Introduction
It is intended that these Benevolence Guidelines and Procedures be used as an active reference as the Diaconate and staff deliberate on a benevolence case. While it is understood that some cases will challenge the extent of the intentions covered in these Guidelines and Procedures, it is expected that, in most cases, they shall govern. Staff are authorized to use their best judgment when evaluating issues not explicitly covered, and will consult with the Diaconate to arrive at a God-honouring decision.
Changes or additions to the Guidelines and Procedures may be made by the Diaconate.
Benevolence funds from the Disciples Church Springfield Deacons Account are intended solely to alleviate need.
Overview
Benevolence is the main emphasis of our diaconal ministry. Its function is to help those in need as our Lord commands (Matthew 25: 34 – 36). All Deacons are actively involved with meeting material needs of people at Disciples Church Springfield. A Deacon’s witness to the saving work of Jesus Christ should always accompany assistance.
Other factors include the person’s commitment to Christ and to Disciples Church Springfield, the availability of other sources such as family, social agencies (eg: Centrelink) and the nature of the problem. For instance, is the need a result of an extravagant lifestyle or is it in keeping with Biblical teachings? These will help us decide how to make the most effective use of our resources, and how to determine the best means of providing assistance. When aid is given, accountability of the person being helped is important. Follow-up is also a necessary part of assistance to insure that growth continues, and to express our continuing compassionate interest in one of God’s creatures.
Benevolence Guidelines
1. Alternate Sources Of Funds – In general, the Diaconate will not consider requests for aid when other sources can meet the need, such as government programs or family assistance.
2. Approval Limits – A pastor, together with a Missional Community Group Leader and the Church Administrator may approve up to the following amounts for other than Long Term Benevolence (LTB) cases:
3. Form Of Assistance – while a cash payment is possible, it is not preferable. Instead, our first choice is to pay the provider of a service on behalf of the person requiring assistance.
4. Confidentiality – All benevolence work should be conducted in the strictest confidence. Papers should not be left for others to see. Spouses of staff and MCG leaders should be reminded of our desire for confidentiality.
5. Denial Of Aid – The Church will not help those who are able to help themselves but are unwilling to do so, or where the need or the person’s lifestyle is contrary to Biblical standards.
6. Disclosure Statement – Each person requesting LTB assistance will be required to complete a Benevolence Assessment Form which includes the information specified in this section:
7. Financial Counseling – People receiving assistance may be required to accept financial counseling hopefully provided by a qualified Disciples Church member.
8. Loans – When the Deacons administer the Lord’s money to a needy person, it is given as a gift, not a loan. If the recipient wants to repay any money then that is their decision and they are encouraged to give into the church funds via the usual methods for tithes and offerings.
Benevolence Procedures
1. Initiation Of A Benevolence Case – Typically a benevolence case will be initiated through a staff member, Missional Community Group Leader or Deacon. There should be close consultation between the person’s Missional Community Group Leader, appropriate staff (usually the Administrator and maybe a Pastor) and one of the Deacons. The MCG Leader will be the “point-person” to oversee the ongoing need and circumstances of the person. Where a person is a non-attender this responsibility will go to a Deacon.
2. Long Term Benevolence – Any assistance required beyond the limits outlined in Section 2 of the Guidelines will need to be approved by the Diaconate. This will require a presentation to the Diaconate of all the relevant information, to be followed by a decision of the Diaconate as to whether the assistance will be given.
3. Disbursement Of Funds – Funds will be disbursed by the Administrator after all procedures have been followed and documentation submitted.
4. Urgent Situations – if a case exceeds the limits outlined in Guidelines Section 2 and the need is urgent then a meeting of Deacons can be called to determine if assistance can be granted. Prior to a working Diaconate being established, a flying minute approved by the Elders can give approval for the assistance to be given.
It is intended that these Benevolence Guidelines and Procedures be used as an active reference as the Diaconate and staff deliberate on a benevolence case. While it is understood that some cases will challenge the extent of the intentions covered in these Guidelines and Procedures, it is expected that, in most cases, they shall govern. Staff are authorized to use their best judgment when evaluating issues not explicitly covered, and will consult with the Diaconate to arrive at a God-honouring decision.
