The Elders have ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Benevolence fund, and can make decisions to disburse funds from the Benevolence fund—subject to these guidelines—without seeking approval from the Benevolence Ministries. However, the Elders shall communicate their decisions when spending benevolent funds with the Ministries of Benevolent so that everyone is aware of who is being helped and how much money is being spent. This will prevent
duplication of efforts and maintain unity. If there are no Elders the Ministries of Benevolence shall assume the responsibility for disbursement of funds.
The benevolence fund is intended as a source of last resort, to be used when the family or individual requesting assistance has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, or investments. It is intended to be a temporary help during a time of crisis.
Assistance from the benevolence fund is intended to be a one-time gift per year. In unusual circumstances, the Benevolence Ministries or Elders may decide to help an individual or family more than one time a year. However, under no circumstance is a gift from the benevolence fund to be considered a loan. 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.
Those requesting assistance must also be willing to receive financial, family, or emotional counseling. The Benevolence Ministries will not provide help to anyone who, in their estimation, will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by financial help.
Those requesting help must be willing to give the benevolence Ministries permission to follow up on any of the information provided to the Ministries. The Ministries will be sensitive to confidential issues.
Brother John Felix - Director.
Diane Avenue Church of Christ
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16