But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:17-18)

PURPOSE OF THE BENEVOLENCE PROGRAM POLICY

Calvary Chapel West Oahu’s benevolence policy exists to glorify the Lord by sharing His love in a practical way with those who are in emergency need of their most basic needs. This policy outlines the requirements and responsibilities of those who participate in or receive from this program because “everything should be done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40).

BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE

All applications for benevolence will be adjudicated by the Board of Calvary Chapel West Oahu, and the senior pastor will have the final decision authority.  All benevolence requests will be handled confidentially and with the utmost respect.

ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS

Although benevolence applications from people outside of the church will be considered, the program primarily exists to assist members of Calvary Chapel West Oahu.  The Bible tells us to “do good to all, but especially to the household of faith” (Gal 6:10).  Just because a person is considered an eligible recipient for the program, it does not mean that benevolence requests will be fulfilled according to their requests.  Applicants should be willing to attend financial counseling if that is the board’s determination.  Additionally, some requests for benevolence can be referred to other agencies that specialize in the requested area of need.  Some examples include:

• Hawaii Food Bank

• Salvation Army

• Housing Shelters

• Outreach Center

BENEVOLENCE NEED CATEGORIES

The benevolence program is intended to be a source of last resort, to be used when a member or family requesting assistance has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, or investments. It is intended to be a temporary help in times of crisis. Additionally, money disbursed by the church is intended to be a one-time gift to meet one’s most basic needs. In unusual circumstances, the board may decide to help more than once, but under no circumstances will the benevolence program be used for long-term or perpetual funding. Some of the categories that meet members’ basic needs include:

• Shelter

• Food

• Clothing

• Medical Treatment

• Utilities

• Child Expenses

EXCLUDED CATEGORIES OF SUPPORT

Sometimes, the board determines the most beneficial way to help those requesting benevolence is to provide financial, family, or spiritual counseling. Some benevolence requests are inconsistent with the intent of the program since they do not meet the most basic needs of the individual or are inconsistent with the teaching of scripture. Some examples include:

• School Expenses

• Business Investments

• Paying Off Credit Cards

• Fines Assessed for Breaking the Law

• Legal Fees for Family Disputes

• Late Penalty Fees

• Housing for Unmarried Couples

BENEVOLENCE PROCESS

An individual member or family seeking assistance should take the following steps to request benevolence from Calvary Chapel West Oahu:

1. Contact the church office for a copy of our “Benevolence Application.” Incomplete applications will not be considered. Return the completed application to the church office.

2. Members must seek assistance for themselves and not send other members in their place.

3. Members must have explored all possibilities of assistance from family, friends, savings, or investments to resolve their case before seeking benevolence assistance from the church.

4. As soon as possible after receiving a request, the board will review and contact the applicant to either request more information or provide the board’s determination regarding the request.

5. Applicants are required to expeditiously comply with all directions and instructions given by the board in its benevolence decision, or they may forfeit their opportunity for assistance.

6. If a check is approved, it will be made payable to the vendor(s) on behalf of the member. Checks will NOT be made payable to members or cash.

7. Records will be kept of all benevolence cases, and they will be handled in the strictest confidence.