Appendix A, continued
Standard Operating Procedure, continued
•Deacons empowered to a certain limit.
•Con artists
•Confidentiality
•Record Keeping
•Security
9.  Deacons are allowed to spend a set limit out of their own pocket.  As of September 2000 that may be $100.00  More than that needs consultation with the other Deacons.  It is encouraged that all situations be verified.
10.. There are always con artists, and they often target churches.  Individuals attending church may begin asking for loans from various members, without letting it be known they are asking more than one person.  It is important for members to refer need to the Deacons, or ask for advice.  Deacons should be a point of reception for funds to help specific cases.
    It would be good to develop a case book of “cons.” This will help new Deacons recognize typical scenarios, such as showing up as church is ending when people are in a rush to get home.  It is almost always a request for cash, and a need that cannot be verified.
11.  Keep records, and keep confidential who you help and what help you give.   You can share kinds of cases and statistics, but be careful not to embarrass people.
12.  Think security, visit homes in teams, don’t endanger your members in their attempts to do good.