In 2021 the Diocese of Southwark was one of three dioceses in the Church of England to pilot a rollout of contactless giving machines. We now have over 213 churches (63%) using contactless machines in our Diocese, the highest percentage across all dioceses in the Church of England! If your church is yet to invest in a contactless machine, here are four reasons from our pilot parishes explaining why you should consider it:
1. It makes it easy for everyone to give!
Cash has been in decline for several years, but since the pandemic use of cash has rapidly plummeted. With fewer and fewer people carrying loose change in their pockets, a contactless machine is an instant and easy way for people to give. It allows for people to give who wouldn’t usually – such as guest visitors who aren’t carrying cash or those unable to commit to regular giving.
“It’s about creating opportunities, and the card machine does that. If you give them the opportunity to use their card, they will.”
Reverend Ian Whitley – St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield
2. Size doesn’t matter!
Contactless machines work for churches of all shapes and sizes. St Alban’s in Streatham Park have a modest congregation of 35 yet have raised over £6,500 since they began using their contactless machine in June 2021. That’s an astounding average of over £300 a month.
“We have drawn in more funds through it than we would have otherwise.”
Reverend Marc Richeux – St Alban’s, Streatham Park
3. Not just for Sunday giving
Most contactless machines are portable which enables churches to move them easily around their space. This means churches can make the most of their machine. But contactless machines can also adapt to different appeals.
“You can use it for so much more than just Sunday giving.”
Reverend David Vyvyan – St Saviour’s, Brockley Rise
St Saviour’s, Brockley Rise use their machine for a variety of purposes, significantly for charity appeals such as the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. St Mary’s, Summerstown move their machine from their Sunday ‘giving station’ to the entrance of the church for donations for their weekly toddler group. And Holy Trinity, Rotherhithe use their contactless machine to take donations at concerts. Contactless machines tap into multiple facets of church life and engage not only with congregation but with the local community.
4. Technical skill not required
You do not need to be tech savvy to use a contactless machine. They are simple, easy to use and the software is straightforward.
“If you find a church that needs persuading to take it on, tell them the least tech loving person on the planet managed it, so they can too.”
Parish administrator Ruth – Holy Redeemer, Streatham Vale
Try Before You Buy
If reading this has sparked your interest, why not borrow one of our contactless machines from our team at no cost, for three weeks, to allow your church to trial the machine before making a financial commitment. We even find that sometimes people like them so much that they will give you a donation to cover the purchase cost! Please get in touch with our Giving Team to find out more.
If your church wants to purchase a contactless machine, please contact the Giving Team to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. (When purchased through Parish Buying, contactless machines are discounted and you receive a premium membership for Give A Little for free until the end of 2023.)
Get in touch: [email protected]
