Giving at Riverview
There are a number of ways you can regularly worship through giving at Riverview. Some electronic methods will eliminate the need for envelopes and check writing, and no matter the method you choose, your information will not be shared with anyone.
How can I give?
1. You can deposit your cash or checks in the secure lockbox outside the Sanctuary when you attend the worship service.
2. Most banks offer a bill pay service that allows you to set up regular automatic payments from your account. Your bank writes and mails the check to Riverview whenever you want to schedule the payment. There is usually no fee for you or Riverview for this service. Contact your bank for more information.
3. You can set up electronic direct withdrawal from your bank account to Riverview on whatever schedule you prefer (one time or ongoing) through our convenient online giving option. Riverview pays the fee for this service, and it costs less than using the credit/debit card or text options below. Click on the Give Online button below to set up your donation.
4. You can give by credit/debit card to Riverview on whatever schedule you prefer (one time or ongoing) through our convenient online giving option. Riverview pays the fee for this service, but you receive giving credit for the full amount. Click on the Give Online button below to set up your donation.
5. You can give by text through your smartphone. Riverview also pays the fee for this service, and you receive giving credit for the full amount. Call the number 651.362.1571 and follow the prompts to set up your donation.
Thank you for supporting the many ministries and missions outreach of Riverview through your regular contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online giving secure?
Yes. Riverview’s online giving system is through Vanco Payment Solutions. Your information is completely secure and will not be shared with anyone. Vanco Payment Solutions is a PCI Level 1 Compliant Service Provider.
Can I give to Riverview’s mission endeavors online?
Yes. Donors have the option of contributing to one of Riverview’s three funds: Current Expenses Fund, Missions Fund, and Building Fund. Simply select the fund to which you would like to donate when entering your payment and personal information through the online giving platform.
Do I have to visit the website each time I want to give?
No. You can set up an account through Riverview’s online giving platform that will draw from your account automatically on a regular basis that you determine. Your donation will be drawn from your accounts on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, yearly etc., based on your preference). Through your account you can also make a one-time donation, change your donation plan, or view your online donation history.
Does the Bible address electronic giving?
While the Bible does not address electronic giving specifically, it does have much to say regarding giving in general. One of the main themes in scripture regarding giving is that it is not so much the gift that is significant, but the heart of the giver (see, for example: Deuteronomy 16.17, Proverbs 3.9, Matthew 6.1-4, 21, Mark 12.41-44, Luke 6.38, 11.42, 18.9-14, 1 Corinthians 13.3, and 2 Corinthians 9.7). All giving, regardless of the method used to transfer funds from the individual to the church, must conform to biblical principles.
Should Christians give electronically if it incurs debt?
The Bible has much to say about debt. For instance, while the Bible does not forbid debt, it does encourage Christians to be wise and avoid debt as much as possible (Proverbs 22.7, 27), and to pay what is owed to whom it is owed (Romans 13.7). To this end, it may be unwise and potentially sinful for some to use electronic giving as a means of contributing financially to the church as it may incur debt. We encourage you to consider biblical principles as you consider making an online gift or setting up an automatic donation plan.
Does electronic giving diminish the donor’s ability to give prayerfully and thoughtfully?
No. There is no evidence that suggests that one cannot give through electronic means in a prayerful and thoughtful manner. We affirm that all who would give a financial gift to the church (electronically or otherwise) should do so thoughtfully, prayerfully, and joyfully (2 Corinthians 9.7) in obedience to scripture.
Does the church pay a fee for electronic giving? If so, should the church be giving up part of its gifts for such a fee?
Riverview incurs a small percentage fee for each gift given electronically. This means that the church will not receive an electronic donation in its entirety, nor will the giver be able to give his or her full desired amount directly to the church. Donors should be aware that ACH incurs a small percentage fee. With this reality in view, donors are left with three options: 1) donate physically, instead of electronically, in which case the church will receive the full amount of the gift; 2) give an additional 3-5% over and above the intended gift, covering the cost of the electronic giving fee incurred by Riverview, or 3) give the desired amount with the knowledge that a small percentage of the gift will be used to cover the electronic giving fee. We trust that people will use biblical principles and wisdom when weighing these realities if and when they choose to give electronically.