While the collection plate may not be going anywhere, some churches are now allowing their community members to do their giving via credit card payments online. That capability is sure to spread in the years to come, partly due to a new agreement between Shelby Systems, a Memphis-area software provider to large church organizations, and San Antionio-based Payment Data Systems, a payments processor.

Shelby Systems specializes in software for large faith-based organizations, mostly those of more than 1,000 people. Shelby says it works with over 8,500 such organizations worldwide. Partnering with Payment Data Systems, the company will give its church clients the ability to set up online credit card payments for donations as well as other church activities that require a fee. Frank Canady, president of Shelby Systems, said, “Being able to make online payments has been requested by our client churches and their congregations for some time now. We are pleased to offer this convenience for payments through Payment Data Systems. We expect members will be able to maintain their patterns of giving regardless of illness, work, or vacation that may hinder regular attendance.”

Published 02/07/06 (Modified 05/07/12)