eGIVING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why would I want to give to the church using Electronic Giving?

Many people who give regularly find that Electronic Giving is a convenient option to fulfill their giving commitments. This is especially true when you can not attend a worship service. Electronic Giving will also help the church predict it's income so that the mission and ministry of the church can be better planned. You have the freedom to give how and when you want. Using the secure online Donor Portal, you have 24/7 access to your account. You can add a new donation, cancel or modify an existing donation, give from multiple bank or credit card accounts, and even print tax receipts.

Is it safe to give online?

Yes, Our Electronic Giving System utilizes the Automated Clearing House network or ACH, the same network that is used for Direct Deposit and Electronic Bill Payment. Our Partner, Stewardship Technology, has invested heavily in trying to make the experience as safe as possible. Security starts at the data center and includes physical locks, access controls and surveillance systems. The data center is complete with a natural gas generator, backup HVAC, multiple internet connections and redundant routers, switches and servers. Background checks ensure the integrity of all personnel who have access to confidential data. All confidential data stored on the servers is encrypted using the most advance standards available. VeriSign is the SSL Certificate provider of choice for over 93% of the Fortune 500 and the top 10 U.S. banks, businesses that know the most about Internet security. They trust VeriSign because of their encryption technology and rigorous business authentication practices.

What do I need to do to start Electronic Giving?

Just go to www.GSBCfamily.org/egiving and give a one-time donation or sign up for an Account so that you can take full advantage of the system including recurring donations.

How much do I have to give?

There is a $5.00 minimum per donation.

From what types of bank accounts can I give?

You can give online from your checking or savings account.

If I don't write checks, how do I keep my checkbook balance straight?

All contributions will be clearly listed on your monthly checking, savings and credit card account statement.

Can I use a credit card to make a contribution?

Yes. You can use Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. We recommend that you give with a credit card only if you pay off your credit card each month.

Can I use a debit card to make a contribution?

Yes. You can use your debit card.

Are there any fees involved with giving online?

Not to you. You will not pay any fees with an online gift. When you give by credit/debit card a small percentage of your donation goes to the credit card company rather than the church. Contributions made by electronic check cost just pennies per transaction. The church and its ministries will benefit more from your donation when you give by check.

What if I change banks or accounts or want to change the amount of my contribution?

You can change the details of your accounts at any time by logging into the egiving system.

Can I change my personal information or the amount or the frequency of my gift once I have set it up?

Yes. You can change or cancel your contribution at any time before the date of the contribution. If you have an account, simply log in to the system using your user name and password and make the necessary changes.

Can I review my donation history online?

Yes. When you set up an account, the site will allow you to view the complete history of your online contributions.

If I want to set-up a recurring gift, what are my options for frequency of my gift?

For recurring gifts, you have the option of giving weekly, bi-weekly, the 1st and the 15th of a month, or monthly.

Will I still receive regular contribution statements from the church?

Yes. GSBC will continue to send year-end contribution statements for tax purposes. These statements will reflect all your contributions to tax deductible funds at Good Shepherd including those made online.

When will contributions by electronic check be taken from my bank account?

Contributions made by electronic check will be taken from your specified bank account by the next business day. If the date of your contribution falls on a weekend or a holiday, the transaction will be initiated on the next banking day.

When will contributions made by credit/debit card be charged to my account?

If you make a contribution using your credit/debit card, the transaction will be initiated immediately.

Can I designate my gift to a particular cause?

Yes, initially we have setup the system to allow designation in either the General Fund or the Building Fund. As we gain additional users in the system and the need arises we will look to add other designations. (e.g. Missions, Youth Camp payments, etc.)

How will I know that I set up my gift correctly?

Immediately after submitting your contribution, you will receive an e-mail verifying your contribution.

How do I participate in the weekly offering if my gift is automatically deducted from my bank account?

You may always give during worship. Some people who give electronically also give during worship. If you wish, you can write “I’m giving online” on the giving envelope and place it in the offering plate, but it is not necessary.

I have additional questions about online giving that have not been addressed. Who can I talk to?

For any questions, concerns or comments about the online giving system, please contact us at Office@GSBCfamily.org and someone will contact you as soon as possible.