Church Help Fund
A fund initiated by the conference to target churches in need.
Purpose
The Saskatchewan Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches has recognized that there may be on occasion, a need to intervene with financial assistance on behalf of pastors and/or pastoral couples. Throughout the conference there are congregations that do not have the same resources as their sister churches. The fund has been initiated by the conference to target churches in need.
Qualifying criteria is suggested that any church in the conference with a total yearly budget of $100,000.00 or less may apply in the following areas:
- Assist pastors or pastor couples of the Conference. The purpose is to provide assistance in the event of a crisis, personal or financial situation.
- Assist in the professional development of our church pastors in the above criteria.
- Individual church need may be considered as well (e.g. conflict resolution).
These will be determined and administered under the direction of the Director of Church Ministries. Written requests outlining the need will be assessed on an individual basis.
Administrative parameters
The Conference also recognizes that each and every situation that may fall in line with the purpose statement of the Fund will be different and unique in some way from previous experience. The following is a list of parameters by which application may be made, funds accessed, and the funds dispersed to the intended party.
- If the fund is used in a given year the fund is to be refurbished and maintained at an annual figure of $10,000.
- A minimum of $5,000 is to be reserved for crisis situations.
- Applications for professional development need to be made in writing and submitted to the DCM. The conference shall provide such forms.
- Professional Development funds will be limited to $600.00 per application. One application may be made once every two years.
- Requests for assistance or offers of assistance shall be made to, or initiated by the DCM. In the absence of a DCM, the chairperson of the Board of Faith and Life would become more personally involved.
- The DCM shall make offers of assistance after consultation with the chairperson of the Board of Management.
- Offers would be considered as a gift from the conference.
- All payments from the fund would preferably be funneled through the pastors own church. Church Board involvement is seen as being of prime importance. Exceptions may be made with the recommendation of the DCM.
