Appendix A: continued,
Principles in Giving Assistance.
•1.  It is legitimate to ask questions to determine the reality and depth of the need.
•2.  It is OK to help some cases before they ask.
•3.  It is right to give counseling when needed.
•4.  It is proper to refer to the Elders in case of sinful conduct by members.
•5.  Sometimes you have to say, “no.”
1.  Determine the legitimacy of need, questions that need to be asked:
A. Who is asking, are they eligible under our policy?
B.  Is this an emergency, is there an underlying problem that will make it happen again?  What is the best way to help them?
C.  Will helping the immediate problem create more problems for them, or for the church?
D.  Is the problem self induced?  Is it better for them to bear the consequences of their behavior?
E.  Is intervention necessary no matter whose fault it is?
F.  Can we help enough to make sure the problem doesn’t keep happening?
G.  Does this person have their own resources, or other options, I.e., family, home church, other agency?
H.  Are they telling the truth, can we verify it?
I.  Is the person hostile or threatening?
NOTE:  Hostility of threats are grounds for immediate denial of help, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation should be confronted and rejected.