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Benevolence

The purpose of the Benevolence Ministry is to assist members of Ascension Christian Center Church and those within our community with unexpected short-term financial needs that cannot otherwise be met. The standards for determining type and level of need are spelled out in section II of this guideline. Examples of needs may include, but are not necessarily limited to, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, food, and other short-term living expenses. This is primarily accomplished through, but not limited to, the generous giving of the Church family to the Benevolence Ministry. A special offering is taken at the conclusion of each Sunday morning communion service throughout the year to fund the Benevolence Ministry, but contributors may designate gifts to Benevolence at any time. This ministry primarily serves the members and regular attendees of Church, but people not associated with Church may also be considered for assistance. 

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"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have work? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" (James 2:14-16). At Church we work hard to follow scriptural guidelines for being good stewards of the monies entrusted to us. We believe those who handle and distribute monies given to God's work should not only be above reproach in all respects, but should also be held accountable (I Cor. 4:2).

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CRITERIA

To qualify for benevolence, the individual or family must first be a member of Ascension Christian Center and faithfully pay tithes monthly. The individual or family must belong to a recognized hardship class. For instance, individuals who fall below the poverty level for a given region or country might qualify for benevolence. Other factors that may qualify someone for benevolence include, but are not limited to:

  • -  loss of employment

  • -  death in the family of wage earner

  • -  costly medical condition

  • -  severe hardship resulting from a natural disaster

  • -  critical injury or loss resulting from terrorism or an act of war

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Though not a comprehensive list of criteria, the board will review each benevolent request to ensure that it meets with both the literal interpretation of the policy as well as the general intent behind the policy.

Benevolence will NOT be approved for:

  • -  business investments, or anything that could be construed to bring financial profit to the individual or family

  • -  paying off credit cards - exceptions can be made when an individual has had to use credit cards to pay for a crisis or emergency (e.g., hospitalization, death, etc.)

  • -  needs of individuals who are wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law

  • -  legal fees

  • -  penalties relating to late payments or irresponsible actions

  • -  private school fees or tuition

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