Deacon Handbook

Section 2—Defined Purpose

Deacon Vision Statement (Deacon Defined)

“A deacon is a biblically qualified servant-officer who is called by God and led by elders.”

Deacon Mission Statement (What a Deacon Does)

“A deacon is a loving, compassionate man who promotes the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and who ministers to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the people in the promise of hope.”

The Relationship between Elders and Deacons

Specific deacon’s ministries are covered in Section 7.

Biblical References

• Acts 6: 1-4 (A Biblical deacon model)
• Phil. 1:1 (The first New Testament diaconate reference)
• 1 Tim. 3:13 (Deacon rewards)

Section 3—The Qualifications and Expectations of a Deacon

Qualifications

Deacons must be members in good standing of HHBC and possess the qualifications stated in 1 Tim. 3:8-10, 12-13. These qualifications are listed below:

Expectations

In order to serve effectively, deacons are expected to live out the above qualifications according to the following general guidelines:

1. Be faithful in participation at all scheduled and called Deacon Meetings.
   1. If you are called to serve as a deacon, you have an obligation to be a “team member” and be diligent to attend meetings. Meetings will only be called for the purpose of serving the church and fulfilling the needs of the Deacon Ministry. Failure to attend implies a lack of commitment and respect for your fellow deacons, elders, and the needs of the church.
   2. If you cannot attend a scheduled meeting, one of the members of the Deacon Coordination Team (DCT) should be notified of your absence.

2. Be accountable to fellow deacons in your service as a deacon.
3. Encourage one another in service as deacons.
4. Be a team member and support the overall ministry of deacons.
5. Support fully the HHBC Purpose Statement, the Principles of Ministry Statement, and the Constitution and Bylaws.
6. When appropriate, maintain the confidentiality of matters discussed at Deacon Meetings.
7. Deacons and wives are one; therefore, wives are expected to keep confidential sensitive subjects related to deacon matters.
8. Support the church financially as God leads you.
9. Support the elders and staff with your encouragement and prayers.
10. Serve the membership as God leads you; be sensitive to the needs of others.
11. Encourage unity within the body; be an encourager, not a discourager.
12. Be an example to members of the body by exemplifying the qualifications of a deacon and the heart of a servant.
13. Give priority to spiritual growth as an individual, a couple, and your children.

Section 4—Term of Service

• He is no longer a member of HHBC.
• He is no longer called or qualified to serve as a deacon.
• He is no longer able to serve for some other reason.

Section 5—Selection and Ordination Procedures

The Elder Council periodically will ask the church to identify men for potential service as deacons.

The Deacon Mentoring Process

The process outlined here will allow for: (1) the selection process, (2) the determination of the nominee’s interest and willingness to serve, (3) the evaluation of his qualifications, and (4) the evaluation of his grasp on basic beliefs of the church.

I. Selection (Time Frame: 10-30 days, depending upon meeting times of DCT)

Confidential Investigation. The DCT will privately submit all nominees’ names for comment by appropriate people on the staff, within the deacon body, on the Elder Council, or within the HHBC membership.

II. Interest Determination (Time Frame: 15-30 days)

Letter Inquiry. The initial contact with the nominee will be by letter. Not only will it inquire about his interest and willingness to serve, it will also invite him to a personal interview by all or select members of the DCT.

Report to Elders. Absent a decision not to proceed with the Mentoring Program, the DCT will submit the list of candidates to the Elder Council along with any others, thereby informing the Elder Council who will be in the Deacon Mentoring Class.

III. The Mentoring Process (Time Frame: 180 days)

During the mentoring process, the candidate will attend scheduled deacon meetings. He will also be assigned to an existing deacon who will utilize the services of the mentoree in practical, hands-on training:

• Formal Text Study: A schedule will be set for the study and discussion of Alexander Strauch’s book, The New Testament Deacon. Other texts may be substituted at the will of the DCT and the Elder Council.
• Second Interview: An interview of the candidate and his spouse, if any, will be conducted by at least two members of the DCT, at least one of whom is an elder. The purpose will be to ensure the support and understanding of the spouse in the undertaking of this ministry, and to answer any questions they may have.
• Basic Beliefs Review: After the second interview, the candidate will be given the list of questions that he will be requested to answer. The nominee will be encouraged to discuss any question with his mentor, any member of the DCT, or any staff member. It is not the intention to convert the candidate into a highly-qualified teacher, but to prepare the nominee and to amplify the importance for any officer of the church to be able to “give a defense of the faith,” at least in conversational terms.

