Flexibility, Generosity, and Grace

Sometimes, events and circumstances put an otherwise faithful congregation in a situation in which the standard formula doesn’t work. The Rare Circumstance Adjustment is designed for flexibility, generosity, and grace. This adjustment helps the local church facing rare circumstances to continue to be recognized as a full partner in the global mission.

Each local church is subject to unique circumstances: the sudden loss of substantial revenue-generating members, an unexpected legal situation, a large non-cash donation to the local church, or other designated gifts. In any case, the standard definition of church income might represent an unfair burden on the local church. Therefore, a plan is in place to provide adjustments under rare circumstances.

Rare Circumstance Adjustment

Unusual circumstances that are clearly outside the church’s normal activity will be considered for an adjustment to church income. The adjustment should be requested during the affected assembly year and approved by the district superintendent and District Advisory Board. Upon district approval, a leadership team at the GMC will consider the request based on the circumstances, church-giving patterns, and history of denominational faithfulness.

To submit a request for the rare circumstance adjustment:

Write a summary of the unusual circumstance(s).
Complete the request form.
Obtain approval signature of the district superintendent.
Obtain the recommendation of the District Advisory Board.
Send the request to Stewardship Ministries during the affected assembly year.
Pastors (and their district superintendent) will be notified within 30 days of receipt of application.

Discover Giving in the Church What Does It Mean? More on Exclusions Rare Circumstances Designated Gift Policy FAQs and Examples		Rare Circumstances Flexibility, Generosity, and Grace Sometimes, events and circumstances put an otherwise faithful congregation in a situation in which the standard formula doesn’t work. The Rare Circumstance Adjustment is designed for flexibility, generosity, and grace. This adjustment helps the local church facing rare circumstances to continue to be recognized as a full partner in the global mission. Each local church is subject to unique circumstances: the sudden loss of substantial revenue-generating members, an unexpected legal situation, a large non-cash donation to the local church, or other designated gifts. In any case, the standard definition of church income might represent an unfair burden on the local church. Therefore, a plan is in place to provide adjustments under rare circumstances. Rare Circumstance Adjustment Unusual circumstances that are clearly outside the church’s normal activity will be considered for an adjustment to church income. The adjustment should be requested during the affected assembly year and approved by the district superintendent and District Advisory Board. Upon district approval, a leadership team at the GMC will consider the request based on the circumstances, church-giving patterns, and history of denominational faithfulness. To submit a request for the rare circumstance adjustment: Write a summary of the unusual circumstance(s). Complete the request form. Obtain approval signature of the district superintendent. Obtain the recommendation of the District Advisory Board. Send the request to Stewardship Ministries during the affected assembly year. Pastors (and their district superintendent) will be notified within 30 days of receipt of application.