Many years ago, Faith’s leadership established a special fund for the purpose of providing short-term support for those in our midst who are experiencing an unexpected or emergency financial need.
In the early years, that fund was known as the Deacon Fund. Today, the fund has become much more than just a separate bank account with its own checkbook. It’s grown into what we now know as the Benevolence Ministry. We say ministry because in most cases, a financial need is just one part of the story, and the Benevolence Ministry seeks not only to respond to the financial need, but also to understand and address what underlying issues have contributed to the financial crisis and to minister to those in need. Sometimes the financial support is as straightforward as helping a family through a job loss, an unexpected medical expense, or a needed car repair. In many cases, however, the needs run much deeper than a simple one-time financial gift. There may be broken relationships, unresolved trauma from the past, substance abuse, or psychological conditions that have gone untreated. Many times, Faith’s trained Stephen Ministers come alongside to offer support and hope through one-to-one visits. In cases where the level of needed care is beyond the scope of Stephen Ministers, funds may be used to facilitate ongoing licensed Christian counseling. Only as hurting individuals or families begin to understand their true identity in Christ will hope, healing, restored relationships, and new ways of thinking become possible. While spiritual and emotional support may be ongoing, financial support is shorter in nature and helps bridge the gap as individuals or families work toward long-term financial stability.
Although the Benevolence Ministry’s primary mission is to support those who call Faith their church home, the ministry also responds to needs in the larger community by partnering with great organizations who provide resources in Jesus’ name. One such organization is Serve 6.8, a Christian non-profit supported by about 30 local evangelical churches. Serve 6.8 addresses material poverty in the community through its programs and targets relational poverty by connecting people to a local church, with the ultimate goal of bringing reconciliation with God.
Each quarter, a special offering is taken at the end of the worship service to help support the work of the Benevolence Ministry at Faith and in Fort Collins. Because of Faith’s generous support, the ministry has provided over $26,000 in financial support so far this ministry year and is currently assisting eight different families in our midst with rent, outside Christian counseling, car repairs, and bills.
Bob has been a member of Faith for 24 years. He has been Faith’s Administrator for ten years and on staff for 12.
At Faith, Bob serves as a writer for the blog, leads a small group, and serves in the Hospitality and Benevolence Ministries.
Bob grew up in Loveland and loves buying, selling, and detailing cars and spending time in Maui.