After completion of all the assigned work, members of the DCT (and at least one elder) will conduct a final interview. The Beliefs Questionnaire may be discussed, as well as the candidate’s feeling regarding the call to service.

V. Ordination Proceeding

Section 6—Deacon Coordination Team

Function and Responsibilities

Deacon Facilitator

1. Helps the DCT cast vision for the Deacon Ministry at HHBC.
2. Schedules and presides over all DCT and deacon meetings. The Deacon Facilitator may designate another DCT member to preside in his absence.
3. Keeps the Deacon Body informed.
4. Works with the Elder Council Facilitator to develop agendas for DCT and deacon meetings.
5. Facilitates communication between deacons and elders.
6. Works with staff elder.

Deacon Secretary

1. Maintains a written record of DCT and deacon meeting proceedings.
2. Maintains a file of all deacon documents. This includes, but is not limited to, the Deacon Handbook, Deacon Procedure Statements, and DCT/Deacon Meeting Minutes.

Section 7—Deacon Sabbatical Policy

Prior to the first deacon meeting that the returning deacon attends, he will share his heart with the DCT, be prayed over, and welcomed back into full service.

Approved by Elder Council 10/7/08

Section 8—Specific Deacon Ministries

The diaconate, as a whole, is to be visionary. Although deacons carry out ministries prescribed by the elders, they should also be proactive, self-motivating, and self-starting mobilizers for ministry, focusing upon service-driven inreach to the church and outreach to the community.

Specific ministries of the deacons include, but are not exclusive to:

Visitation Ministries

• Hospitals
• Homebound
• Nursing Homes
• Worship Service Visitors/Prospective Members
• New Members

Helps Ministries

• Widows/Orphans/Children of Single Parents
• Single Parents: Skills-Directed Services
• Deacon Benevolence
• Angel Tree
• Budget Counseling

Service Ministries

• Prayer Ministry: The Burdens of the Church
• Ordinances
• Lord’s Supper and Baptism
• Invitation Counseling
• BodyLife/Discovery Classes
• Ushers
• Church Missions
• Organizing/Coordinating Concerts/Conferences

Appendix A—Benevolence

Deacon’s Benevolence Philosophy, Purpose and Principles

Philosophy

The Word of God directed His church in the Old and New Testament to show God’s love and mercy to the world and especially to the brethren by generously loving those who are in need.

Purpose

The purpose of the Deacon’s Fund is to assist families, both inside and outside HHBC, when they are burdened with financial needs.

The deacon body, through the Benevolence Fund, tries to assist our church members and others who are experiencing financial problems. This is accomplished by making financial gifts to the Benevolence Fund. Expenditures are based on the availability of funds at the time of application.

Definition of Need: When a person lacks the finances to meet the basic necessities of life, as listed below:

• Food
• Clothing
• Shelter (mortgage, rent, utilities)
• Medical care (doctor, prescriptions)
• Transportation

Principles

1. Investigate the need from the people involved.
   1. Prov. 27:23 “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.” (Personalities, victories, needs, etc.)
   2. Ezek. 34:1-5 “Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, thus says the Lord God, Woe shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock.” “Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them.” “And they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.” (A good shepherd spends little time with healthy sheep but rather is always busy seeking the lost ones—tending the sick ones—and binding the hurt ones.)
2. We will give cheerfully and generously to meet the needs of the people, especially believers.
   1. Prov. 3:27-28 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.”
   2. Prov. 22:9 “He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.”
   3. Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the most high; for he himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”
   4. Acts 4:32-35 “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.”
   5. Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
3. We are commanded not to provide food to the sluggard who will not work.
   1. 2 Thes. 3:10 “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”
   2. 1 Thes. 4:11 “And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you;”
   3. 2 Thes. 3:11-12 “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in a quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”
4. A family should take care of the needs of its family members.
   1. 1 Tim. 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”
   2. Eph. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”
5. The Christian has all he needs for contentment if he has the basic necessities of life.
   1. Phil. 4:11-12 “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
   2. 1 Tim. 6:8 “And if we have food and covering, with those we shall be content.”
   3. Heb. 13:5 “Let your way of life be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’”
6. The person must be employable and willing to work before we devote effort to locate employment possibilities.
   1. Eph. 4:28 “Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.”
   2. Matt. 7:7-8 “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks it shall be opened.”
7. Widows should be cared for by their families. The church is responsible to provide for certain widows without families.
   1. 1 Tim. 5:3-16 “Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man. Having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.”
8. Loans are permissible, but are the exception. A loan may be better than a gift in certain cases where a gift may bruise his self-esteem or fellowship with HHBC. Some reasons for offering a loan would be: Person not willing to sell assets, being disciplined by elders, or too particular in choosing employment.
   1. Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return …”
   2. Lev. 25:35-37 “Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain.”
   3. Deut. 23:19 “You shall not charge interest to your countrymen; interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest.”
9. The need may be much more than financial. Be sensitive to the root cause of the need. Counseling may be required.

