Christ First Forum

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Jeani Fuller
I've read that ATM machines are in some churches since 2007...As for me, once my church puts a ATM machine in their lobby, I will find another church...I once had a preacher that NEVER preach on 'giving' within the church..He told the church he did not have to because the HS will convict hearts on what they should give to the Lord...What are your thoughts and why?
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ATM machines invade local churches, spark controversy
Nikole Riddick/Contributing writerIssue date: 11/14/10 Section: Divine Intervention
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http://media.www.districtchronicles.com ... 9227.shtml


It is true. That is, in fact, an ATM in Reid Temple AME in the Glendale neighborhood of Prince George's County. The church is among many places of worship across the nation that have installed ATM's in their houses of worship. The ATM inside Reid Temple is located near the front entrance of the church as you enter the double door to the sanctuary.

Danielle Lewis a student at Howard University and a worshipper at the church thinks the idea of an ATM in a church is "cool." She said she and many people don't always carry with them cash.

"I like the idea. I mean it's convenient and I don't have to rush to the bank in the morning before church," Lewis said. "I can just use the one right in the front lobby if I need the cash for a tithe or offering."

Howard University student Brianne Brown who has seen the ATM attends Reid Temple regularly. She has mixed feelings about the new money machine in her church.

"I think ATMs in church have two different meanings when you look at it," she said. "On a positive note, it's cool for those who forget their money. They just go to the ATM and withdraw their tithe or offering. But some will look at it in a negative way because church is a place for worship not ATMs and money."

ATMs in church lobbies are specially designed to make it easier to document the tithe or offering of church goers.

Information from the ATM is sent to a specially formulated computer system, which will be able to print out receipts for church goers at the end of the year, showing the amount of their charitable contributions. E-tithing is almost the same as an Automated Clearinghouse which is done through online services that the church sets up allowing money to be debited for church goers accounts with canceled checks with set amount set to be drafted on specific dates.

"It's nothing new because there is an ATM in the church I attend and when the offering comes, the Pastor makes sure you use it or get a credit card slip," said Michael Riddick of Atlanta.

But Riddick doesn't use the ATM in his church because he does not know who is looking at his personal information. Instead he opts for stopping at the bank before church, and using the traditional offering envelope.

Deacon Margie Wright of Grace Baptist Church in Waterbury, CT, travels to different churches in the United States and has seen ATMs in several churches and is certain she does not want to see them anymore.

Atm's is just a fancy word for fleecing the flock!

Exactly...and funny...

Where's the 'reverence' anymore in our churches?

Yes, in the NT, our body is the temple,but in the OT, if you touch the 'Ark of the Covenant' you would die..

God already has all the money in the world,but He wants US,and when he has us... we will give...