Benevolence

​1. All requests for assistance must be made using a Benevolence Request Form, available in
the church office or on the church website under Ministries → Benevolence Ministry. This
form can be submitted to any member of Bankston Blessings Committee (Kathy Moore, Ron
Morse, Marilyn Stiles) or to the pastor.

2. Requests can be made for financial assistance up to $200 per incident as approved by the
Bankston Blessing Committee, but for no more than $400 per calendar year. Requests
beyond these thresholds may be considered by the pastor and deacons upon the
recommendation of Bankston Blessings Committee.

3. A household may receive financial assistance from the benevolence fund a maximum of
two (2) times in a twelve (12) month period. Assistance is intended to be a temporary help
during a time of crisis.

4. Bankston Blessings does not help with childcare, credit cards, cable/cell phone bills,
reconnection fees, taxes or legal expenses (The only exception to helping with a phone bill is if
the applicant is currently receiving money for a disability). If funds are approved, checks will be
made payable only to the service provider(s) to whom bill(s) are owed; (mortgage company,
utility provider, etc.). Failure to provide the required documents could delay the process.

5. The Benevolence Request Form must include how the request will be used. Only genuine
personal emergencies will be considered; legal fees, entertainment costs, or other
nonemergency requests will be denied.

6. Requests will be fulfilled by check from Kathy Moore or Marilyn Stiles, and preferably
with a person of the church going with the individual to get the services. Exceptions in
delivery format can be made when there is a high level of expectancy that the money will
be used as prescribed.

7. Recognition of the opportunity for ministry is to be paramount during the process of
fulfilling the need. Special financial and/or spiritual counseling should be considered an
important part of any benevolence request.