According to a new “State of the Plate” report from Tithe.ly, the majority of churches have seen a decrease or flat-line in giving this year. However, 41 percent of churches saw an increase, and many churches have included options for digital giving.

Among those who use a form of digital giving, 79 percent of churches enable the option to give online, 73 percent offer electronic funds transfer from an attendee’s bank and 32 percent offer kiosk/iPad giving. Many churches are utilizing cell phone technology, as well, with 46 percent of churches offering a text-to-give option and 51 percent encourage their congregants to give through a cell phone app.

Notably, 68 percent of those surveyed said kiosk or iPad giving isn’t currently offered at their church, but they would like to see that as an option. As Brian Kluth, the author of the report, says, “With more and more people shopping and paying bills online or through apps and auto-pay services, hardly anyone carries physical checks or cash on them anymore. Yet the number one way churches collect donations is by passing the plate.”

On the other hand, passing the plate can be more time efficient than expecting guests to line up at a kiosk. What method do you employ for giving? What pros and cons do you see?

For ideas on how to have the “generosity” talk with your congregation, check out “Growing a Culture of Giving That Works.”