Deacon’s Benevolence Fund Processes and Procedures

The Deacon Benevolence Team

The Deacon Benevolence Team has the primary responsibility for the administration of the Benevolence Fund. All recommendations and disbursements shall be made by members of the team. The team will consist of four to six deacons with one serving as facilitator. The team will work closely with an elder who acts as a liaison to the Elder Council as well as provides guidance. The facilitator will be responsible for writing all checks and letters and assist with recommendations. Each team member will be on-call one week at a time. This responsibility will rotate between all team members except the facilitator. During this week, he will be the primary contact for the church staff and will investigate and make recommendations on all applications received.

The team will also work closely with the Pastor on Call (POC). Guidelines have been developed for the POC in disbursing or committing benevolence funds. These guidelines are included at the end of the Appendix.

Investigating the need (Refer to Principle 1)

A written request must be obtained at the church office during regular business hours (8:00-5:00, M-F). This request must be submitted to the church office during regular business hours. This request will be submitted to the team for review and processing. The process could take seven to ten days to be completed. A completed application with accurate information will hasten the process. A copy of all bills must also be attached to the Application for Assistance. The team will consider payments for basic needs such as housing, utilities, medical, and other needs associated with living a normal life.

Based on availability of funds, the Team, with concurrence of the elder, will address all requests received. Church members with financial needs will be considered first. Non-church members will be considered if funds are available, based on recommendations from staff members.

A. HHBC Members

1. Determine if the person is in a flock. If so, contacting the person’s flock leader, staff pastor and/or elder may provide additional information and details to help with the recommendation. The deacons may then:
   1. Ask the individual’s flock leader, staff pastor and/or elder for more input and details.
   2. Investigate the need themselves if they deem it necessary or are asked to by the individual’s flock leader, staff pastor and/or elder, especially when financial irresponsibility has occurred.
   3. Disburse funds based on the report of the individual’s flock leader, staff pastor and/or elder.
   4. Sometimes, the applicant will be referred to a Money Map Coach or other financial counseling. Following the review, one of three recommendations could be made: 1) Help this one time; 2) Help with this request and additional help will also be required next month(s); or 3) Decline help at this time.
   5. Decline help.
2. On any request from a third party on behalf of another person, the third party should be consulted for his input before any decision regarding the use of the Benevolence Fund. After a decision has been reached, the third party should be informed of the decision by whoever (flock leader, staff pastor and/or elder) is best equipped to handle such a response. Since they did not ask for help we need to choose our questions carefully. This can easily be misinterpreted as meddling.
3. If a decision is made to deny use of the Benevolence Fund in a particular situation, we recommend not encouraging our people to give individually.

B. Non-HHBC Members

1. The church staff will take the person’s name and phone number and consult with a team member. Under no circumstances should a deacon’s telephone number (or personal information) be given out. After consulting with the team member who may need to also consult with the elder, the church staff will either have the individual fill out an application or inform the individual we will not be able to help at this time.
2. A team member will return the call (by dialing *67 then the number which allows the calling person’s number to be blocked) and gather some information about the need. If the person has no phone (transients), then some other arrangements must be made:
   1. Investigate over the phone with them at church.
   2. Meet at the church at a convenient time.
   3. Call them at another phone at a specified time, etc.
3. If the applicant cannot be reached by phone and an appointment is necessary, a second team member should be involved to meet the applicant in person, preferably at the church office facilities during normal office hours. Deacons should avoid going alone, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Deacons should use their first names only for confidentiality (except when dealing with responsible people in other agencies).
4. The two deacons are always to pray for wisdom, discernment and sensitivity prior to the appointment. Ask questions and make observations during the appointment in order to make a proper assessment of the particular need in question. Document the information on a Deacon’s Fund Questionnaire form. After investigating a case together, excuse yourself from the person(s), compare observations, and make a decision. In the case of a couple, try to talk with both of them together and then separately to get a more complete picture of the need.
5. Determine the legitimacy of the need
   1. Is it a true financial need? The fund is strictly for financial needs—usually a one-time situation assistance fund. However, situations will arise which will require ongoing assistance; i.e., widow with no family.
   2. If they lie to you, do not help them.
   3. Are they exhausting their possibilities to take care of the need themselves? What church do they go to? Have they asked that church? Where do they live? Recommend churches close to their home. Are they asking their parents, relatives for help, eagerly looking for employment? If not, postpone or refuse financial assistance.

