Diaconate Fund Ministry

Diaconate Fund

In coordination with all our other mercy and care ministries (visitation ministry, bereavement ministry, prayer ministry, and counseling ministry), we will demonstrate God’s mercy to those in need within the body of Christ at ODPC EC through the Diaconate Fund, as administered by the Diaconate Committee.

Biblical Basis

We are one people of God, having received his mercy (1 Peter 2:10) and having each become a member of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to be generous towards the needy in their midst (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). In the same way, we see God’s people in the New Testament, defined by their faith in Jesus Christ, selling property and possessions to give those in need in their midst (Acts 2:44-47). In particular, we see the early church raising up people known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom, i.e., deacons, to take care of the food distribution to the marginalized Hellenistic Jewish widows (Acts 6:1-7).

The Diaconate Fund is one way in which we are concretely following in our day these Biblical precedents to take care of those in need in our midst.

Eligibility

Financial assistance from the Diaconate Fund is available to members and regular attenders of ODPC EC on a case-by-case basis. The Diaconate Fund is primarily for individuals who have agreed to receive care from, and be held accountable to, the other members of ODPC EC.

Assistance for

Primary Needs

The Diaconate Fund is for clients who demonstrate need for financial assistance. Such need arises if an individual is unable to earn sufficient funds to support primary needs, does not have family resources, and has used personal resources until they are relatively exhausted. The Diaconate Fund will consider all reasonable factors to determine if financial need criteria are met. A client need not be financially destitute to be eligible for assistance.

The Diaconate Fund is intended for short-term financial assistance. An illustrative list of primary needs that may be met by Diaconate Fund include the following:

  • Lodging (whether rent or mortgage);
  • Food;
  • Transportation to or from a place of employment;
  • Medical treatment expenses;
  • Funeral expenses; and
  • Initial evaluation and professional counseling appointments.

Because funding is limited, the Diaconate Fund will direct financial support to those clients who are most in need of financial assistance.

How Do I Give?

Please specify the Diaconate Fund in your ODPC EC giving or use the online giving form.Donations may not be designated toward particular recipients or purposes.

Can I Apply?

If you would like to inquire about applying for funds, please reach out to the Diaconate Fund Committee by filling out the Request for Application. The Committee will review the information and consider whether we can proceed with the application process.

FAQ

Q: I’m a member and my cousin has an acute financial need. Can I apply on behalf
of my cousin?
A: The Diaconate Fund will review requests on behalf of immediate family members only – e.g., parents, siblings, or children.

Q: I’m an attender but my church attendance is not quite regular. Can I apply?
A: The Diaconate Fund will consider applications from regular attenders on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to reach out to the care ministries and pastoral staff to discuss your situation.

Q: I have unexpected medical bills. Can I apply?
A: Financial assistance may include medical treatment expenses.

Q: I live in the local community and have financial need, but do not attend ODPC
EC. Can I apply?
A: The Diaconate Fund is part of the care ministries for members and regular attenders of ODPC EC with accountability. If you are not a member or regular attender, please reach out to our Outreach Director to discuss other ways in which we may be able to help.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at diaconate.fund@odpcec.org. If you would like to inquire about funds, please fill out the Request Application. If you would like to give, please prayerfully consider giving to the Diaconate Fund.