Deacon Fund Application

We have had several people ask for copies of our Deacon Fund Application, for use in their churches.  Anyone who asks for financial assistance from our church fills this out and returns it to our deacon at an actual church service. 

First, we ask the person to attend at least one church service before their application will be considered, which allows us to give the gospel and not just monetary assistance.   It also protects us from those who would try to demand immediate assistance, without giving us time to think or pray about the situation. 

Secondly, our deacon reviews all the applications and makes the final decision.  My husband is the pastor, and I am usually the one who answers the phone when someone calls for help.  Jason and I do not make any of the decisions regarding how the money is spent (since it was the deacons of the early church who distributed to the needy).  We do not count offerings or keep track of who tithes.   This has been very liberating for me, since most people would be tempted to try to manipulate me into giving them money.  Since I do not have access to any of the money in our church, I am able to tell them to come to the next service and fill out the application.  It has also allowed me to explain to people why it matters so much for them to hear the gospel.  I remind them, "One hundred years from now, it will not matter to you that we gave you a bag of groceries.  It will matter to you that we showed you how to know for sure that you are going to heaven."  

DEACON FUND APPLICATION

The Deacon Fund is an important ministry of Believers Baptist Church.  It exists to help those who are truly in financial need due to unexpected circumstances.  We believe that the best way we can help the needy is by (1) introducing them to our Savior, Jesus Christ; (2) meeting immediate necessities; and (3) helping them to establish financial responsibility.  If you would like to be considered for help from the Deacon Fund, please complete and return this form in person when you attend one of our services.  After we receive this form, we will contact you within a week. 

 

1.  Personal  information: 

 

Name:  ___________________________________________________________________

 

Address (street, city, state, zip) ________________________________________________

 

Phone number:  __________________________________________

 

2.  Do you currently attend church?  ______________ If so, where? ______________________

 

3.  How many adults live at the home? _________________  How many children?  _______

 

4.  Are you employed?  ________________  If so, where?  ______________________________

 

5.  Do you use:  Cigarettes?  _________   Alcohol?  ___________  Drugs?  _______________

 

6.  Have you applied to the Carrollton Ministerial Alliance or other organizations for this need?  _________________

 

7.  Are you receiving public aid of any kind (LINK, WIC, Medicaid, etc.)?  __________________

 

8.  Would you be willing to let our church help you establish a financial budget?  _____________

 

9.  Briefly explain the circumstances that have led to your need for financial assistance:  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

10.  I have filled out this application honestly and accurately. 

 

Applicant’s signature:  __________________________________________________

 

Date:  ___________