Benevolence

Benevolence Policy

‘For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me’…And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:35,36,40

For even when we were with you we commanded you this: If anyone will not work neither shall he eat.  2Thesalonians 3:10

Introduction:

Jesus encourages us to bring healing, help and hope to the poor. To fulfill this command we have set forth the following benevolence policy. We can see by other scripture that the purpose of our helping those with physical needs is not to make them dependent on us. That would be contrary to God’s will for them. Our purpose is to help those that need a temporary helping hand, not those that want a continual handout. It is better to teach someone how to fish, then to simply give him or her the fish. In this spirit, we will seek to provide tools for financial discipleship when possible.

Guidelines:

1. The benevolence request will be made on appropriate form to the Director of Benevolence. Any requests made on the behalf of another individual will require the Director of Benevolence to contact the individual in need.
2. When an initial request for help is made to the Director of Benevolence the following resources can be distributed: groceries, toiletries, grocery gift card, gas gift card and fast food gift certificate. Cash will never be distributed to the individual. For monetary resources the check is to be made out to the vendor in question (i.e. car repairmen, utility company, mortgage company, landlord, etc.)
3. A request form must be filled out and filed for documentation purposes.
4. Help will not be provided a second time unless the following requirements are met:
   1. The individual must submit to any financial stewardship counseling requested by the Director of Benevolence. This must be in action not merely an intention.
   2. The individual must be attempting to apply the principles of their counseling to the satisfaction of their counselor.
   3. The individual must frequently attend Tree of Life Open Bible, at least one service a week, if possible. There may be cases where someone is physically incapacitated and unable to attend service, but if they are able to attend they are expected to do so.
5. During the financial counseling process the individuals involved must seek opportunities to improve their situation including: looking for jobs if able to work, looking for better paying jobs, seeking second jobs if necessary, decreasing unnecessary spending, etc.
6. All resources provided are a gift and not a loan. If the individual feels led to repay, they may do so at their own discretion.
7. If the church is able to provide financial counseling in-house, there will be no charge for financial counseling provided.
8. The benevolence committee with the approval of the pastor and elder board can revise this policy.