Passing the collection plate isn't the only means by which places of worship gather money that goes to ministries, building funds and other expenses.

They also are providing cyberspace opportunities where congregants can give electronically. And, if worshippers are a little short of cash one month or want to increase their frequent-flyer mileage for rewards, credit cards are acceptable.

Some clergy members and business administrators say congregants are familiar with making payments by debiting their checking and savings accounts. So why not allow them to give similarly to their church, mosque or temple?

"It's all part of the tech-savvy consumer's lifestyle — and we're trying to meet them on their turf rather than making it inconvenient for them," said the Rev. Steve Williams, pastor of NorthPointe Community Church in Fresno.

Whether it's by direct debit or credit card, alternative giving can ensure steady contributions to places of worship. That's important during the summer when congregants are on the go — and their attendance and giving typically drop off.

Larger congregations such as NorthPointe often use reserve monies to tide them over in summer. But smaller congregations don't always have extra cash and struggle to meet summer budgets.

"Your first summer could be a time of crisis, particularly if you're used to 100 people giving and then you're down to 60," said the Rev. Roy Pope, pastor of Oak Hills Church in Clovis, which opened in November.

Pope says Oak Hills averages 85 people on Sundays and is financially stable because of congregants' consistent giving habits. He says electronic giving is a good option, but he isn't ready yet to provide that option.

At NorthPointe, officials say direct debit and credit card alternatives are the result of people desiring them.

"People kept saying, I want to give on a regular basis, but I keep forgetting to bring my checkbook,' " said Susan Morris, the church's business administrator. "It's just a convenience to them."

And it's simple.

On the church's Web site, congregants can download an authorization form, instructing their bank to make regular electronic transfers to NorthPointe, which pays a fee for the service.

"For the little amount that it costs us and for the convenience for our people, it's worth it," Morris said.

At the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, congregants may use credit cards online.

Imam Seyed Ali Ghazvini says it's an important option for Muslims, particularly at the end of the monthlong Ramadan, when they have finished fasting and must pay a zakat, or religious tax.

Islam teaches that the head of the household must pay an amount that is equivalent to the cost of 6 pounds of the family's food staple. For example, if it is rice, which costs $1.50 per pound, the zakat offering would be $9.

Officials at mosques redistribute the collected monies to the less-fortunate.

At Fresno First Baptist Church, congregants can give electronically. The church's Web site also cautions congregants to "pay the amount as soon as possible" to avoid paying finance charges.

Pope says it is important that congregations don't encourage anyone to go into debt while giving.

"A big caution is: People make a commitment to give and they have financial problems where the giving becomes a burden," he said. "Giving comes down to the heart — and not the method. It is proven that giving tends to increase when it's given in this way."