Benovolence Guildlines

For Office Use

In the interest of helping others, we do have the Benevolence Ministry in place. God's people have lovingly given tithes and offerings and we view it as God's money not ours. Therefore, it is not to be given away unwisely, but with loving discernment.

Here are some important principles that are essential for you to understand. These policies are not intended to burden you but to simply be a responsible way for us to discern needs and use God's money wisely.

We may help you, and this is how we will do it.

• We will treat you with dignity and respect.

• We will never give cash.

• We do not say "yes" without prayerful evaluation that includes asking you to fill out an application and giving us permission to verify the information you have stated.

• We will help with shelter, food, utilities and transportation. We don’t pay bills we deem unnecessary (i.e.

home phone or cell phone, cable, etc.)

• We will ask for you to take primary responsibility for your needs, and then turn to your family, BEFORE

we involve church funds.

Acceptable reasons for rendering aid are:

• Destruction of family residence (serious damage to the residence to the extent that the residence is unlivable or unsafe due to water damage, smoke or fire damage etc.).

• Loss of Significant household income due to:

• Loss of Employment

• Death

• Divorce, separation

• Illness

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Read Benevolence Guidelines completely.

• Complete an application. (Note: Applications are reviewed on Wednesday.)

• Meeting, either in person or via telephone, with designated Committee Member.

• Additional contact by designated Committee Member may be required to complete the application process. Details of the application will only be discussed with the parties directly

WE DESIRE THAT YOU NOT CONTINUE IN A BAD FINANCIAL SITUATION. THEREFORE, WE WANT YOU TO KNOW:

• We do provide references to other agencies and help programs. These programs have their own guidelines that may not reflect Mount Bethel’s processes and procedures.

• By submitting and signing this application you are agreeing to not hold Mount Bethel responsible for any directives from outside references that were recommended.

NOTICE TO REQUESTER

Please attach copies of the following to this application prior to submission.

1. Monthly expenses (Monthly Budget Worksheet will be provided upon request)

2. Statements/bills for which you are requesting assistance

This benevolence form is not a contract for assistance, nor is it a guaranty of assistance from MBBC.

Benevolence Guidelines (continued)

GUIDELINES FOR NON-MEMBERS

The Benevolence Ministry will:

• Refer you to the appropriate agencies (Welfare Department, Metro Action, etc.)

• Arrange for Ministerial counseling (as long as it is not to appeal the financial request), when requested.

Assistance is intended to be a gift.However, under no circumstances is a giftB from Mount Bethel Baptist Church to be considered a loan. No gift may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money or in labor.

The Benevolence Committee will not provide help to anyone who, in its estimation, will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by financial help.

Those requesting help must be willing to give the Benevolence Committee permission to follow up on any information provided to the Committee.

The Committee will be sensitive to confidential information.

You may be required to meet with the Chairperson or designee for all requests made in two consecutive years.

Also, for repeated requests, money management classes may be recommended at the discretion of the

If you wish to continue with this process please:

1. Sign below to indicate you accept and understand the policies stated above.

2. Sign the Release of Information Form.

3. Fill out the Financial Assistance Application.

4. Return your monthly expenses, all signed forms and the application

This is not a contract for assistance. I understand the terms stated above under which I may seek assistance from Mount Bethel Baptist Church

DATE

• To avoid any delays, please make sure all documents are attached

Benevolence Intake Form

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Address

City

State

Country

Postal code

CHURCH INFORMATION

Do you currently attend MBBC on a regular basis?

Yes

No

What Bible Study and/or Ministry are you connected to?

FAMILY INFORMATION

If no: How are your family’s physical needs being met?

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

INCOME INFORMATION

NEED REQUEST

Please state the cause or nature of your current hardship?

What steps are you taking to remedy this situation?

Have you sought help from any other churches or social agencies?

Yes

No

Type of assistance requested (Bill/Statement must be attached)

Debt/ Company /Amount

Utility - Electricity

NOTICE TO REQUESTER

Please attach copies of the following to this application prior to submission.

3. Monthly expenses (Monthly Budget Worksheet will be provided upon request)

4. Statements/bills for which you are requesting assistance

This benevolence form is not a contract for assistance, nor is it a guaranty of assistance from MBBC. Your signature below indicates that you understand the following;

1. The Benevolence Committee will refer you to outside/appropriate agencies (Unemployment Office, Welfare Department, etc.)

2. The Benevolence Committee reserves the right to follow up on any information provided to the Committee. The Committee will be sensitive to confidential information.

3. The Benevolence Committee will hold you accountable for taking steps to remedy this situation.

4. Assistance is intended to be a gift. However, under no circumstances is a gift from MBBC to be considered a loan. No gift may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money or labor.

OFFICE USE ONLY

Committee Recommendation

Date/Note

Care Plan

Committee Action

Summary of Assistance Rendered