If you’ve ever sat in a church meeting and heard someone say, “We’re too small for digital giving”, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern, especially among smaller congregations where every penny counts and the idea of new technology can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: digital giving isn’t just for large, well-resourced churches. In fact, it might be the very thing that helps smaller churches thrive in today’s changing world.
Myth 1: Digital giving is only for big churches with big budgets
The idea that contactless donation systems are expensive or only suited for large congregations is outdated. In reality, the costs have dropped significantly. With affordable hardware and simple software subscriptions, churches of any size can set up digital giving without breaking the bank.
Payaz offers a wide range of solutions to fit any situation, starting from a one of cost of £135.
Take this into account: the average contactless donation in the UK is 2–3 times higher than a cash donation (UK Finance, 2023). That means even a small congregation can see a noticeable uplift in giving by introducing a contactless option.
Myth 2: Our congregation doesn’t use cards or phones to pay
It’s easy to assume that people prefer cash, but the numbers tell a different story. According to UK Finance, just 12% of all payments in the UK in 2022 were made in cash, compared to over 50% a decade earlier. Meanwhile, contactless transactions accounted for 38% of all payments (UK Finance, 2023).
Even in smaller, rural communities, members are far more likely to carry a card or smartphone than a pocket full of coins. By not offering digital giving, churches could unintentionally put up a barrier for people who want to give but simply don’t have cash on them.
Myth 3: We won’t raise enough to make it worthwhile
Some churches worry that because their congregation is small, they won’t process enough donations to justify the setup. But digital giving isn’t just about replacing cash—it’s about removing friction. A single tap takes seconds, and people are more likely to give spontaneously when the process is easy.
Smaller churches often find that digital giving doesn’t just match what the collection plate brings in—it increases it. That’s because members can give at times other than Sunday morning: during weddings, funerals, community events, or simply while visiting the church midweek.
Myth 4: It’s too complicated for us to manage
The thought of new technology can be intimidating, but digital giving has come a long way. Payaz hardware and software are designed to be user-friendly, with step-by-step guidance for setup and ongoing support. For churches already stretched thin on volunteers, it can actually save time compared to counting, banking, and reconciling cash.
And for those worried about paperwork, platforms like Payaz can collect Gift Aid information, helping churches reclaim an extra 25p for every £1 donated.
The reality: Digital giving is for every church
Whether your congregation has 30 people or 3,000, digital giving can make a meaningful difference. It’s not about replacing traditional practices like the offering plate, but about ensuring that everyone who wants to give has the opportunity to do so.
At Payaz, we’ve seen churches of all sizes, urban and rural, large cathedrals and small parish chapels, embrace contactless giving and benefit from it. The most successful churches aren’t the biggest ones, but the ones that remove barriers and make giving simple.
Ready to explore how digital giving could work for your church?
Drop us an email at support@payaz.com and let one of our team members chat with you about how you could get started with contactless giving in your church.