Biblical Guidelines
- Our first priority for benevolence assistance are members of Crestmont Baptist Church who are in good standing.
Galatians 6:10 – Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Acts 2:44-45 – And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
- As a church, our first priority is the spiritual needs of people. We have not been called by God to freely hand out money to anyone and everyone, especially those who show no interests in following Jesus or in seeking to improve their own circumstances.
Ephesians 4:28- 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.
Acts 3:6 – But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!
- Before a person seeks financial assistance from the church, they must have exhausted all attempts to gain assistance from family members.
1 Timothy 3:3-8; Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever… 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 truly widows.
- The church seeks to assist the least of these who are in honest need of help while discerningly filtering out those whose motives are impure. Our compassion must coincide with wisdom.
Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
1 Kings 3:9 – So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil.
- If we err, we shall err on the side of love and compassion.
Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
James 2:16 – If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
- Every decision to provide assistance must be determined through prayer. We will wait on the Lord and not be pressured.
Phil 4:6 –Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Guidelines for Benevolence Assistance
- Each person seeking assistance must seek it on their own behalf and must complete the benevolence application process before any assistance will be administered.
- Benevolence assistance will only be provided for food, clothing, medical and shelter related expenses.
- No assistance or counseling will be available during normal church activities such as during worship or Bible study. Anyone seeking assistance is more than welcome to join us in worship and then start the application process following the service.
- Church members may request assistance for the sake of other church members or people that God brings into their path.
- No cash will be provided. Payments made too organizations will come directly from the church to that organization.
- A driver’s license number or valid photo ID is required for assistance. The church reserves the right to do necessary background check if deemed necessary.
- Benevolence assistance that exceeds $100 must be approved by the pastor, finance committee, and treasurer. A decision will be made within 72 hours of a completed application.
- No assistance will be provided to those who are belligerent, demanding or manipulative.
- The church will work in cooperation with other churches and organizations, such as Harvest House, to meet assistance needs.
- Each person receiving financial assistance will receive prayer and an opportunity to be presented with the gospel.
- Private information and distribution of funds will be kept confidential.
- The church’s ability to meet benevolence needs is based on the amount of available funds. Not all requests can be met in full but may be partially met as determined by the pastor and stewardship team.
Click here to view and print an application
Click here to complete the online application