Positional
Paper:
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 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.”
2)
We are not willing, at any time, to offer cash to anyone, but are willing
to pay a bill, rent, house payment, offer food vouchers, etc.
3)
All compensation to non-members is payable at $6.00 per hour in exchange
for labor at the church or other off site location as determined by the assigned
pastor or delegate.
4)
We are willing to offer help to any member of the church, without the
need for labor compensation to those who faithfully tithe or provide a regular
offering to the overall support of church ministries.
5)
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.
6)
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 church we will
therefore be forced to refrain from financial assistance in any situation beyond
initial immediate care.
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
principle here stated indicates that the tithe 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.
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