Ministry Priority Project Request

To:    SCBC Ministry Partner

From:    ADVANCE Leadership Team South Carolina Baptist Convention

Process for Requesting Priority Project Request Assistance

Partnership project requests may be submitted at any time throughout the year for review and/or approval by the Advance Team and Associate Executive Director-Treasurer. Requests should lead to Kingdom advance within the areas of Church Strengthening and Discipleship, Evangelism, Missions Mobilization, Serving, Shepherding, and/or Church Planting.

What decision-making process will be utilized to determine which requests receive funding, and to which amount?  Do we have any standards or points of reference for making decisions?  In a word, yes.  Each project request should contain the following three elements:

Empowers Multiplication.  In the interest of the strongest Gospel partnership possible, requests that may create dependence will receive a lower priority of consideration.  High value is placed on the Lord providing resources from “within the harvest” when and where possible.  It is our belief and conviction that such providence stimulates reproduction and tends to prevent unhealthy dependence on outside sources.

Project-Oriented.  Projects that can be measured within a certain timeframe for completion will receive a higher priority for funding.  In general, we desire to leverage the Cooperative Program and/or Janie Chapman resources to fund key initiatives, as opposed to ongoing operating expenses.  Lenience may be considered for special, urgent, emergency situations.

Catalytic and Strategic!  High priority will be given to projects which accelerate progress in evangelism, disciple-making, leadership development, and starting new work in unreached areas.  Such requests match up well with the four SCBC ministry priorities.  Capital requests (such as vehicles, property, materials, etc.) will only be considered for funding if they fit directly within the above-mentioned criteria.

What about emergency requests?  We do have some (limited) flexibility and mobility in meeting emergency needs.  Partners may submit or call in an official proposal / request (if time permits) and it will be prayerfully considered.