Changes or additions to the Guidelines and Procedures may be made by the Diaconate.
Benevolence funds from the Disciples Church Springfield Deacons Account are intended solely to alleviate need.
Overview
Benevolence is the main emphasis of our diaconal ministry. Its function is to help those in need as our Lord commands (Matthew 25: 34 – 36). All Deacons are actively involved with meeting material needs of people at Disciples Church Springfield. A Deacon’s witness to the saving work of Jesus Christ should always accompany assistance.
Other factors include the person’s commitment to Christ and to Disciples Church Springfield, the availability of other sources such as family, social agencies (eg: Centrelink) and the nature of the problem. For instance, is the need a result of an extravagant lifestyle or is it in keeping with Biblical teachings? These will help us decide how to make the most effective use of our resources, and how to determine the best means of providing assistance. When aid is given, accountability of the person being helped is important. Follow-up is also a necessary part of assistance to insure that growth continues, and to express our continuing compassionate interest in one of God’s creatures.
Benevolence Guidelines
1. Alternate Sources Of Funds – In general, the Diaconate will not consider requests for aid when other sources can meet the need, such as government programs or family assistance.
2. Approval Limits – A pastor, together with a Missional Community Group Leader and the Church Administrator may approve up to the following amounts for other than Long Term Benevolence (LTB) cases:
- DC Member/Attender - $500
- Non-attenders - $250
3. Form Of Assistance – while a cash payment is possible, it is not preferable. Instead, our first choice is to pay the provider of a service on behalf of the person requiring assistance.
4. Confidentiality – All benevolence work should be conducted in the strictest confidence. Papers should not be left for others to see. Spouses of staff and MCG leaders should be reminded of our desire for confidentiality.
5. Denial Of Aid – The Church will not help those who are able to help themselves but are unwilling to do so, or where the need or the person’s lifestyle is contrary to Biblical standards.
6. Disclosure Statement – Each person requesting LTB assistance will be required to complete a Benevolence Assessment Form which includes the information specified in this section:
- Financial Disclosure – Recipients of LTB are required to fully disclose all financial and other information, including a budget. The form will include a section for narrative statements covering non-financial background information that might be helpful in assessing their situation.
- Modest Living – Some people who contribute to the Church via their tithes and offerings have a standard of living well below average. It is therefore a requirement that people receiving LTB assistance live modestly. This means modest housing, automotive, clothing and recreation costs.
7. Financial Counseling – People receiving assistance may be required to accept financial counseling hopefully provided by a qualified Disciples Church member.
8. Loans – When the Deacons administer the Lord’s money to a needy person, it is given as a gift, not a loan. If the recipient wants to repay any money then that is their decision and they are encouraged to give into the church funds via the usual methods for tithes and offerings.
Benevolence Procedures
1. Initiation Of A Benevolence Case – Typically a benevolence case will be initiated through a staff member, Missional Community Group Leader or Deacon. There should be close consultation between the person’s Missional Community Group Leader, appropriate staff (usually the Administrator and maybe a Pastor) and one of the Deacons. The MCG Leader will be the “point-person” to oversee the ongoing need and circumstances of the person. Where a person is a non-attender this responsibility will go to a Deacon.
2. Long Term Benevolence – Any assistance required beyond the limits outlined in Section 2 of the Guidelines will need to be approved by the Diaconate. This will require a presentation to the Diaconate of all the relevant information, to be followed by a decision of the Diaconate as to whether the assistance will be given.
3. Disbursement Of Funds – Funds will be disbursed by the Administrator after all procedures have been followed and documentation submitted.
4. Urgent Situations – if a case exceeds the limits outlined in Guidelines Section 2 and the need is urgent then a meeting of Deacons can be called to determine if assistance can be granted. Prior to a working Diaconate being established, a flying minute approved by the Elders can give approval for the assistance to be given.