Overcoming Objections To Mobile Apps For Churches

Were you met with resistance when bringing up the idea of mobile apps for churches to your team? Objections to this technology are common, but they aren’t always based on fact. Once your leadership team understands how these apps work, they will be on board in no time.

Objection #1: Mobile Giving Is Not Secure

Many people are under the impression that making financial transactions over the internet or a smartphone is a bad idea. They are worried about the security of their personal information, which is of course very responsible of them.

But in actuality, most people in today’s society make online or mobile payments regularly already. They even do most or all of their banking online or through apps, and online shopping is more popular than ever. Using mobile apps for churches is just as secure as using a credit or debit card to make a purchase online. Why fear one when you don’t fear the other?

Objection #2: It Encourages Credit Card Use

For some leaders, using mobile apps for churches feels like pressuring parishioners to use credit cards. Since credit card debt can be a big problem for a lot of people, they don’t want to encourage their use.

If this issue arises, be sure to stress that parishioners can donate through the app using debit cards instead.

Objection #3: Seniors Won’t Use Mobile Apps For Churches

One common objection to mobile apps for churches revolves around Seniors. Churches with a lot of older members may avoid using new technology because they think seniors will not use it. But older adults have actually shown that they are more open to modern devices than you might think.

According to Pew Research Center:

77% of seniors have a mobile phone

90% of seniors with an annual household income of over $75,000 go online

77% of seniors said that they need help learning how to use new technology

For the best adoption among your older members, take the time to show them how the technology works. Once you show them the ropes, they will have no problem using an app to give.

Objection #4: The Technology Is Too Expensive

Church leaders and other team members take finances very seriously. The idea of adding a new expense is never a popular one. Sometimes, though, the cost is worth it — and may not involve very much money at all.

Some mobile apps for churches are 100% free for parishioners to download and use, and the only charge involved is a low transaction fee. If you find the right app, you won’t even have any startup or monthly fees to pay.

Objection #5: Passing the Plate Is Tradition

For many churches, passing the offering plate is a weekly tradition. When faced with the idea of mobile apps for churches, they begin to worry that it might do away with the offering plate tradition entirely.

Fortunately, though, this is not the case. Offering plates will always have a place in the church service. Parishioners will still be able to participate by putting cash or checks in the plate. Mobile apps for churches simply offer another option for those who do not carry cash or write checks.