BENEVOLENCE
Purpose & Mission
Eligibility Requirements
Types of Assistance Provided
Application & Approval Process
Accountability & Stewardship
Funding & Sustainability
Spiritual & Practical Follow-up
- The Benevolence Ministry at Ignite Church serves as Jesus’ hands and feet by delivering temporary financial help and emergency support to people and families in unexpected difficult situations. We demonstrate Christ's love through practical support to deliver help and hope to those facing crises in our church family and local community while providing encouragement. The fund exists to deliver immediate financial help for basic needs like food, utilities, rent and medical bills instead of extended financial support. Our commitment to stewardship and accountability involves supporting people on their path to stability while providing spiritual guidance and resources for financial development. The objective of our assistance program is to deliver aid that restores personal dignity while promoting responsible behavior and strengthening belief in God's provision.
Eligibility Requirements
- Assistance is primarily for church members.
- Non-members may receive limited aid, typically in the form of gift cards, referrals to community resources, or one-time help.
- Individuals seeking assistance must complete a benevolence request form and/ meet with the elders.
Types of Assistance Provided
- Approved needs: Rent, utilities, food, transportation, medical bills, etc.
- Non-approved needs: Luxury items, vacations, business expenses, extended family help, or ongoing debt payments.
- Maximum Assistance Limit: A cap on how much assistance an individual or family can receive within a given period is $750.00 per year. Any increase is at the discretion of the elders.
Application & Approval Process
- Require a written request through a standard Benevolence Application Form or meet with the elders.
- Provide documentation (e.g., past-due bills, proof of hardship).
- Review & approval process by the elders.
Accountability & Stewardship
- Payments will be made directly to vendors (landlord, utility company, hospital, etc.), not to the individual.
- Depending on the situation, financial counseling or mentoring to help individuals with long-term financial stability, will be required.
Funding & Sustainability
- The fund should come from designated church donations.
- Encourage members to donate to the fund separately.
- Have regular financial reviews and accountability measures to prevent misuse.
Spiritual & Practical Follow-up
- Encourage recipients to attend financial literacy or stewardship classes.
- Provide counseling or mentorship as needed.
- Remind recipients that the church’s goal is to help them get back on their feet, not provide ongoing financial support.