Kevin Stone

Purpose

The purpose of the Benevolence Policy at Experience Christian Church (ECC) is to establish the principles, priorities, and boundaries that guide the church in providing financial and practical assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship. This policy ensures that benevolence resources are used compassionately, consistently, and responsibly as an expression of God’s love and ECC’s commitment to caring for one another (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:13; James 2:14–17).

Theological Foundation

ECC’s Benevolence Policy is rooted in Scripture and reflects:

• Compassion for those in need
• Stewardship of God’s resources
• Dignity and respect for every person
• Holistic care that addresses spiritual, emotional, and financial well-being
• Witness to the gospel through practical service

This policy is intended to help ECC meet real needs while maintaining wise, prayerful stewardship.

Scope

This policy applies to all benevolence activities initiated by ECC, including:

• Requests for financial aid
• Distribution of benevolence funds
• Referrals to outside resources
• Pastoral and practical care provided as part of the assistance process

Requests may come from:

• Regular attenders and engaged households
• Local community members requesting help from ECC

The goal is to disburse funds 50/50 to these two people groups.

ECC’s annual benevolence budget is determined and approved each year via the annual budget development, review, and approval process. Benevolence assistance must be administered within budgetary limits, unless otherwise approved in advance by the Management Team.

Responsibility

The primary responsibility for this policy rests with the Ministry Operations Coordinator with guidance and oversight from the Lead Pastor.

The Ministry Operations Coordinator is also responsible for a periodic review of this policy, gaining input from the Lead Pastor, members of the Benevolence Review Team, and the Management Team. The purpose of the periodic review is to ensure the policy stays feasible and relevant over time, given continuously changing economic conditions impacting the needs of regular attenders and members of the local community.

Policies Governing Benevolence

Eligibility

To quality for benevolence assistance, applicants must:

• Demonstrate a legitimate hardship
• Provide accurate financial and personal information
• Submit all required documentation (bills, statements, forms, etc.)
• Be willing to participate in a conversation with pastoral staff or benevolence leaders when needed

ECC may decline assistance if information is incomplete or withheld.

Types of Assistance Provided

Eligible needs may include:

• Rent, mortgage payments, or temporary housing support
• Utility bills (electricity, heat, water, etc.)
• Groceries and other essential household items
• Transportation required for work or other essential activities
• Car repairs necessary for employment
• Medical expenses or approved Christian counseling
• Crisis-related needs (fire, job loss, unexpected hardships, etc.)

ECC may consider other needs as deemed appropriate and eligible.

Restrictions on Assistance

ECC will not help with:

• Business ventures or investments
• Court fees, fines, or legal defense expenses
• Luxury or other non-essential expenses
• Long-term, ongoing financial support
• Loan repayments
• Cash distributions

Additionally, requests will not be considered if the applicant refuses reasonable financial counseling or declines to provide required documentation.

Limits and Frequency

To ensure fairness and good stewardship:

• Assistance is generally limited to one request per household within a 12-month period
• A typical maximum amount per request is established as part of the annual ECC budget development, review, and approval process
• Exceptions may be made for members or crisis cases with approval from the Management Team
• All assistance must remain within the constraints of ECC’s approved annual benevolence budget

Confidentiality

All benevolence communications and records are confidential and only accessible to individuals directly involved in the review and decision-making process.

Documentation

Every request must include:

• Completed Benevolence Assistance Request Form
• Supporting documentation (bills, statements, invoices, etc.)
• Internal notes from interviews or follow-up conversations
• Approval signatures or digital equivalents
• Financial record of payment(s)

ECC will maintain secure records for legal and stewardship purposes.

Holistic Care

Benevolence is not only a financial transaction. When needed, ECC may offer:

• Prayer
• Pastoral counseling
• Spiritual encouragement
• Financial stewardship resources
• Support in connecting with a local church (non-ECC attenders)
• Referrals to community partners (food pantries, shelters, safe harbor centers, etc.)

Holistic care supports both immediate and long-term well-being.

Avoiding Unhealthy Dependency

Benevolence assistance is intended to provide short-term relief, not ongoing financial support. Consequently, ECC may:

• Encourage financial literacy or budgeting tools
• Refer applicants to job-support resources
• Decline repeated requests that indicate unhealthy patterns
• Redirect individuals to community agencies better equipped for long-term aid

Collaboration with Local Ministries and/or Outside Funding Resources

ECC may partner with individual donors, local nonprofits, food pantries, shelters, counseling centers, and other churches to extend care beyond its own capacity.

Related Documents

• Benevolence Operating Procedure
• Benevolence Assistance Request Form
• Ministry Operations Coordinator Job Description