Back to Giving

Q: Is this new?
Yes and No. This service has been used successfully at hundreds of churches for years with great success, but it is new for us in 2008.

Q: How can funds be withdrawn directly from my account?
Only with your authorization. No one can deduct money from your account automatically unless you specifically authorize it.

Q: Are electronic contributions risky?
No. An electronic contribution is safer than writing a check, and it can«t be lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail. All Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) transactions are governed by strict national rules and guidelines. Over four billion EFT transactions are processed annually in the United States.

Q: When would this automatic contribution be taken from my account?
On the signup screens, you can specify whether you want your contribution made one time, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly or as designated. When the date you have selected falls on a weekend or holiday, the transaction will occur on the next banking day.

Q: Can I test this by giving one time?
Yes. You may test Online Giving by selecting "One Time" in the frequency drop down box in Step 3 of the signup process.

Q: If I don«t write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?
Your contribution is made on a pre-established day, so you can deduct it from your check record then.

Q: Why canŐt I give by credit card?
We chose to take the time to set up online giving through electronic funds transfer rather than credit card for two primary reasons:

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

Q: How can I keep a record of the amount I have contributed?
Your bank statement will include an itemized list of automatic gifts given from your account. We will continue to provide you with a personal giving statement for your tax records.

Q: Can I give to special funds?
Yes, you will be able to specify during the signup process.

Q: What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?
You can change your giving choices at any time through the "my Giving" page found when you are logged in to the giving page.

Q: How do I participate in the weekly offering if my contribution is automatically deducted from my bank account?
The good news is that you can focus on worship during the offering at church. Instead of having to get out a pen and write out a check, you can focus on God during the song while the offering is being taken.

Q: Is there any charge to me from my bank to give online?
No. Electronic funds transfers carry no bank fees.

Q. Can I designate my giving online?
Yes, and you will be able to also pay the fees associated with mission trips and special events.

Q: Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
Email the Finance Team at info@gv-cc.org or call the office at and a team member will be glad to address your questions and concerns.