“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. ”
BENEVOLENCE FUND
By God’s abundant grace, the Renewal Benevolence Team has been formed to support individuals and families of Renewal Church who are experiencing financial hardship or are in need of emergency financial relief. It is our hope to see the body grow in radical generosity as we practically help meet the needs of our church family.
The process begins with the submission of an online application. After review, an intake interview will be led by 1-2 members of the Benevolence Committee. The team will use information collected from the application and interview to offer funds based on the following guidelines:
Benevolence funds are prioritized for individuals and families within the Renewal Church body. Applicants must regularly attend weekend services and be involved in a Renewal community group (CG) or ministry. With your approval, we may contact your CG or ministry leaders as a reference to your involvement.
The Benevolence Fund is intended to provide financial assistance for basic necessities (such as food, rent, or urgent medical bills etc) or emergency expenses due to extenuating circumstances (funeral, flight tickets etc).
Financial assistance is considered a one-time gift granted once annually with a typical maximum of $1,500. Under extraordinary circumstances, a recipient may be gifted more than once. This will be determined by the Benevolence team.
If approved, funds will be issued by check. In most cases, checks will be issued directly to a provider (landlord, utility or medical billing).
Benevolence assistance is a gift and not a loan. A recipient is under no obligations to "pay back" any financial assistance provided.
The Benevolence team will respond to requests for financial assistance within 2 weeks from the receipt of a completed application. If necessary, more urgent requests can be expedited (within 24-48 hours) when noted in the application .
If the Benevolence Team determines that the financial hardship stems from a personal problem, counseling may be recommended (financial, stewardship, family, emotional, addiction etc.).
The Benevolence Team has the right to refuse financial assistance to anyone who, in their estimation, will have negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by a financial gift.
Applicants will not be approved for funds based on relationships with church leaders or financial contribution to the church. The Benevolence team does not discriminate between applicants based upon race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
Pastoral staff are not part of the Benevolence team and will not decide who gets funding, but if the applicant approves, the pastoral staff may be consulted for direction regarding counseling or additional services.