True Religion, Practical Stewardship: Why Every Church Needs a Benevolence Budget

Many pastors feel the tension between wanting to help people and needing to steward church resources wisely. A benevolence budget is one of the simplest ways to do both.

Why Every Church Needs a Benevolence Budget (and How to Create One)

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…” (James 1:27)

As church leaders, we know that church isn’t primarily defined by what happens inside the building on a Sunday morning, even though that time together is formative and powerful. The Body of Christ is meant to carry the presence of Jesus into the world – into hospitals, funeral homes, prison cells, and foster care centers.

True religion looks like showing up for the grieving mother who just lost her child. It looks like standing with the family facing a medical bill that could lead to bankruptcy. It looks like helping the couple staring down adoption fees they can’t possibly afford.

But while we know this in our hearts, it’s just as important that we reflect it in our church budgets. Good stewardship doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when compassion is matched with intention.

The Case for a Church Benevolence Budget

Recently, a new member at my church faced a serious medical diagnosis with overwhelming out-of-pocket expenses. The congregation rallied together with a GoFundMe campaign, but the funds were still short by a few thousand dollars. When the church board learned of this need, they were able to step in and provide the extra money out of the church benevolence budget. What a gift it was for the church to step in and bridge that gap – to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a tangible way!

Moments like that do not happen by accident. Without a plan, even the most well-meaning churches can miss out on opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

Importantly, designating a specific benevolence fund is not about giving less. Churches with a clear compassion budget often give more, and they do so with greater confidence and accountability. A well-defined benevolence budget provides direction, keeps your church legally compliant, and ensures that every gift is recorded and distributed with integrity.

Once your church recognizes the value of benevolence, the next question becomes how to organize it well.

Types of Church Benevolence Funds to Consider

Every church has a different capacity for giving, just as every person who walks through your doors has a different capacity. Remember, Jesus celebrated the woman who gave two small coins, not because of the amount but because of her heart (Mark 12:41–44).

The same is true for your church. What matters most is the posture of generosity, not the size of the budget. Still, no matter your church’s capacity, it helps to set aside funds for different purposes. Here are a few recommended church benevolence funds to consider: 

1. Widows and Orphans Benevolence Fund

This fund seeks to clearly reflect the heart of James 1:27. From the early church in Acts to today’s ministries, God’s people have always been called to look after the most vulnerable.

In your context, this fund might include support for single parents, foster families, or elderly members who no longer have a primary support system. Some churches also partner with local organizations that serve orphans or aging adults, extending their reach beyond the congregation.

2. Church Member Care Fund

This fund provides practical help for those who regularly attend or serve in your church. It represents the kind of care found in the early church, where believers shared what they had so that no one was in need (Acts 2:44–45).

This fund might cover transportation, groceries, or other practical assistance during a difficult season. It can also include help with counseling costs, transportation, or other urgent needs. Having this fund clearly defined allows your church to respond quickly and fairly while keeping records transparent and consistent.

Having this fund clearly defined helps your team make quick, responsible decisions when needs arise.

3. Community Outreach Benevolence Fund

The Community Outreach Fund allows your church to serve your city in tangible ways. While the other funds may focus on members or internal needs, this one extends compassion beyond your walls.

It can support partnerships with schools, shelters, or food pantries, as well as assistance for individuals or families who are not part of your congregation but reach out for help. It can also be used for local disaster response or seasonal outreach projects.

This type of fund reminds your church that ministry does not stop at the front doors of the sanctuary.

4. Global Missions and Crisis Relief Fund

Many churches already support missionaries or global partners, but a designated benevolence fund for global ministry or crisis situations creates flexibility when urgent needs arise.

This might include emergency medical assistance for missionaries, disaster relief for a sister church overseas, or aid for communities affected by war or famine. Keeping a global fund ready ensures your church can act quickly when an opportunity to serve arises.

This fund also strengthens the connection between your congregation and the global Body of Christ, reminding everyone that compassion is not limited by geography.

5. A Benevolence Fund That Reflects Your Church’s Calling

Finally, take time to pray about a fund that reflects your church’s unique ministry focus. Every congregation carries a distinct calling. For some, that might mean a Recovery and Restoration Fund for those overcoming addiction. For others, a student Support Fund that helps young people attend camp or pursue ministry training.

Ask God to show your leadership team where he has already positioned your church to meet needs. Then, create a fund that matches that heartbeat.

The goal is not to copy what other churches are doing but to listen to what God is asking your church to do (and prepare the resources to do it well).

How to Manage a Benevolence Fund At Your Church

Write a Simple Benevolence Policy

Once your benevolence budget is created, make sure to put it in writing. Document what each fund is for, how requests are reviewed, and who approves distributions.

Make sure to keep your written policies broad enough to meet needs that fit the spirit of the fund. Avoid language that limits flexibility or creates unnecessary complications later, such as specifying exact ages or family structures. 

A good rule of thumb is to write enough to ensure accountability but leave enough room for compassion!

Put Accountability and Oversight in Place

A benevolence budget begins with compassion but continues with accountability. Once your church decides to establish benevolence funds, determine who will oversee them and how decisions will be made.

In most churches, the board or council should vote on the total benevolence amount each year as part of the annual budget. This ensures that generosity is planned for and prioritized.

After the budget is approved, assign someone to monitor the disbursements and keep accurate records. This might be your compassion or outreach leader, a church secretary, or a designated treasurer. At my church, we have a staff member who oversees compassionate ministries, and they do a wonderful job ensuring that every request and distribution is handled with care and integrity.

Every dollar that leaves a benevolence fund represents trust. Clear oversight protects both the giver and the recipient and helps your church celebrate what God is doing through these funds with confidence.

What Should I Do If the Church Benevolence Fund Runs Out?

There may be times in the life of your church when the need feels urgent, but the benevolence budget is empty. When that happens, do not let the lack of funds stop you from listening to the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is prompting you to give, then give by faith!

That said, giving by faith does not mean giving without accountability. It’s important that pastors work with their board or leadership team to determine where the money will come from. You may need to reallocate funds from another part of the budget for a season or approve a one-time expense to meet a pressing need.

Another option is to invite your congregation into the story. Be transparent about the need and the cost. When people see a clear opportunity to give, many will be eager to help. You can organize a special offering, share the situation (while protecting privacy), or start a simple fundraising effort to replenish the benevolence fund.

When handled prayerfully and transparently, moments like this can strengthen your church’s faith and unity!

When Compassion Is Structured, It Multiplies

I am often reminded of the time Jesus fed the five thousand (Matthew 14:13–21). The people were hungry, and the disciples saw the need but did not know how to meet it. Jesus gave structure to their compassion. He told the people to sit down, organized them into groups, and then took what little they had, a few loaves and fish, and multiplied them.

That is what a benevolence budget does for a church. It gives structure to compassion so that God can multiply it. It takes the few resources we have and places them in his hands, trusting that he will make them enough.

True religion is not only expressed in what we believe. It is lived out in how we care for others, thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with integrity.

Build Your Church Budget With Confidence

Ready to incorporate a benevolence budget or begin budgeting for your church as a whole? This free guide will help you build your church budget with clarity and purpose.

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