Elmcrest Baptist Church

Benevolence Fund Policy and Guidelines

Purpose of this Document

1. Establish and outline an objective, unbiased process for the evaluation of requests for assistance from the Benevolence Fund. 2. Provide written eligibility requirements and criteria for receiving assistance from the Benevolence Fund. 3. Describe the request, approval, and disbursement process.

Biblical Basis
As with all things at Elmcrest Baptist Church, we seek to be guided and directed by Biblical principles. The following Scriptures, though not comprehensive, help define and guide our Benevolence Fund Policy.

1. But if anyone has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does Gods love abide in him? (Acts 2:44-45) 2. But if anyone has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does Gods love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:17-18) 3. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10) 4. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble (Philippians 4:10-14) 5. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2 Thess. 3:10-12) 6. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (Ephesians 4:28) 7. If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows. (1 Timothy 5:16)

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8. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27) 9. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

How its funded

The benevolence fund will receive income from two sources: 1. Through the receipt of special contributions by individuals and/or families who wish to make a donation to the Fund. (Members of the church are not encouraged to contribute to the Benevolence Fund in lieu of regular giving to the General Fund but over and above as they are led.); and 2. Budget line item to insure that there is always a small amount of resources available on a month to month basis. This is not intended to be the majority of the resources for this ministry ; and 3. Through the allocation or transfer of funds from the General Fund in extreme cases deemed appropriate and approved by the deacons and majority of the church body.1 In order to comply with IRS regulations concerning charitable contributions, all gifts to the Benevolence Fund must be unconditional and without personal benefit to the donor. Contributions to the Benevolence Fund may not be earmarked or otherwise designated for particular purposes or recipients. Donors making contributions to the Benevolence Fund subject to these conditions may be able to deduct their contributions if they itemize deductions on the federal income tax return. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor concerning the appropriate way to treat contributions to the Benevolence Fund. Members desiring to assist with specific needs to which they are made aware are encouraged to minister directly with those members. However, gifts made directly by a member to a needy individual or family are not tax-deductible under IRS regulations.

Recipients of Assistance
In order of priority, recipients of assistance from the Benevolence Fund shall be: 1. Members in good standing of Elmcrest Baptist Church. 2. Regular attendees of Elmcrest Baptist Church. 3. Members of the community who are true believers in Jesus Christ. As it is wise to do so, Elmcrest Baptist Church desires to help those who are in genuine, temporary need. This is determined on a case by case basis. Generally, cash gifts are given to
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Subject to revision

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those not attending our congregation. Assistance will not be given to those unwilling to work (1 Thessalonians 3:10) or those with a demanding, unteachable, or uncooperative spirit. A NOTE HEREJason I truly believe we need to have projects that are not over bearing but challenging laid out for people to do under supervision. The list can be done with the B&G Committee. There is a sense that we are not insured with Workers Compensation, liability and on and on..and this prevents us from working a NON EMPLOYEE. I have not chased this down I do understand the concern but I think it is misplaced. We can and should have them sign a release formknowing if they get hurt it is worth almost the value of the paper. If they want to go to court they can go. This will have to be a discussion with our insurance company and if I need to get others that have contact with in the professional community I can do that as well.

When Assistance is given

The purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to minister to individuals or families during a time of hardship or crisis by temporarily assisting them with their basic needs. Elmcrest Baptist Church has the ability to verify the frequency of assistance given to individuals by assessing the 211 databases. I would recommend that prior to any assistance being give to a community member this resource is reviewed. Should we find a prevalent usage of the Benevolence Society then, unless we are absolutely convinced of the need that we not continue to assist them in their habit? I believe that this would be a proper juncture to REQUIRE counseling on financial and lifestyle matters before additional assistance is considered in any form. Depending on circumstances, financial counseling and education may be offered to help avoid financial hardships or crises in the future. Individuals or families may also be forwarded to another community organization that might better meet their needs. In all cases, prayer and biblical encouragement should be offered. IRS regulations state that as a non-profit organization, we can only offer help to individuals or families for food, clothing, medical help, and shelter (including essential utilitiesWe need to define essential utilities I have helped with cell phone bills before, but unless the people have a medical need where contact with 911 is ABSOULUTE then I do not see Cell Phone as essential (even in these days)). Any needs that do not fall into these categories are unable to be met by Elmcrest Baptist Church. Generally, any bill that is more than 60 days late will not be considered for assistance. For those not attending Elmcrest Baptist Church, food assistance is available through the Helping Hands ministry once a month. Records are kept on those receiving help of any kind.

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How Assistance is given

The benevolence fund is to be used as a last resort after the individual or family has exhausted all other possible means of assistance (family, savings, investments, etc.). Financial assistance given from the Benevolence Fund may not 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 at a later time, this individual should be encouraged to give directly to the general fund of the church. Unless circumstances do not allow it, all disbursements from the Benevolence Fund shall be made directly to the party or entity to which payment is due. No cash or check should be given directly to the individual or family requesting assistance. Those seeking assistance should: 1. Obtain and submit an Application for Assistance along will any needed supporting documentation. 2. Complete an interview to discuss application Applications will be processed and assistance given as time and finances allow.

Any extenuating circumstance should be cleared through the Benevolence Committee or the Deacon Body. We need to establish a Benevolence Committeehowever, I am becoming more and more opposed to the word Committee except for a few key groups in the church. I think we should choose another word for the group. Committee implies that it is permanent and it has to follow ALL the Committee guidelines, which cause a lot of heartache and problems. IF we called them Ministry Teamsof ????? then anyone who had a heart to minister in that arena could join and STAY--- FOREVER if they choose. How great would that be to find a ministry and devote the rest of your life to it in a real meaningful way?? Please reconsider listing the Deacon Body. We are moving in a good way to get the Deacon Body away from being in control. I would not want to regress if we can help it.

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