The Barnabas Fund

The Barnabas Scripture Focus

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”); sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:33-37 NIV

The Barnabas Giving Approach

From the Early Church on, church bodies have sought ways to contribute to the needs of the whole church. This is no less true today. The Barnabas Fund has been established to share the blessing of financial resources with congregations who express a ministry-driven need. The name Barnabas Fund has been chosen to represent the concept of financial encouragement for congregations who need a fiscal boost to accomplish their God-calling in ministry. The Barnabas Fund seeks to encourage the ministry of congregations through a grant-based ministry investment strategy that seeks Kingdom-based ministry results through: shared resources, fiscal accountability, ministry planning, and economic partnering.

Barnabas Fund Recipients

The Barnabas Fund will provide continued support to ANE’s four “mission congregations” :

Alpha & Omega (Lancaster, PA)
Brooklyn First (Brooklyn, NY)
Germantown (Philadelphia, PA)
Harrisburg First (Harrisburg, PA

Consideration will also be given to congregations whose characteristics include:

A verifiable active outreach ministry
Located in and serving a community with a significant economically challenged population
Limited resources due to circumstances beyond their control
Sizeable community needs that surpass the congregation’s ability to respond.

There must be clear evidence of Gospel and Mission

Barnabas Fund Eligibility

Clear evidence of the need for financial assistance, based on the financial conditions of the congregation and project ministry funding.

Clear evidence of responsible stewardship with current and available finances.

Clear evidence of both the potential for and active participation in congregational outreach (physical, spiritual, or evangelistic) efforts in the community.

Notable efforts at reaching others in the community with the Word-and-Deed (life-transforming) grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

All grants will be given good-faith consideration and are subject to:

Discernment of the Barnabas Team
The Fund’s income
The number and timing of overall requests.

The Barnabas Fund
shall not be used to:

Compensate for poor stewardship practices
Compensate for deferred maintenance
Sustain an “inwardly” focused congregation seeking survival

The Application Process

The Barnabas Fund provides a one-year grant. Applications must be submitted annually.

The completed Grant Application shall be submitted in writing to the Atlantic Northeast District Office, to the attention of The Barnabas Fund Team. It may be submitted via US Mail or as an E-mail attachment.

The Barnabas Fund Team will set and publish quarterly meeting times to review applications. Meetings may be cancelled as appropriate.

Applications for consideration must be received at the District office no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Applications requesting funds needed for a calendar year must be received at the District office no later than May 1 of the prior year.

Applications for funds not needed for a calendar year may be submitted any time throughout the year according to instructions above.

Applicant will be contacted within 10 days following the meeting.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Contact ANE Director of Witness & Outreach,
Mary Etta Reinhart

e-mail:
mreinhart@ane-cob.org

WANT AN APPLICATION?

Contact the District office:

e-mail:
kdickson@ane-cob.org