C. Business Assistance

1. The Benevolence Fund is not intended to be used to assist a business that has fallen on hard times. It may be used to assist the family with its basic living expenses.

Disbursements of the Benevolence Fund—(Refer to Principle 2)

1. If the need is cash, discernment and discretion must be used. Church members and non-church members may be treated differently with this request. For church members, a gift card for food, gas or household needs may be given to the applicant. The use of gift cards to non-church members is highly discouraged. We lose control of how the money will be spent when we give cash. Be a faithful steward—Luke 12:48, “ … and from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”
2. If the need is a utility bill, car payment, medical bill, housing expense, etc., make the check payable directly to the company involved with proper notation regarding account number. This may be a humbling, embarrassing experience for some people. Assure them that this is our policy and in no way reflects on the integrity of their money management.
3. For help with gas or electric utility bills:
   1. Hope Center – 348-1340
   2. Salvation Army – 270-7844
   3. DHS – 739-8000
4. At the church office, there is a petty cash box for limited cash or gift card assistance for walk-ins. Money for this box comes from the Benevolence Fund and is issued by the pastor on call or by an elder. This can be used for gas or a meal. If the need is for gas money (transportation) then lead them to a nearby gas station and fill their car. Obtain a receipt when cash is spent for a need.
5. If the need is for temporary shelter, contact:
   1. Hope Center – 348-1340
   2. Salvation Army – 270-7844
   3. Jesus House
   4. Shelter for Battered Women
   5. A reasonably priced motel (the Stratford House). Make the church’s check payable to the motel. See if they will offer a room free if the TV is being repaired. It has happened!
6. Disbursement Limits—One-Time (First) Request
   1. Team members’ limit
      1. HHBC member—$500 (includes the approximate value of everything done for the individual).
      2. Non-HHBC member—$250
      3. This is for a ONE-TIME assistance. If the individuals come back for additional assistance, the individual must avail themselves of financial counseling by one of the following agencies/programs:
         1. Financial Freedom Ministry
         2. Money Map Coach
         3. Crown Ministries
   2. Team Facilitator’s limit
      1. HHBC member—$750 (After consultation with the team member)
      2. Non-HHBC member—$400
   3. Elder’s limit
      1. If the deacons investigate and recommend additional funds, then an individual elder can approve up to $1,500 for an HHBC member or $750 for a non-HHBC member.
   4. Amounts above $1,500 for an HHBC member or $750 for a non-HHBC member require the approval of the entire Elder Council, or their designated sub-team.
7. Disbursement Limit—Cumulative Amounts

When an HHBC member has been helped a cumulative amount of $3,000, or a non-HHBC member has been helped a cumulative amount of $1,500 in any one calendar year, the entire Elder Council, or their designated sub team, must approve any additional amounts. Items to be considered shall be provided by the deacon team member and facilitator. They shall include:

1. Dates helped
2. Amount and type of assistance given
3. Financial counseling received and recommendations
4. Recommendation for further assistance including a plan of action for any future help

Reporting

Reimbursements

1. Submit receipts and itemized lists of what was purchased to the treasurer. Reimbursement will be made from the Deacon’s Fund account.
2. The church is not an agency by which people contribute through the fund to specific individuals to receive a tax advantage.

Accountability

1. Be a good steward of God’s money.
   1. Matt. 24:45, “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”
2. Be ready to give account of expenditures at each deacon meeting, if requested.
3. Be ready to give a brief report of each case, but spare all the details unless asked to elaborate. Keep cases confidential.
4. Administering this fund is a difficult task. Each elder and deacon has different convictions of how the fund should be administered. Make decisions that are as true to Scripture as you are able. Do not be overly concerned with the praise or criticism that will come with controversial cases.

