When looking through online giving options, watch for 2 types of fees:

• PROCESSING fees (These fees ALWAYS apply for every provider)
  Basically, the bank/credit companies charge so much percent per transaction and these fees are passed on to the donor, recipient or both. These fees typically fall between 2.5% – 3% for Credit/Debit and 1% ACH/eCheck.
• SUBSCRIPTION/SERVICE Fees
  These are fees the provider charges you for their App, Web Portal, Website Plugins, service etc. to be the one who hosts these transactions.

Typically, services will:

• Give you a free account (No Subscription Fee) while charging you more per transaction (Bigger Processing Fee)
  This is typically better for smaller churches.
• Charge you a flat subscription (Subscription Fee) and charge less per transaction (Smaller Processing Fee).
  This is typically better for larger churches.

Services

Below are several of the top services to choose from. Please note that FaithLife is currently waiving all Subscription Fees for 6 months AND giving you their lowest Processing Fees. This is likely the best deal you will find for the next 6 months for one of these services.

• FaithLife Giving
  – 6 months of lowest Processing fees for free (No Subscription Fees)
  – Comparable rates after the 6 months is up
• Generosity by LifeWay
  Another great pick as their basic FREE account has fairly low PROCESSING FEES.
• PayPal
  Discount for non profit organization (must have 501c3 Status)
• Tithe.ly
• Givelify
• DigiGiv
• Planning Center
• PushPay
  
• Anedot

FREE or Low Cost options

• Bill Pay through your bank.
  Use your bank’s Bill Pay service. (Usually, neither party is charged for this service.)
• USPS
  The only fee is postage.

TEXTING / EMAILING / GROUP COMMUNICATION

• GroupMe
  Group Messaging
  FREE
  All devices. Even works over SMS & Email
• Facebook Messenger
  Group Messaging, Calling & Video
  FREE
  Works on all devices
• WhatsApp
  Group Messaging, Calling & Video
  FREE
  Works on all devices
• BAND
  Group Messaging
• remind
  Mass Messaging
• Text In Church
  Mass Text Messaging & Email
  *60 day free membership to new signups during the COVID crisis.
• Mailchimp
  Mass Email
• Zoom
  Group VIDEO/AUDIO Chat
  Works on all devices
  Options to stream to Facebook or YouTube
  Great screen sharing and file sharing features
  *Also able to join (Audio only) from any regular phone
  **PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR MEETING!
• Skype
  Group VIDEO/AUDIO Chat
• USPS
  Send a letter!

I Love Kidmin group on Facebook

Mr. Mark’s Classroom

Facebook and YouTube are great platforms for video streaming that many are already familiar with.  If you are looking for a little more functionality, such as screen sharing, Zoom is also a good, simple option. With Zoom, you can stream to Facebook or YouTube. These will work well for preaching.

Using the Facebook or YouTube website on your computer or the Facebook, YouTube or Zoom app on your phone or tablet will get you up and going quickly.

Keep some basic ideas in mind when streaming, regardless of what device you are using:

CAMERA PLACEMENT:
– Position the camera as close to eye level as possible (we don’t wanna see up your nose!)
– Close enough that we can tell who you are!
– Use a tripod or some kind of stand!! You can even order an adapter for your phone or tablet online or pick them up at your local electronics store.

CAMERA ANGLE:
– Position at-least your whole head in the shot
– Leave a little, NOT A-LOT, of space above your head

LIGHTING:
– Decent lighting in the room
– No bright lights or bright reflections behind you (especially windows)
– Watch for bad reflections in your glasses

AUDIO:
– Look for a room with decent acoustics (Minimize echo in the room)
– Position the mic close to you (move the camera/device up close)
– If possible, order a mic you can plug in to your device

HARDWARE:
As for hardware, there are lots of options. We will update later with some simple, low-budget suggestions as well as a few ideas for those that are looking for a better long term investment.

COPYRIGHT:
Be mindful of copyright laws when using music, videos and images. This applies to your on-site services, classes, live streams, recordings and anything you produce such as flyers, bulletins, postcards, etc.

• LIVE PERFORMED MUSIC
  If you are performing music in your service, you likely need a Copyright License from CCLI. The only reason you wouldn’t need this is if the music you are performing is in the public domain. Many songs in hymnals are public domain, but not all. If you are streaming or recording music to broadcast online or distribute via DVD or other methods, then you will need an additional license from CCLI (Streaming License) that is NOT covered by your standard CCLI Copyright License.
• STOCK AUDIO / IMAGES / VIDEOS
  As for images and photos, you CANNOT use them unless you have an explicit “Stock” license or you have purchased or obtained them from a “Stock” website giving you permission. The only exceptions are if you recorded the images/videos yourself or you have permission from the person who recorded them. You must also have permission from those in the images/videos if not obtained from a “Stock” website unless these photos/videos were obtained from a public space. All of this also applies to music you choose to use in videos you produce, such as background music or intro’s, outro’s, tags, etc.

Please don’t just grab music/pictures/videos off Google, YouTube, Facebook or wherever. You are putting your church at risk of lawsuits as well as a bad image and example to the public. And no, giving credit to the owner doesn’t take the place of a Stock License or Streaming License.

Emergency Management Instructions

FaithLife – Church Service Online

FaithLife – Coronavirus Resources for Churches, Seminaries & Families

Ideas for your website:

PCBC Online