Benevolence Fund Policy

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
1 Timothy 5:1

It is the vision of Grace Church that all funds given freely and without obligation by the membership of the Church can be considered for use to meet the needs of those within our Church, within our community, or associated with our missions ministries according to the principle stated in Galatians 6:10.

The Deacons oversee the Benevolence Fund and will be primarily responsible to receive the requests and disburse funds for specific assistance consistent with wise biblical stewardship.

It is understood that the Deacons may occasionally take the initiative to disburse funds to address some needs when no formal request has been submitted (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:16-18).

GUIDELINES

1. The recipient should meet with a Deacon to present the following:

   a. The need (basic necessities only)

   b. Documentation of the need

2. Before recommending a distribution, the Deacons should be sure that:

   a. There is a genuine need

   b. Family members have been made aware and have done what they can do to help
   (1 Timothy 5:4-8, 16).

   c. Any sin that may have led to the creation of the need is addressed biblically.

3. The Deacons may recommend financial counseling if monies that are available to meet the needs are being spent in some other way(s) (1 Timothy 6:8).

4. If a man is healthy and can do work, he is expected to work before funds will be dispersed
   (2 Thessalonians 3:8-12, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Proverbs 14:23).

5. Assistance from the Benevolence Fund is not a loan, nor should it be used as a loan.

6. This Policy shall be given to all requesting assistance from the Benevolence Fund.

It is our commitment to respond to Benevolence Fund requests as soon as possible.