God Must Receive the Glory

When assistance is given, point out clearly and specifically that the gift is from our heavenly Father. As the statement of philosophy reads: … to show God’s love and mercy. In our acts of generosity, we want God to receive the glory and praise and thanks—not ourselves.

1. Dealing with a sluggard. (Refer to Principle 3)
   1. A sluggard or lazy person will not be helped in a material way.
   2. Provide for the sluggard’s family without helping him.
   3. Confront the sluggard with Scripture. (Refer to Principle 3, A and B) If he is not receptive, then discuss the matter with an elder. If the sluggard does not attend HHBC, then consult with the pastor for his recommendations.
2. Family meeting the needs of family. (Refer to Principle 4)
   1. If the need appears to be quite large financially or has the potential for being an ongoing need, then the family should be contacted.
   2. The family’s knowledge and response to the need should be considered
      1. If the person refuses to tell his family or to permit us to discuss it with them, then we should provide counsel on family relationships and responsibilities. Financial assistance is left up to elder and deacon’s discretion.
      2. If a family knows of the need, is able to help, and chooses not to, then they should be questioned as to why they will not help (i.e. is the person able to work and refuses or do they refuse their responsibilities according to Scripture) and then be presented with the admonition of 1 Timothy 5:8. Obtain an elder’s assistance. If they are not believers then share the gospel with them.
      3. If a family knows of the need, and is unable to help, then we will seriously consider helping with the need.
      4. If a family knows of the need, and is able to help partially, then we will attempt to make up the difference.
3. Contentment. (Refer to Principle 5)
   1. If the family is in debt, counsel them on living within their means.
   2. Urge them to pay off their credit card accounts. Get rid of cards if unable to control their use.
   3. Get into housing and car payments that are affordable within budget plans.
   4. Get additional education and training.
   5. Obtain a job with a higher salary.
   6. Be content with used (garage sale) items where possible.
   7. Shop for items on sale, trade at discount stores, and use coupons.
   8. Assist the family in giving a portion of their income to support God’s work (our church, if they attend regularly).
4. Helping an Unemployed Person. (Refer to Principle 6)
   1. Learn about the person’s employment history.
   2. Discern the extent of person’s perseverance in locating employment.
   3. Refer them to people you know who might give them contacts within companies.
   4. Help them with their resume (delegate this to another in the church).
   5. Refer them to employment agencies (state and private).
   6. Help them locate education and training schools.
   7. Satisfy what he lacks in basic necessities.
   8. Be patient and sensitive to this person. His self-esteem has probably taken quite a beating, so give him an understanding and sympathetic ear. Your words of encouragement and genuine concern can have great motivating power towards boosting his work ethic and attitude.
5. Assisting Widows (Refer to Principle 7)
   1. If widows are not being cared for by their children, then they should be confronted with the scripture in 1 Timothy 5:4, 8. Do this with the help of an elder.
   2. If the children still will not help, then talk to them about the widow making the church the beneficiary and/or an elder or deacon the executor of her estate.
   3. If the widow meets the qualifications of a “widow indeed” then investigate, with the help of an elder, obtain an itemized list of her living expenses. Arrange for the treasurer to send her a check routinely. Contact her periodically for additional needs or changes in her living expenses.
6. Assisting Single Parents (Refer to Principles 2 and 4)
   1. If single parents are not being cared for by their family, counsel them on living within their means.
   2. Urge them to pay off their credit card accounts. Get rid of cards if unable to control their use.
   3. Get into housing and car payments that are affordable within budget plans.
7. Financial Counseling (Refer to Principle 9)
   1. If financial counseling is needed, then determine what kind would be most beneficial.
      1. Vocational—educational
      2. Money management (Budget)
      3. Managing a business
      4. Priorities (Goals in life)
      5. Saving
      6. Giving
   2. If it is determined that the need is more than financial, involve either a pastoral staff member or elder to assist with the appropriate referral.
   3. Enlist the help of godly men in our church and otherwise who are willing to counsel the person in his area of need. Be as involved as is appropriate.
   4. Help the person to be dependent on Christ and self-sustaining. Avoid creating a habitual dependency on you for help.

