Using tap technology to simplify giving during church services

For pastors and church leaders, every moment in a service is an opportunity to help people take a next step. Whether it’s welcoming first-time guests or inviting them to give, the simpler you make it for someone to respond, the more likely they are to engage.

For years, QR codes have been a go-to for quick digital connections. But holding up your phone in church, trying to catch a tiny QR code on a distant screen? It’s not exactly a seamless experience. That’s where Tap-to-Give comes in—a simple, contactless way for your congregation to engage in just one step.

Why churches are rethinking QR codes

QR codes have served churches well for a season. They’ve been used for everything from digital bulletins to online giving links. But in live worship environments, they can create friction:

• Timing challenges: People often miss the code on a screen if your slides advance too quickly.
• Physical limitations: Not everyone can see the code from their seat, and aiming a camera at a screen mid-service isn’t intuitive.
• Static links: If the code links to an outdated page, there’s no way to change it without reprinting signage or re-uploading graphics.

For pastors and ministry leaders who value clarity and simplicity, those small barriers add up. When the goal is to invite someone into meaningful next steps like giving, signing up for an event, or filling out a guest card, you can’t afford to lose them in the process.

Tap-to-Give: Familiar, flexible, and fast

Tap-to-Give takes what people already know, like tapping a phone to pay at a coffee shop, and applies it to church engagement. Here’s why it resonates:

• Seamless experience: No cameras, no scanning. Just tap your phone and you’re instantly taken where you need to go.
  
• Higher engagement: Churches using Tap-to-Give have seen engagement increase by up to 80% compared to QR codes.

And because Tap-to-Give is built into Pushpay’s ecosystem, it connects directly to your existing giving tools—no extra logins, no complicated setup.

Why this shift matters for your ministry

When you remove barriers to engagement, you make it simpler for people to connect with your ministry. Tap-to-Give helps you:

• Reach everyone in the room: From first-time visitors to long-time members, Tap-to-Give offers a universal experience that doesn’t rely on tech-savviness.
• Simplify Sunday logistics: No more printing new QR stickers every time your call to action changes. Your team saves time and reduces costs.

For lead pastors and operations leaders alike, this shift can help churches create an environment where people can respond to God’s prompting without distraction.

Best practices for implementing Tap-to-Give in your church

Making the most of Tap-to-Give doesn’t require an overhaul of your Sunday flow. Here are some practical tips:

1. Place Tap-to-Give cards where people already are

Welcome centers, seatbacks, and high-traffic areas are perfect spots. The easier it is to reach, the more likely people will use it.

2. Give clear, simple instructions

A brief mention from stage—“Just tap your phone on the card in front of you”—is often all it takes.

3. Pair Tap-to-Give with other giving channels

Tap-to-Give works best as part of a broader engagement strategy. Combine it with Pushpay Giving, follow-up workflows, or your church app for a seamless digital experience.

Simplifying ministry, amplifying impact

Technology should serve ministry, not the other way around. When your tools are simple, your team spends less time troubleshooting and more time connecting with people. Tap-to-Give is offering a better, more intuitive way for your church to respond to what God is doing in the room.

Every interaction matters. Every barrier removed opens the door for someone to say “yes” to generosity, to community, or to Jesus Himself. With Tap-to-Give, those next steps are literally one tap away.

Ready to see Tap-to-Give in action?

Your church’s next step toward simpler digital engagement starts here. Schedule a demo with our team today and discover how Tap-to-Give can help you create more meaningful moments of connection in every service.

Answering common questions

Do we still need QR codes?

Not necessarily. Tap-to-Give can stand on its own, but some churches use both for flexibility—especially for people watching online or giving later in the week.

Is Tap-to-Give secure?

Absolutely. Tap-to-Give uses the same NFC (near-field communication) technology as contactless payments, which is trusted by banks and major retailers around the world.

Is it complicated to set up?

Not at all. Pushpay provides everything you need—Tap-to-Give cards, setup guides, and step-by-step help from our team—to make your rollout simple and successful.

How does Tap-to-Give simplify church giving?

Tap-to-Give removes friction in the moment when generosity happens. Instead of scanning a small QR code or typing a web address, donors just tap their phone and give instantly. This makes it easier for your church to capture gifts in real time and keep generosity flowing from service to service.

What are the benefits of simplifying church giving for pastors and staff?

When giving is simple, your ministry saves time and builds trust. You’ll spend fewer hours managing donations manually and more time investing in people. Simplifying church giving also makes financial reporting, year-end statements, and donor follow-up easier—creating peace of mind for pastors, treasurers, and business leaders alike.

Can Tap-to-Give support my existing online giving tools?

Yes. Tap-to-Give integrates directly with Pushpay’s Giving platform and Everygift™ technology, so every transaction is tracked automatically. It’s part of the same ecosystem that supports text, app, and online giving—all connected to your church’s budget and reports.

How can simplifying giving impact overall church finances?

When giving feels natural and effortless, people are more likely to participate consistently. That predictability helps church leaders better plan their year-end budget, manage funds responsibly, and invest in ministry growth. Many churches using Pushpay’s tools see higher recurring giving and more stable net income across the year.

Can Tap-to-Give work for special events or campaigns?

Yes. Many churches use Tap-to-Give for building campaigns, local outreach, or missions giving. You can direct gifts toward specific funds in seconds, making generosity part of every event—from Sunday worship to community drives.

How does simplifying giving help a healthy church grow?

Healthy churches make it easy for people to take next steps in faith and generosity. Simplified giving tools encourage participation, reduce barriers, and support your church planter’s or pastor’s vision for practical growth. When giving is intuitive, it strengthens engagement and fuels ministry momentum.

What if someone wants to give later or from home?

Tap-to-Give complements other giving options. People can still give through your website, mobile app, or text message anytime. The goal is to offer multiple ways to give—so every donor finds what fits their rhythm and time.

How does Pushpay help churches manage donors and giving data?

Pushpay’s donor management tools automatically track donations, generate IRS-compliant giving statements, and provide insights into donor trends. This helps your finance team manage funds effectively and maintain transparency for your congregation.

What are some simple steps for introducing Tap-to-Give in my church?

Start with these keys to success:

1. Place Tap-to-Give cards where people naturally gather—seatbacks, welcome centers, or coffee areas.
2. Give clear verbal direction during your service. A quick “just tap your phone on the card in front of you” is often all it takes.
3. Pair it with a vision moment. When generosity feels connected to your church’s mission, people respond.
4. Track engagement in Pushpay Insights to see trends and celebrate milestones.

Why should pastors focus on simplifying giving?

Because simple systems create space for spiritual growth. When people can give without confusion or delay, they’re free to focus on worship and community. Simplifying giving is one of the most practical church growth strategies—it builds trust, increases generosity, and helps pastors lead with confidence.