Georgia Minister Develops SecureGive: The Church Donation App
A minister in Augusta, Ga. has developed an application that allows members to donate to their church using a smartphone.
The app, called SecureGive Mobile, was developed by Rev. Marty Baker and his wife Patty of Stevens Creek Church in Georgia. SecureGive Mobile is available in the Apple App Store and it allows worshippers to donate to their church using an iPhone, iPad or Android phone.
Rev. Baker explained that this would be a tool that would help to fund the church in an article from the Augusta Chronicle.
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“We believe people want to donate to the church… they might not have cash or a checkbook, but they have a phone,” Baker said.
The web development company Powerserve worked almost a year to develop the software. People can set up recurring or one-time donations, as well as designate their cause for the donation. There is also a calculator included in the app, with inputs for income and how often someone wants to give, according to the Augusta Chronicle.
According to reports, over 70 churches signed up to use SecureGive Mobile in the first 10 days of its release. Churches that sign up for SecureGive Mobile are charged a monthly fee ranging from $39 to $499. They are also charged a process fee on donations.
Local Augusta churches such as First Baptist Church of North Augusta and the Quest United Methodist Church in Martinez are already using the donation-friendly app. Baker claims that SecureGive Mobile will help increase donation at tech-savvy churches and help build new relationships.
“This app is a tool that will break down barriers. It tells people outside the church that this church gets it. We understand how you live,” Baker said.
Rev. Baker and his wife founded the for-profit company called SecureGive ion 2005, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The company was designed to use technology to help churches and nonprofit companies to increase funding. The Bakers use kiosks in the lobbies of their churches to allow members to donate electronically.
“My goal back then was figuring out how we could serve our congregation who doesn’t carry cash or a checkbook,” Baker said. According to reports, churches using SecureGive report an average increase in donations of 20 percent. The average donation, from kiosks, is $150.
Baker says that the system of tithing has evolved from giving animals and grains to giving coins and cash and now, using checks and debit cards. He added that digital giving is the evolution of the financial system.
“It’s not the method that matters to God…it’s the heart,” Baker said.
