Leading a ministry means ministering to people, and ministry is often messy. One of the areas that we would consider "messy" is the area of benevolence. Benevolence is the crossroads of theology, doctrine, practice, stewardship, discernment, discipleship, and more. Like the "malfunction junction" in your local interstate system, it's not always easy to navigate.
The key is making sure that benevolence never becomes a hassle. Here are a few things that we've noticed help ensure benevolence does not chip away at your faith:
Be Prepared
Be prepared for benevolence, don't let it sneak up. Hard times and struggles are never expected in personal situations, so how do you prepare for benevolence? A set amount of finances, a select few hands and feet to serve, or a form required for assistance can be very beneficial in taking the stressors out of assisting someone. Having any sort of process helps navigate exactly what to expect and provides the recipient with realistic expectations.
Don't Handle it Alone
Refrain from bearing the weight all on your own. Whether you're a lead pastor, ministry assistant, or volunteer, you should not bear the weight of benevolence alone. "We're a small church; it's just me" isn't even an adequate excuse. Suppose you're serving a smaller congregation; team up with the church down the road for benevolence. Many spontaneous benevolence requests present a pattern. If someone approaches asking for assistance, there's a good chance they have asked for or received assistance from another local church in the past. Maintaining communication and a network is helpful, especially in times when discernment is stronger than obligation.
It's also essential to take precautions when conversing with anyone seeking benevolence. It's best practice to have someone else in the room or the conversation. Requests for benevolence often come with high emotions and make for difficult conversations. A fellow minister or church member in the conversation can protect or deter any harmful actions or allegations and help ensure the exchange is clear and reasonable.
Know of Other Resources Available
Know what other resources might be available. Sometimes your congregation might not be equipped to offer the assistance requested or needed for benevolence. Knowing specific things that your community, local government, or even other churches and organizations are offering can help you navigate your role in being benevolent without the added stress of fixing a problem that is outside of your wheelhouse.
Thinking through these things, preparing a list of resources, and setting clear expectations and procedures will help make benevolent processes less hassle and allow you to focus on your spiritual needs more quickly. Most of all, it will free you to find the blessing in offering benevolence.