First Baptist Church Benevolence fund

Policy and guidelines

BIBLICAL BASIS 

The policies and guidelines set forth in this Benevolence Fund Policy shall be guided and directed by the following biblical principles: 

1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 

SOURCE OF FUNDING 

The Benevolence program is funded through the church’s annual budgeting process and administered from the Local Missions budget line item.

CONFIDENTIALITY 

All those involved in any decisions involving benevolence are to be apprised of the need for extreme confidentiality regarding personal issues of requestors, and all matters should remain within the confines of church leadership. The information may be divulged to appropriate individuals outside of the office such as the pastor, or minister to students. 

RECIPIENTS OF ASSISTANCE 

In order of priority, as funding allows recipients of assistance from the Benevolence Fund shall be: 

  • Members of First Baptist Church 

  • Regular attendees of First Baptist Church 

  • Regular attendees of another church of like faith.

  • Members of the local community 


INTENDED PURPOSE AND LIMITS OF ASSISTANCE 

The stated purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to minister to individuals or families during a time of hardship or crisis by assisting them with their basic needs, such as necessary utilities and food from our Blessing Box. 

A Benevolence Request Form (attached) should be completed and submitted by the requestor. If financial assistance is requested, copies of bills must be submitted and must be in the individual’s name requesting the assistance. Monies are payable to the vendor, never the requestor. 

Needs that may NOT be met by the Benevolence Fund include: 

  • Funeral or cremation expenses. 

  • Telephone or internet. 

  • Paying off credit cards. 

  • No persons wanted or in violation of the law will receive assistance.

  • Legal fees arising from criminal behavior. 

  • Housing for unmarried couples. 

  • Childcare.

  • Subsidizing of addictions 

  • Gambling debts. 

  • Penalties relating to late payments or irresponsible actions. 

  • School assistance or business investments. 

  • Additionally, anyone who treats staff coarsely, will automatically have their request denied.

Needs that can be assisted with:

  • The final $40 of any necessary utility as funds are available.

  • A blessing box is provided on campus for food needs.

  • The church contributes to local missions and ministries to assist in any other way. Please see Tender Mercies, Salvation Army, Amy’s House and Union Mission.

Benevolence assistance is intended to be a temporary help during a time of crisis, a source of last resort when the requestor has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, or investments. Benevolence gifts are intended to assist in the short term while the recipient works through the difficulty. As such, the recipient must make a good-faith effort to rectify the situation. 

Gifts from the benevolence fund are intended to be a one-time assistance. After receiving help one time, all further requests for assistance will be referred to the leadership of the church before assistance can be provided. Return requestors should expect to be declined.

In unusual circumstances, particularly involving members of First Baptist Church, the church may decide to help more than once, but generally the requestor should expect that any additional request will not be considered for at least 12 months, and even then, seldom will be approved without new extenuating circumstances. 

Under no circumstance is a gift from the benevolence fund to be considered a loan. No gift may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money, or in labor. If the recipient desires to give to the church later, this individual is to be encouraged to give directly to the general fund of the church. 

It is possible that budget training, financial or other biblical counseling may be advised prior to any assistance. Assistance will not be provided to anyone who, in the church’s estimation, will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by receiving financial assistance. 

Those requesting assistance must be willing to give the church permission/consent to follow up on any of the information provided.