Positional Paper: Benevolence Funds
As a fellowship of believers in service before the Lord we at Candlelight
Christian Fellowship believe it is our responsibility to provide benevolent
assistance to those in need; “especially those of the household of faith. As
stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we have adopted the following policy.
1)
We desire to, as best able, serve all persons in need, without question. We are
therefore willing to help all who ask. Our expression of this desire is best
summed up in the statement,
“We would rather serve the undeserving 99
times rather than turn Jesus away once.” However, we reserve the right
to decline assistance if the true nature of the circumstance, i.e., need, cannot
be validated or any form of deceit is detected in the application process. We
are under no obligation to meet or assist with the need.
2)
We are not willing, at any time, to offer cash to anyone, but are willing to pay
a bill of necessity such as rent, house payment, utilities or offer food
vouchers, etc., if our budget at the
time of the request is able to accommodate the need. If our budget is not able
to meet the entire need we will attempt to help with what we can. Credit card
bills, merchant card bills and the like do not qualify for assistance.
3)
All persons requesting benevolence assistance and are not members of CCF must
first fill out the following documents to help the staff at Candlelight
Christian Fellowship assess the need.
a.
Request for Assistance Form. This
form will include:
i.
Name, address, and phone numbers
ii.
A two year job history.
iii.
A brief description of the financial need
iv.
The reason this need has occurred.
v.
Two references
b.
A “Hold Harmless” liability form
c.
A “Non-employment” document, stating that the person acknowledges he or
she is receiving assistance in exchange for labor and that in no way is the
exchanged labor to be considered a job or employment and that there will be no
exchange of cash.
4)
All persons requesting benevolence assistance and are not members of CCF must be
willing to seek Biblical financial counseling from CCF or another recognized
ministry. Verification of at least one financial counseling session will be
required prior to any future assistance.
5)
We are committed to the well being and maturing of every person in our sphere of
influence and are therefore willing to assist in the growth of those served by
aiding in financial counsel and instruction. However, if any person, regardless
of membership or giving status, is unwilling to receive counsel and apply the
Biblical principles of financial management, as a ambassadors of Christ we feel
obligated to refrain from financial assistance in any situation beyond initial
immediate care.
6) All compensation to non-members in exchange for labor at the church or
other off site location as determined by a CCF staff member will be equivalent
to $7.00 per hour and paid directly to the predetermined bill or creditor and
not in cash.
7) We are willing to offer help to any member of the church, without the need
for labor compensation or the documentation requirements listed herein to those
who faithfully tithe or provide a regular offering to the overall support of
church ministries.
8) We are willing to consider the needs of any member who regularly attends
church services but has not financially supported the overall ministries of the
church. However, we are under no obligation to meet or assist with the need.
The Bible declares, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10) The Old Testament principle here stated indicates that the tithe or offerings may be used, in store, for those who are willing to regularly support the ministry. Therefore we are committed to set aside funds, as God has prospered, to assist those who contribute as well as those in the community who are in need.
Those
members of the church who receive financial assistance should be willing to
financially support the church. Those receiving financial assistance who do not
financially support should prayerfully consider beginning a regular support for
the church. If there is a continuation of failure to support the church, the
board of directors will be called upon for counsel before any more than a
one-time financial assistance effort is enacted.
Those
members of the church who receive financial assistance shall not receive
financial help exceeding their year to date giving. Should a request come early
in the year, or if there is a pattern of non-support, no financial assistance
shall be given that exceeds the YTD giving without a review of the situation by
the board of directors available at that time.
As stated in our church membership agreement:
As a member of Candlelight Christian Fellowship, “Participation includes but is
not limited to, lifestyle befitting a Christian, a willingness to regularly
attend and support the gatherings of the fellowship, a commitment to financially
support the fellowship, and the desire to maintain accountability with the
church in life and conduct. Being a “member” will not bind or otherwise restrict
you, obligate you, or enforce upon you anything not already embraced by being a
member of body of Christ.”
May the Lord bless you in all you do and may He establish you in your way as you
faithfully bless His name.
Pastor Paul