Parkway Fellowship Benevolence Guidelines
“Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:44-45

Benevolence is the desire to do good to others, marked by goodwill and generosity. At Parkway Fellowship, our Benevolence Ministry exists to reflect this as the body of Christ. Through faithful giving, God’s people entrust tithes and offerings to be used wisely and lovingly for His Kingdom, recognizing that all money belongs to God. What follows are important policies that are essential for you to understand. These policies are not intended to burden you. They are simply in place as a means of responsibility and a tool of discernment when handling God’s money.

You must meet the qualifications:
-Member (someone who has taken the Membership Class and either serves, tithes, or is in a Small Group)
-Regular Attender at Parkway Fellowship (Someone who attends Sunday services at least 1 time a month)
Financial assistance is limited to one time per 12 month period, a maximum of 3 times in a lifetime, or not to exceed $5,000.

We may help; however, you must understand: 

  • We will treat you with dignity and respect
  • We will never give cash
  • We do not say “yes” without prayerful evaluation. This includes you filling out an application and permitting us to verify what you have stated in said application

We will help with:
– Shelter
– Food
– Utilities
– Transportation

We do not pay non-vital bills such as:
– Home Phone
– Cell Phone
– Cable
– Etc.

We will ask you to take primary responsibility for your needs. We will then ask you to turn to your family. These must be done before we involve church funds.

Acceptable reasons for rendering aid are:
Destruction of family residence due to:
– Water damage
– Earthquake
– Smoke or Fire damage

Loss of significant household income due to:
– Loss of employment
– Death
– Divorce, separation
– Illness

Additional Guidelines
The Benevolence Ministry Will:
Refer you to the appropriate agencies (Welfare Department, Christ Clinic, etc.). Provide a list of professional Christian Counselors when requested. Food Pantry Referrals. The Pastoral staff member overseeing benevolence will not approve financial assistance if it would enable harmful, irresponsible, or unwise behavior. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Repeated failure to pay rent or bills due to non-essential spending (e.g., entertainment, gambling, luxury purchases)
  • Ongoing substance abuse without a willingness to seek help
  • Refusal to seek employment when able and opportunities are available
  • Unwillingness to pursue long-term solutions or financial responsibility
  • Living outside one’s means without making efforts to adjust lifestyle
  • Use of assistance to avoid the necessary personal or familial responsibility

Those requesting assistance must be willing to give the Pastoral staff member in charge of benevolence permission to follow up on any information provided in the application. The pastor will be sensitive to confidential information. You may be required to meet with a Pastoral staff member for all requests made in two consecutive years.

If you wish to continue with this process, please:

  • Fill out the Financial Assistance Application.
Need Assistance?

We know that life can bring seasons of real challenge, and we want to support you in any way we can. If you’re facing struggles with finances, anxiety, depression, or other difficult circumstances, we invite you to complete the attached needs assessment. This helps us understand how to best walk alongside you and connect you with the care, resources, and encouragement that can lead to hope and healing.