Summit Church, a thriving congregation located in Springfield, Virginia, has witnessed impressive growth since its founding in the late 1990s. Recently, Aaron Thompson, CFO of Summit Church, shared his experience with Overflow and how the platform has revolutionized their giving process, improving both donor engagement and operational efficiency. From the introduction of innovative tap technology to seamless integration with Planning Center, Overflow has helped Summit Church reach new levels of success.

The Challenges Before Overflow

Like many churches, Summit struggled with outdated, cumbersome systems that were far from user-friendly. “We had two different platforms and logins,” Aaron explained. “If you set up a recurring gift under one system, it wouldn’t sync with the other.” This disjointed setup made managing donations difficult and caused frustration for both donors and the administrative team. Additionally, the previous system was not mobile-friendly, a key feature that modern congregants expect.

The need for a change was clear, and Summit Church began exploring other options that could streamline the donation process and provide a more integrated, seamless experience.

Choosing Overflow: The Solution That Stood Out

When Summit Church decided to evaluate giving platforms, Overflow quickly emerged as a standout. One of the reasons Aaron and his team were drawn to Overflow was its tech-forward approach, which was more modern and adaptable than other platforms. Aaron also emphasized how Overflow’s mission aligned with the church’s values. “Overflow was created for the church, by the church,” he said. “It’s a platform designed to serve the needs of the local congregation.”

Aaron and the church’s senior pastor, Pastor Eddie, both separately discovered Overflow and were eager to introduce it to the congregation. “We were trying to convince each other that we should look deeper into Overflow,” Aaron recalled. It was clear to both leaders that Overflow’s innovative features, including the ability to accept non-cash donations like stocks and cryptocurrency, were exactly what they needed to modernize their giving platform.

“It’s a platform designed to serve the needs of the local congregation.”‍

Aaron Thompson – CFO of Summit Church

Seamless Integration and Overflow Tap: Enhancing the Giving Experience

One of the most exciting features that Summit Church implemented with Overflow was the use of Overflow’s Tap technology. Overflow Tap allows church members to donate by simply tapping their phones on designated plates placed throughout the church. “The tap plates generated an incredible amount of excitement,” Aaron shared. “It wasn’t just a new thing; it was a modern feature that added a ‘wow factor’ to the giving experience.”

The tap plates were placed in the sanctuary, youth area, and even in the church’s transport vans, making it easier for attendees to give from wherever they were. “Our congregation was amazed by the simplicity and ease of the tap plates,” Aaron said. This feature not only made the donation process more accessible but also created a private, worshipful moment for givers that had been lacking with previous systems.

Summit Church’s full implementation of Overflow, including cash, non-cash, and tap giving, was done in one launch, which Aaron believes made the transition smoother. “We didn’t stagger the launch; we did it all at once, and it was incredibly well-received.”

“The tap plates generated an incredible amount of excitement. It wasn’t just a new thing; it was a modern feature that added a ‘wow factor’ to the giving experience.”

Aaron Thompson – CFO of Summit Church

Boosting Engagement and Donations

Since transitioning to Overflow, Summit Church has seen a notable increase in donations. "We’ve seen about a 20% increase in giving over the summer," Aaron noted. This was particularly impressive because summer is typically a slow period for giving, with many congregants traveling. The ease and convenience of Overflow encouraged both new and existing donors to reassess their contributions, resulting in an uptick in engagement.

Aaron explained that Overflow was more than just a giving platform. “It became the catalyst for conversations about giving,” he said. Pastor Eddie even used the launch of Overflow to teach a sermon series on the heart of giving, which further inspired the congregation. “There were people doubling their giving, reassessing their contributions, and Overflow made it easier for them to take that step.”

Integration with Planning Center and Other Tools

Overflow’s integration with Planning Center, a church management tool, was another key benefit for Summit Church. “The integration helps us keep all our data up to date,” Aaron said. This seamless connection between Overflow and Planning Center ensured that donations and records were synced across platforms, making it easier to track giving and manage donor information.

Additionally, Aaron was impressed with Overflow’s ongoing development and customer support. “There’s a constant drive to improve,” he said. Unlike their previous system, which felt outdated and lacked regular updates, Overflow continuously adds new features. Aaron also praised the support team, noting how responsive and helpful they were throughout the launch and migration process. “I was surprised by the level of support during the launch. They even offered to send someone on-site to help us.”

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Forward

Although the transition to Overflow was largely successful, Aaron did mention a few challenges, particularly around payment processing. “Reconciling payments took some getting used to,” he explained. Unlike their previous system, where all payments were processed under one batch, Overflow processed different types of payments (e.g., ACH, card, Google Pay, Apple Pay) separately. However, Aaron and his team were able to adjust, and the benefits of Overflow far outweighed these initial hurdles.

Looking ahead, Aaron is excited about continuing to grow with Overflow. “We’re excited to see where Overflow is going,” he said. With plans to further expand their use of the platform, including more robust reporting features and additional tools for donor engagement, Summit Church is confident that Overflow will continue to meet their needs as they evolve.

The Impact of Partnership: A New Era for Summit Church

Summit Church’s journey with Overflow is a prime example of how innovative technology can enhance both the giving experience and operational efficiency for churches. By adopting a platform that aligns with their values and modernizes their approach, Summit Church has not only increased donations but also deepened their congregation’s engagement with giving.

As Aaron put it, “It’s not just about what’s best for the church as an organization; it’s about what’s best for the church as a community.” Overflow has helped Summit Church strike that balance, providing a giving platform that is both effective and meaningful.

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