Deacon’s Benevolence Fund Initial Qualifying Questions

There should be some kind of connection to Henderson Hills Baptist Church—e.g. regular attendee, member, related to member, under counseling from someone on the pastoral staff or in church leadership, etc.

Refer them to a social agency if there is no connection to HHBC—e.g. found our name in the Yellow Pages, heard about us from a friend who received assistance from us once, etc.

2. Ask them to clarify vague statements, such as, “I heard about you through a friend.” You may ask, “What’s your friend’s name?” “How are they affiliated with HHBC?”

If they are sincere, they should be able to give you specifics about those responsible for providing them with such valuable information. And, of course, through such questioning you are seeking to identify some linkage between them and HHBC.

3. Have you received assistance from any other church in Edmond and/or Oklahoma City within the past three years? If so, who?

If they answer this question in the affirmative, contact the church(es) mentioned for verification of assistance and a report of the history of assistance provided to this person.

4. Is there anything you would like to tell me about your situation that you believe is important for me to know?

If they voluntarily offer information about their situation, take detailed notes for the record. This can be used in future evaluations or by the deacon assigned to the existing case if the request needs to be investigated further by the Deacon’s Fund Team.

Note: These questions are designed to encourage an efficient and thorough preliminary check of the qualifications for each person that calls the church for assistance. Any case requiring further activity or evaluation should be referred to a member of the Deacon’s Fund Team right away.

Request for Assistance From the Deacon Benevolent Fund Form

All information will be kept strictly confidential

Date of Application _______________S.S.# _____________________________

Name _____________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________

Home Telephone #________________Work Telephone #________________

Employer____________________________________________________

Spouse’s Employer_____________________________________________

Referred by __________________________________________________

List all Household Members and Their Income

(1)__________________________________________________________

(Household Member) (Age) (Relationship) (Income & Source)

(2)__________________________________________________________

(3)__________________________________________________________

(4)__________________________________________________________

(5)__________________________________________________________

(6)__________________________________________________________

The deacon body, through the Benevolent Fund, tries to assist our church members who are experiencing financial problems. This is accomplished by making financial gifts to the Benevolent Fund. Expenditures from the Benevolent Fund are based on funds available in the Benevolent Fund at the time of application. The deacon body does not wish to loan money from the fund. If an applicant wishes to repay a gift, that will be between the Lord and the applicant.

This written request must be obtained at the church office during regular business hours (8:00-5:00, M-F). This request must be submitted to the church office during regular business hours. This request will be submitted to the Deacon Benevolent Committee for review and processing. The process could take seven to ten days to be completed. A completed application with accurate information will hasten the process. A copy of all bills should also be attached to this application. The committee will consider payments for basic needs such as Housing and Utilities. Payment for telephone service will include basic service only. Items that the committee considers luxury items, such as cable TV and magazine subscriptions, will not be considered.

Member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church? Yes_____ No_____

If yes, which FLOCK group do you attend? __________________________

Membership or affiliation with another church? _______________________

Have you sought assistance from them? ____________________________

Please explain __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

Please list below your needs for which you need assistance. (Please attach a copy of bills to this application) (If rental request, please list name and address of landlord below).

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What sacrifices have you made in order to take care of your obligations? Without some personal sacrifices, it will be difficult to justify most requests.

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Please list any additional comments or information that you may have concerning this request.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

I certify that the information I have provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Applicant’s Signature___________________________________________

Financial Statement

What are your sources of income?

1. Employer            $__________________
2. Disability            $__________________
3. Medicaid             $__________________
4. Alimony              $__________________
5. Child Support    $__________________
6. Other                   $__________________

Total Income                                                                   $__________________

Where does your income go now:                               Monthly Expense

1. Church                                                                   $__________________
2. House (rent/own)                                               $__________________
3. Utilities
   1. Electric      $__________________
   2. Gas             $__________________
   3. Water        $__________________
   4. Phone        $__________________
   5. Cell Phone$__________________
   6. Total Utilities                                             $__________________
4. Vehicle (payments, gas)
   1. Payments  $__________________
   2. Gasoline    $__________________
   3. Insurance $__________________
   4. Maintenance $________________
   5. Total Vehicle                                             $__________________

5. Medical Insurance                                             $__________________
6. Medical (doctors, prescriptions)                    $__________________
7. Childcare                                                              $__________________
8. Education                                                             $__________________
9. Other (please specify)

a. _______________________________   $__________________

b. _______________________________   $__________________

c. _______________________________   $__________________

Total Expenses (1. + 2. + 3f. + 4e. + 5. + 6. + 7. + 8. + 9a + 9b + 9c)  $__________________

Financial Counseling Form

I have obtained Financial Christian Counseling. From this counseling, I am following the recommendations discussed.

