Benevolence Ministry
Purpose:
The purpose of the Benevolence Ministryis to insure that Cucamonga Christian Fellowship attains the Biblical ideals and obeys God’s concerns, which relate to finance and resource needs within the Body.
Biblical Ideals and Concerns:
– No needs among them.
It is our conviction that God desires the church to share with anyone within the Body at CCF with a legitimate financial or physical resource need.
“Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:45
“Share with God‘s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
– Financial Education.
It is our desire to make resources available that will teach the financial principles found in God’s Word. These will prevent and/or correct the destructive financial habits of the world from taking it’s toll on CCF’s membership. Also, these resources will build more financially responsible members who can, in turn, help others.
“Whosoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldy wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else‘s property, who will give you property of your own?” Luke 16:10–12
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6
– Widows, Fatherless and Strangers.
God’s Word makes it very clear that the business of the Church is to take care of those who are helpless and needy. This applies especially to widows, the fatherless and transient foreigners. Repeatedly, God’s blessings are directly tied to our ability to take up this responsibility. He makes it clear that our prayers go unanswered when we fail in this area. To oppress one of these (and neglect is a form of oppression) brings God‘s wrath and anger.
“If you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:6–7
“When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers; I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong...” Isaiah 1:15–17
Love and Compassion:
In all the ideals and concerns listed above, our motive is to reflect the love and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not seeking to be blessed, nor are we trying to simply avoid God’s anger. Instead, we truly want to see the will of the Father established as we act upon His Kingdom principles.
Qualifications for Benevolence:
CCF has a Biblical duty to see that there are no needs among us. However it is not our duty to provide for the needs of everyone in society outside of the Church, nor those within the Body of Christ who are irresponsible.
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man does not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
“We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy, they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ, to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11–13
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.” 2 Thessalonians 3:14
Guidelines to Qualify for Benevolence Assistance:
- The applicant must be committed to CCF for a period of 12 months. Commitment is defined as:
- A member or attending regularly.
- You have shown that you know what God’s Word says in regards to tithes and offerings.
- You are involved in a Life Group and/or a Ministry Group.
- The applicant must be truly in need, not simply looking for an easy way out of a self-inflicted financial jam.
- The applicant should be willing to humbly provide a reciprocal service to a ministry within the church. This may not be requested, but there should be a willingness to do so.
- NO loans will ever be made. Gifts will be given to those individuals and circumstances that the financial committee chooses.
- Repeat applicants should expect more input and involvement by the finance committee in their personal affairs.
- Benevolence decisions will be made on a weekly basis. Urgent requests for financial assistance will always be answered within that one week’s decision circle. However, if your application is incomplete in any way, the process may take longer due to the need to clarify or request more information.
- Most financial assistance will be made directly to the debtor (mortgage company, utility, etc.) and few circumstances warrant money being givendirectly to the applicant.