Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the SCM Fund
Why should I give money to the SCM Fund?
Without your financial support, it will be difficult or impossible to run the many activities in SCM (please see “What kinds of activities or events are we talking about?” for more information). If you believe that CBCGB should be serving the poor and fighting injustice, please give! With your financial support, we can continue to grow CBCGB’s heart for the poor and oppressed, and continue to reach out to them, so that we as a church can better represent God’s love to the world.
But I’m already giving to the Missions Fund and the General Fund. You’re bleeding me dry!
We definitely acknowledge that there are many requests for your time and money. However, we hope you will see that the work of the Social Concerns Ministry is complementary to our outreach through missions, and another aspect of what we, as a church, need to edify each other. Also, if you’ve been giving to the General Fund, you’ve already been supporting SCM indirectly. We’re just asking you to do it directly now
What do you mean by “social concerns”? What’s the biblical justification for supporting social concerns work?
We define social concerns as concern for two major principles: Mercy and justice (Micah 6:8).
There are many verses in the Bible showing how much God cares about those who are poor and suffering from injustice. As His children and ambassadors, we are called to demonstrate God’s love for the poor and oppressed.
Some of these verses are: Luke 10:25-37, Galatians 2:9-10, James 1:26-27, Deuteronomy 15, Isaiah 58: 6-10, Leviticus 25, Amos 5:7-17, Isaiah 1:17.
What’s the purpose of the Social Concerns Ministry? How is it run?
SCM aims to:
- Educate the congregation about social concerns needs, so that we can be motivated and empowered to do God’s work effectively.
- Encourage the congregation to show God’s love by fighting poverty and injustice.
SCM is headed by the SCM Committee, which is composed of five people: a chairperson (appointed by the Board of Elders), two English Ministry members, and two Chinese Ministry members. The SCM Committee leads the Social Concerns Ministry and manages the SCM Fund.
How will SCM Fund money be used?
The money will support CBCGB activities and events related to social concerns education and outreach, and will support organizations that help the poor or oppressed.
What kinds of activities or events are we talking about?
Any CBCGB social concerns related activities that require financial support, with higher priority given to activities that help CBCGB members learn more deeply about the issues, and interact with the people they are serving. If your fellowship or small group volunteers or provides a meal at a homeless shelter, needs resources for a clothing or food drive like Operation Mittens, that money will come from the SCM Fund. The annual Social Concerns Conference (SOCCON) will also be funded by the SCM Fund.
What kinds of external organizations will the SCM Fund support?
The SCM Fund will prioritize support for a charitable organization that has one or more of the following qualities:
- Effective in meeting a specific need
- Works internationally among the poor, where there is more need
- Has an excellent rating from a reputable charity evaluation organization
- Meets a need not being met by any other organization
- Meets a different type of need than other organizations already supported by the SCM Fund
- Is an organization where a CBCGB member is currently working, or has worked before
The SCM Fund will not support organizations that are non-Christian and represent other religions. The SCM Fund may support secular (non-religious) organizations whose activities are not in conflict with CBCGB’s statement of faith and values, or our collective Christian conscience.
Can I recommend an organization for the SCM Fund to support?
Yes! Any member of CBCGB can request support for an external charitable organization. The request form can be found below under Documents.
The SCM Committee will evaluate the request based on the priorities above.
How will we know if you are being responsible with the money we give?
We want to be transparent as possible. The SCM Committee is accountable to the Board of Elders, who must approve the budget and appoint the SCM Committee chairperson. Also, the SCM Committee will publish an annual report at the end of each fiscal year to explain how money was spent. This report will be both given to the Board of Elders and made available to the congregation.
What if the total of our pledges do not meet the SCM fundraising goal?
If we do not receive enough in pledges to cover our proposed budget, the SCM Committee will first cut the support for external charities. If that is not enough, the SCM Committee will reduce the budget for CBCGB activities.
What if our pledges exceed the SCM fundraising goal?
If the pledge total exceeds the SCM fundraising goal, the SCM Committee will make sure that the funds are used to expand or add CBCGB social concerns activities or programs, or to expand or add funding for external charitable organizations. For more details, please refer to the fund policy section of the SCM Charter and Fund Policy.
I just looked at the budget. Why is there a reserve?
Congregational giving may fluctuate from year to year especially when the economy is down, so the SCM Fund will have reserve funds to keep the level of SCM activity and support consistent. This is especially important for external organizations, since they depend on our support to run their programs.
Who can I talk to if I still have more questions?
Please contact SCM Committee with any additional questions.