Benefits of Using an Interactive Kiosk in Religious Settings

Offering numerous practical functions, interactive kiosks are increasingly used in a variety of commercial and non-commercial settings.

As well as being mainstays in supermarkets, stations, and cinemas, we’re increasingly seeing interactive kiosks in religious settings.

In this article, we look at the benefits of using an interactive kiosk in a religious setting.

Secure, cash-free gifting

An interactive kiosk can revolutionise gifting in a religious setting in several ways.

By donating via interactive kiosk as opposed to a cash collection or cash box, members of the congregation or visitors are not limited by what they are holding in cash at the time.

They may also feel more comfortable making a more discreet donation using the kiosk as opposed to a shared collection plate. Additionally, since the Covid-19 pandemic, cash use has been widely discouraged – an interactive kiosk will help with this.

Donating through an interactive kiosk means cash does not need to be held on the premises. This reduces the risk of thieves.

Giving via a kiosk can be anonymised at the user’s discretion. If they choose to leave a name or contact email, they could be contacted by the religious setting’s leadership team to be thanked or provided with more information around how their donation will be used.

A useful information point

Religious settings are not always staffed seven days a week.

Visitors may arrive seeking information about the building, service times, and other event details but find no one is available to answer their query.

All this information can be held on an interactive kiosk. In certain settings, for example, those of historical significance or within larger premises, multiple kiosks around the building may be useful for highlighting specific points of interests. Way-finding functionality may also be appropriate.

The opportunity to access information about the setting without having to speak to anyone directly may appeal to new members of a congregation or religious group who are perhaps shy or simply want to get the details they need on their own terms.

Data collection

Collecting data can be hugely beneficial in a religious setting.

A kiosk might be used to sign-in attendees of a service. This not only allows the management to monitor the levels of attendance (which may reflect on their outreach strategy) but by knowing who attended, appropriate follow up materials can be delivered electronically to those who opt-in.

Visitors can sign-up to mailing lists, update contact details and add preferences and requirements for services and events such as need for disability access or provision for the visually impaired.