Signature:__________________________________________________

Christian Financial Counseling

Please check
_____ I have counseled with (Name)______________________________ regarding their financial situation. Based on our session(s), financial assistance could be of benefit for

(Type of assistance – Rent, Utilities, etc.) _________________________ until (Timing or event occurring – additional income, etc.)___________________________________________.

_____ I have counseled with (Name)______________________________ regarding their financial situation. Based on our session(s), financial assistance is not needed at this time.

Financial Counseling Signature: ____________________________________________

Pastor on Call Benevolence Guidelines for Requests from the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund

Appendix B—The Lord’s Supper

Function

Organize and execute the preparation, serving and clean up of the Lord’s Supper.

Specific Duties as of March 2009

Lord’s Supper Preparation for Saturday Service

Supplies:

• Four (4) juice trays for Saturday and two (2) lids
• Ten (10) juice trays for Sunday
• Two (2) bread trays and two (2) lids
• One (1) box of bread (approximately 500 pieces)
• Three (3) cans of juice

Arrive by 5:00 pm

Preparation For Traditional Serving

Preparation For Couples (Chalice) Method of Serving

Early preparation for Sunday

• Fill ten (10) trays with cups to expedite preparation Sunday morning

Lord’s Supper Preparation for Sunday Services

Supplies:

• Ten (11) juice trays and four (4) lids
• Four (4) bread trays and four (4) lids
• One (1) box of bread (approximately 500 pieces)
• Fifteen (15) cans of juice

Arrive by 8:30 pm depending upon the amount of help

For Traditional Serving Preparation for 9:00 am Service

Preparation For Couples (Chalice) Method of Serving

• Custodians will have 21 chalices in our preparation area and the saucers in the auditorium
• Fill the 21 chalices with juice (approximately 6 cans of juice)
• Bread should arrive around 8:40 am
  • Wrap the bread in the paper towels
• Place ten (10) chalices in the saucers on the east table
  • Place a napkin on the saucer before placing the chalice
  • Place another napkin folded in half by each chalice
• Place ten (10) breads in the basket on the east table
• Place ten (10) chalices in the saucers on the west table
  • Place a napkin on the saucer before placing the chalice
  • Place another napkin folded in half by each chalice
• Place ten (10) breads in the basket on the west table
• Place one (1) chalice in the saucer on the stand in the center
  • Place a napkin on the saucer before placing the chalice
  • Place another napkin folded in half by each chalice
• Place one (1) bread on the stand in the center

After Serving in the 9:00 am Service to Prepare for the 10:45 Service

After the 10:45 Service

• Collect the traditional juice trays and bread trays from the side tables
• Empty the remaining contents in the trash
• Wipe clean the trays and store in the cabinet

Appendix C—Ushers

Function

Coordinate all ushers for any event that might happen at our facility.

Specific Duties

1. Work with the usher leadership to ensure that we have proper coverage and accountability with the ushers at every service.
2. Coordinate with the deacon responsible for the Lord’s Supper the need to utilize ushers and deacons for serving on the night specified. Work to include as many deacons as possible who can assist in the serving of the Lord’s Supper.

Ministry                                         Pastor                                Team Facilitator

Benevolence                                                   Joe Williams                                      Phil Dean

Helps                                                                Joe Williams                                      Jim Roberts

Hospital Visitation                                      Wally Weaver                                    David Boliver

Invitation Counselors                               Joe Williams                                   Bill Muenker

The sub-teams ensure there are sufficient supplies—cups, juice, and bread—for each observance and that ample trays are prepared. They also organize the distribution of the elements.

Baptism                                                          Kim Swyden                                     Duane Lawrence

Ushers                                                             Kim Swyden                                     Richard DeLaughter

Budget Counseling                                   Joe Williams                                    Michael Crooks

Home Bound                                              Wally Weaver                                    ____________

Nursing Home                                           Wally Weaver                                   ____________

Widows                                                      Joe Williams                                    David Lee