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Benevolence Assistance
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
God has a heart for those in material and spiritual need, and, as His church, we desire to reflect His character by ministering through financial assistance when it is necessary, responsible, and supportive to do so. We give financially in two ways.
1. Organizational Gifts
The needs of Middle Tennessee are great, and as a congregation, we regularly contribute money and service to many community support agencies and ministries. However, it is beyond the scope and mission of any one church body to meet the needs of the community. Each year part of our general budget is designated to local charitable organizations. In an effort to best steward the resources of our church, we strategically give to organizations that maximize our desire to help.
2. Individual Aid
Fellowship Bible Church aids our covenant members who are in a relatively desperate situation concerning life’s basic needs (food, shelter, utilities, transportation, clothing, etc.). Additionally, we provide assistance as deemed necessary in a context and manner that encourages the spiritual and emotional development of those in need.
Benevolence gifts are based upon individual situation and the funds available at the time of request. Due to the tremendous amount of need within the congregation, help to those outside our body is limited to local referrals to organizations and community services.
Applying for Benevolence Assistance
We believe that those closest to the person in need can make the best assessment of the need and make the response more personal and effective. In that ethic, your extended family and then your community group is the first and primary ongoing response group to someone in need. If the community group finds itself unable to meet some of the material needs of the member, a request can be made for benevolence assistance by consulting with the group’s community group pastor. With the oversight of the elder, an Application for Benevolence Assistance can be completed.
Benevolence requests are submitted to the Congregational Care Ministry and then reviewed by the Benevolence Team. When appropriate, the Benevolence Team will make recommendations to the person(s) receiving assistance such as personal, family, or financial counseling. The person receiving aid will be notified of the Benevolence Team’s decision and a designated member of the Benevolence Team will conduct and recommendations and appropriate follow-up.
Click here to download an Application for Benevolence Assistance.
Click here for a listing of agencies and organizations for Finding Help in the Time of Need.
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