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 pay a bill of necessity such as rent, house payment, utilities or offer food vouchers, etc., if our budget at the time of the request is able to accommodate the need. If our budget is not able to meet the entire need we will attempt to help with what we can. Credit card bills, merchant card bills and the like do not qualify for assistance.
3. All persons requesting benevolence assistance and are not members of CCF must first fill out the following documents to help the staff at Candlelight Christian Fellowship 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 “Hold Harmless” Liability Form
   3. A “Non-Employment” Document – This document is an acknowledgement that the person is receiving assistance in exchange for labor and that in no way is the exchanged labor to be considered a job or employment and that there will be no exchange of cash.
4. All persons requesting benevolence assistance beyond the first occasion and are not members of CCF must be willing to seek Biblical financial counseling from CCF or another recognized ministry. Verification of at least one financial counseling session will be required prior to any secondary assistance.
5. 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 as ambassadors of Christ feel obligated to refrain from financial assistance in any situation beyond initial immediate care.
6. All compensation to non-members in exchange for labor at the church or other off site location as determined by a CCF staff member will be equivalent to $12.50 per hour and paid directly to the predetermined bill or creditor and not in cash.
7. We are willing to offer help to any member of the church, without the need for labor compensation or the documentation requirements listed herein to those who faithfully provide regular financial support to the overall ministries of CCF.
8. We are willing to consider the needs of any member who regularly attends church services but has not financially supported the overall ministries of the church. However, we are 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 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.

Those 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 a continuation of failure to support the church, the board of directors will be called upon for counsel before any more than a one-time financial assistance effort is enacted.

Those members of the church who receive financial assistance shall not receive financial help exceeding their year to date giving. Should a request come very early in the calendar year, or if there is a pattern of non-support, no financial assistance shall be given that exceeds the YTD of the previous year’s giving without a review of the situation by the board of directors available at that time.

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 and may He establish you in your way as you faithfully bless His name.

Pastor Paul