I hope we can give Servant some suggested guidelines for her and her church to follow. I expect some of us have some experience on such requests.

Thank you. I posed this question on BSDAOL too, and am anxious (as in eager) for a response here and on that forum as well.

Hello Daryl & Servant,

This request for financial assistance occurs almost every time I have been in an SDA Church or gathering. On Sabbath it may happen four or five times. Certainly thrice during the regular service. On occasion the speaker will berate the congregation for their lack of generosity, spirituality, selfishness. This has also happened at highly publicized crusade meetings when complete strangers are present. Too often the one asking is sporting the nicest clothes with a car to match. And usually on the payroll, with all benefits.

I agree, an uncomfortable process. Paul set a good example by working with his hands. Inspiration tells us the laymen will finish the work.

"And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need...And the Lord added to the church daily..." Acts 2:44-47.

"Neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possesed was his own; but they had all things common" Acts 4:32.

These might seem strange concepts for today's Church, but they are Bible-based examples.

Gordon

Servant, what do you mean by financial assistance? Are you referring to "ministries", or people in need of assistance in basic living needs? (food, electric, gas, phone heating)

Yes, it is obvious that the church is to help the needy, but with our eyes open, not blindly with our eyes closed.

So we are talking about the needy?

It is difficult to know if someone is truly needy, as there are so many unethical or "scam artist" seeking a "hand out".

It is important to to deal with people in a kind and loving manner. Help them to maintain their dignity. For many it is very difficult to seek a "hand of help".

Pray before hand for guidance.

It may be best to give food and pay a bill rather than give out cash. The person coming for assistance may very well be in need, but there may be someone in the persons life that may take the money from them to be used on their own vices.

This is exactly why I do not personally give out any cash, but rather offer to take them to the store instead.

Regarding the validity of the immediate request for assistance; for the purpose of guideline or protocol establishment, assume the requests are for urgent needs.

OTOH, when church or community members request assistance to meet a perceived need, each church should have guidelines in place that will help to ensure 1) the church responds in a manner that will honor God and 2) the church response does not directly or indirectly, enable inappropriate personal choices.

As such, I suggest the number one protocol that should be put into place is this: Those church members who will decide whether or how much, assistance to grant the requestor, i.e., Church Board members, should be notified in advance of the decision meeting, in order to allow those deciders to pray, personally ponder and reflect upon various options. This will help to facilitate a thoughtful decision.

Although I do not doubt the sincerity of the person who makes the request on behalf of the requestor, respect for God, His work, and His monies, requires a thoughtful, versus last minute, approach.

All this being said however, what guidelines for like issues have worked in your church?

Isn't ACS in place for assisting the needy? Formerly known as Dorcas Society.
Food and clothing have been the traditional assistance. Money isn't normally given to individuals through ACS is it?

Some times an individual church member may feel impressed to assist someone financially. Some in the medical field may offer some free services. Parish nurse can visit in the home. Church members can help with home repairs, yard work and such.

ACS Disaster Response does not give money to individuals. However they can furnish volunteers and do supply water, food, clothing, and other supplies to disaster victims. ACS DR works closely with other disaster organization in a disaster situation. Each organization brings their own "expertise to the table. There are organizations that do give money to assist disaster victims.

I do think that the church should help with the care of the widow, orphans, single parent families, and the elderly. There should be some type of guide lines for this.

ACS leader, deacon, deaconess and parish nurse should be of help in setting up some guidelines. Guidelines would be important but need to be flexible enough to allow following the Lord's leading.

The policy that we followed in the church I attended before moving away from there was not to give out any money, but to give them what they needed instead. If it were for food, give them food instead. If it were for gas for their vehicle, go with them to a gas station and pay for their gas directly. We had some who walked away after being offered food instead of money for food. The serious ones accepted our offer for food, gas, or whatever it was.