Benevolence is showing goodwill toward others; acting in another person’s best interest. Just as Jesus wanted to see changed lives as a result of His help, Kensington Woods Church of Christ’s Benevolence Program seeks to address spiritual as well as financial needs. Our primary focus is to help you get to Heaven.
We seek to aid those requesting help in one or more of the following ways:
- Spiritual guidance and growth
- Sharing God’s guidance in financial planning
- Referral to other resources within the community
- Temporary lodging
- Accountability partnership
- Food pantry and clothing closet
- Transportation to Sunday morning assembly
- Assistance in searching for employment
- Funding
For some people, money can distract them from addressing their spiritual needs.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Anyone preparing to make a request of our Benevolence Program is challenged to answer this question, “How much time do I spend thinking about my finances each day in comparison to the time I spend reading the Bible or meditating on its truths?”
Because all things belong to God, we are responsible and accountable to use His resources responsibly. Kensington Woods Church of Christ is a steward of resources that come through people in our congregation being faithful to God. This is a trust that the elders of the church hold deeply and are committed to maintaining.
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
We prioritize benevolence requests as follows:
- Requests from our brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6:10 tells us to “…do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- Requests from those who live near our church building. Those living nearby are better able and, therefore, more likely to visit our building and worship with us. The ultimate outcome is to lead people to know Christ as their Lord and Savior by establishing relationships with those who benefit from our program. Hebrews 10:25 admonishes all people to, “…not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Since giving money is not always an effective way to act in another person’s best interest, we offer to assist requestors in developing a plan of action to sustain them through challenging situations.
For requests for which we do not provide funding, we do the following:
- Find a balance between guiding and granting.
- Respect others as individuals going through important changes.
- Take a stand if someone creates an unmanageable situation.
- Remember that people make their own choices and experience the consequences.
- Act in a way to bring about changes in others’ lives.
- Remember that the Church is not to blame when others refuse to obey God’s will.
If you have any questions, please click/tap here to complete our Benevolent Information Packet .