Scriptural basis for disbursement priority: Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. We consider our church family to be the "especially" part. Great guidelines. Thanks for sharing!

Denise Wilkerson

August 26, 2011  12:01pm

I like the accountability but I disagree with the priority of recipients. I believe Christian charity is an outreach of the church and should be open to the community. In my own 1300 member church, "members first" would equate to "no outreach". Our benevolence guidelines require the recipient live within this county and, with few exceptions, we will help once per year. The fund is replenished several times a year thru altar rail offerings during communion and recipients are on a first come, first served basis. Another great tool we use is an online service which helps track who requests assistance from other agencies in our area. If a pattern emerges, we may offer alternative assistance such as budgeting, GED prep, job search, etc., rather than financial help.

Excellent thoughts. But what if members on the committee are required to make decisions for family members or relatives needing benvolence? This could be sensitive area.

In Canada, the priority for disbursement policy would likely violate the Charities Act, since churches can't use donated money to provide a financial benefit to members and the CRA would likely interpret that giving priority to members would be a benefit. Our benevolent fund is disbursed based on need only and is only given to individuals, not other organizations (I'm not sure that would fit the CRA definition of benevolence either).

What is the biblical basis for the order of priority for disbursement?