RICHMOND—The Virginia Baptist Mission Board's executive committee voted Jan. 12 to establish a Helping Hands Fund to assist churches that are experiencing difficulty due to financial circumstances beyond their control.
The fund has been established with an initial gift of $10,000 from First Baptist Church of Richmond.
The VBMB is receiving an increasing number of calls from churches experiencing difficulty paying bills in the midst of the economic slump, said treasurer Eddie Stratton. Requests range from assistance with salaries and insurance to emergency maintenance and utilities payments. One church had its phone cut off after voting to not to reduce salaries or missions gifts to the VBMB, he said.
The fund will be administered by Stratton and VBMB executive director John Upton on a case-by-case basis, determined by need. Criteria to allocate funds has not yet been established. Guidelines will be determined in the near future.
Referrals may come from the VBMB's field strategists or directly from a church.
Emergency assistance funds are not available in the VBMB budget, said Stratton, who expressed thanks to First Baptist, Richmond, for its gift.
“We have no idea of how much need will occur as the year progresses or how large the fund will grow, but we want to be ready to help as we believe the needs will increase,” said Stratton.
“Our hope is that churches will get this word and that if there is interest among churches and individuals in contributing to the Helping Hands Fund, that they will contact us. Brochures with details are being printed, but in the meantime, church treasurers may use blank lines on the church remittance form, in the same way they would treat any designated gift. Help us spread the word and to grow the Helping Hands Fund.”
Stratton said the fund is good news for pastors, church staff and churches who need assistance but previously had no place to turn.
Inquiries or questions may be directed to Stratton or to Walter Harrow, assistant to the treasurer, at (804) 915-5000, (800) 255-2428, eddie.stratton@vbmb.org or walter. harrow@vbmb.org.
All requests must be in writing and confidentiality is assured.