stations in the lobby, near exits, or even in satellite locations – all without additional fees. This flexibility allows you to capture donations wherever your congregation gathers.
Integration with WooCommerce: For churches using WordPress for their websites, Jovvie offers direct integration with WooCommerce. This means you can easily extend its functionality by combining it with other church management plugins like GiveWP, which facilitates online offerings and donations.
Multiple payment options: Cash, credit cards, digital wallets – Jovvie accepts them all. This variety ensures that whether a member prefers traditional methods or digital payments, they can contribute easily. By accommodating all preferences, you’re likely to see increased participation in giving.
Multilingual support: In a congregation where multiple languages are spoken, Jovvie breaks down barriers. With support for 36 languages, it ensures that language differences don’t hinder anyone’s ability to give.

Pricing

Jovvie’s pricing structure allows churches of all sizes to benefit from its features. Start with a 30-day free trial to see its impact. After that, choose between a self-hosted plan at $19 per month or a cloud solution at $29 per month. For churches without WordPress or WooCommerce, the Jovvie One plan offers a complete standalone POS system with custom pricing.

Comparing church giving kiosks to other digital giving options

Let’s take a closer look at three popular alternatives to church giving kiosks: online donations, mobile apps, and text-to-give.

1. Online donations

Online donations have become a staple for many churches, and it’s easy to see why. They offer incredible convenience, allowing people to give from anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s Sunday morning or Wednesday night, your congregation can support the church with just a few clicks.

However, online donations lack the physical presence that kiosks provide. As we mentioned, kiosks offer a visible reminder to give, especially during services or events. This tangible prompt can be particularly powerful during worship services, where the atmosphere of collective generosity is at its peak.

2. Mobile apps

Mobile apps are another convenient option for church giving. They’re always in your pocket, ready whenever inspiration strikes. But they’re not for everyone.

Some members of your congregation, particularly older adults, might find mobile apps challenging to use. They may feel uncomfortable navigating the technology or prefer more traditional giving methods. For these individuals, kiosks can be a more approachable and user-friendly option, bridging the gap between old-school giving and digital convenience.

3. Text-to-give

Text-to-give is perfect for special events or campaigns where you want to capture the energy of the moment and turn it into action.

However, this method may not offer the same level of transaction security and customization that kiosks provide. Some donors might feel uneasy about sharing payment information via text message.

Kiosks, on the other hand, offer a more secure and personalized giving experience. They allow donors to see exactly where their money is going and often provide more options for designating gifts to specific funds or projects.

Tips for effective placement of your church giving kiosk to maximize usage

Here are some tips to make sure your giving kiosk is in the perfect spot to serve your congregation:

High-traffic areas: Put your kiosk where the action is! Think about placing it near the main entrance or exit. This way, folks can easily spot it as they come in or leave. The coffee area or fellowship hall are also great spots.
Eye-level placement: Your kiosk should be easy to see and use for all your members, including those using wheelchairs. The ideal height is typically between 45 to 50 inches from the ground to the center of the screen. If possible, choose a kiosk with an adjustable screen angle to accommodate various heights.
Assistance availability: During the initial implementation, have a volunteer or staff member available near the kiosk. They can answer questions and offer guidance, helping members feel more comfortable with this new giving option.
Secure location: Choose a well-lit, open area for your kiosk where staff or volunteers can easily monitor it. This visibility helps prevent potential issues and reassures users about the security of their transactions.
Special events: During fundraisers, holiday services, or other special events, consider giving your kiosk a prominent position. These occasions often inspire generosity, and having the kiosk readily available can encourage spontaneous giving.

How to promote and educate your congregation about the kiosk

Introducing a new giving method can be exciting, but it’s important to bring your congregation along on the journey. Here’s how you can effectively educate your members about the new giving kiosk:

Introduce the kiosk during services

Take a few moments during your service to share the good news about the new kiosk. Explain how it works and why it’s beneficial. Highlight how it makes giving easier, especially for those who prefer not to carry cash or checks. You might even consider doing a quick demonstration to show how simple it is to use.

Highlight security and privacy

Address any concerns your congregation might have about digital giving. Explain the security measures in place to protect their financial information. Reassure them that their giving remains private and secure. Being transparent about these aspects can help build trust and encourage usage.

Offer training sessions

Set up short, informal training sessions after services or during church events. These can be quick five to ten-minute walkthroughs of how to use the kiosk. Consider creating easy-to-follow guides that members can take home. Remember, some members might need extra support, so patience and repetition are key.

Encourage feedback

Open up channels for your congregation to share their thoughts and experiences with the kiosk. This could be through comment cards, a suggestion box, or even a short online survey. Make it clear that you value their input and will use it to improve the giving experience. Regularly review this feedback and make adjustments as needed.

Implement, optimize, and sustain your church giving kiosk

Church giving kiosks are changing the way modern congregations manage donations. They offer convenience, security, and have the potential to significantly increase your church’s giving. By strategically placing your kiosk, educating your members on its use, and consistently seeking feedback, you’ll make digital giving feel like a natural part of your church community.

For churches seeking an effective kiosk solution, Jovvie offers many benefits. It integrates directly with WooCommerce, giving you the flexibility to extend its functionality with various plugins. Jovvie’s intuitive interface is designed with both your team and your donors in mind, ensuring ease of use for everyone. Moreover, its budget-friendly pricing gives you access to powerful technology without straining your finances.

Ready to elevate your church’s giving experience? Give Jovvie a try today and discover how our self-service kiosk can benefit your congregation!

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Best Practices for Maximizing Church Giving Kiosks

Benefits of implementing church giving kiosks