Benevolence Funds

As a fellowship of believers in service before the Lord, we at Candlelight Christian Fellowship believe it is our responsibility to provide benevolent assistance to those in need; “especially those of the household of faith.” As stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we have adopted the following policy:

1. We desire to, as best able, serve all persons in need, without question. We are therefore willing to help all who ask. Our expression of this desire is best summed up in the statement, “We would rather serve the undeserving 99 times rather than turn Jesus away once.” However, we reserve the right to decline assistance if the true nature of the circumstance, i.e., need, cannot be validated or any form of deceit is detected in the application process. We are under no obligation to meet or assist with the need.

2. We are not willing, at any time, to offer cash to anyone, but are willing to assist with a bill of necessity such as a house payment, rent, utilities, or necessary food—if our budget at the time of the request is able to accommodate the need. Credit card bills, merchant card bills, and the like do not qualify for assistance.

3. All financial assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis. No more than $25.00 assistance will be provided non-Candlelight members apart from voluntary service.

4. Benevolence assistance is not guaranteed to be a same-day service. When a voluntary benevolence assistant is not on site at the Candlelight campus, non-member assistance requests will be retained for review when those persons are available. Generally, assistance hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00a to 1:00p. Member assistance can be submitted to a pastor and will be review promptly.

5. Non-member childcare during assistance hours will be unavailable.

6. All persons requesting benevolence assistance (Candlelight member or non-member) must first fill out our “Benevolence Request Form” in order to help the Candlelight staff or volunteer assess the need.

   1. Request for Assistance Form. This form will include:

      1. Name, address, and phone numbers.

      2. A two-year job history.

      3. A brief description of the financial need.

      4. The reason this need has occurred.

      5. Two references.

   2. A signed “Hold Harmless” liability form.

   3. A “Non-employment” document, stating that the person acknowledges that he or she is receiving assistance in exchange for voluntary service and that in no way is the exchanged considered a job or employment.

   4. There will be no exchange of cash.

7. All persons requesting benevolence assistance (beyond the first occasion) must be willing to seek scripturally based financial counseling at Candlelight or another recognized ministry. Verification of at least one financial counseling session will be required prior to any secondary assistance.

8. We are committed to the well being and maturing of every person in our sphere of influence and are therefore willing to assist in the growth of those served by aiding in financial counsel and instruction. However, if any person, regardless of membership or giving status, is unwilling to receive counsel and apply the biblical principles of financial management, we will be obligated to refrain from financial assistance beyond initial immediate care.

9. All compensation to non-members in exchange for voluntary service at the church (or off site) will be equivalent to $20.00 per hour and paid directly to the predetermined bill or creditor. No more than $500.00 will be provided to non-members unless approved by the board of directors.

10. We are willing to offer help to any member of the church, without the need for labor compensation or documentation requirements listed herein.

11. Members of Candlelight provide regular financial support. Therefore, all current members in good standing shall be eligible for assistance up to but not to exceed the contribution total of 12 months. (Exceptions may be made under extenuating circumstances—but only by the board of Directors.)

12. We willingly consider the needs of any member who regularly attends church services, but has not financially supported the overall ministries of the church. However, Candlelight will be under no obligation to meet or assist with the need.

The Bible declares, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

The Old Testament principle here stated indicates that the tithe and/or offerings may be used, in store, for those who are willing to regularly support the ministry. Therefore, we are committed to set aside funds, as God has prospered, to assist those who contribute as well as those in the community who are in need.

Members of the church who receive financial assistance should be willing to financially support the church. Those receiving financial assistance who do not financially support the church should prayerfully consider beginning a regular support commitment. If there is an ongoing failure of church financial support, the board of directors will be called upon for counsel before any more than a one-time financial assistance effort is provided.

As stated in our church membership agreement:

As a member of Candlelight Christian Fellowship, “Participation includes but is not limited to, lifestyle befitting a Christian, a willingness to regularly attend and support the gatherings of the fellowship, a commitment to financially support the fellowship, and the desire to maintain accountability with the church; in life and conduct. Being a ‘member’ will not bind or otherwise restrict you, obligate you, or enforce upon you anything not already embraced by being a member of body of Christ.”

May the Lord bless you in all you do. May He establish you in all your ways as you faithfully bless His name.

Paul D. Van Noy, Pastor

For the Candlelight Board of Directors