SMI Chalk Talk: Why fill out a continuation form every year?

Why does a continuation form have to be filled out every year?

Ever wonder why we ask you to complete a Continuation Form every year? Here’s why:

It provides accountability—in three ways:

• The member is accountable to the local church.
• The member is accountable to all the other Samaritan members.
• The ministry is accountable to the members.

Samaritan Ministries is only an effective ministry insofar as it functions as an extension of the local church. Each member is under the leadership of his or her local church fellowship, and we can only serve you within that context.

Each of us faces temptation every day, and it is quite possible that someone could fail to follow the membership requirement. The fact that we require this accountability is not an expression of distrust, but simply a recognition of the fact that we all are involved in a spiritual battle where there can be “casualties.”

The Continuation Form agreement keeps us on the same spiritual page. When everyone truthfully completes the form, you know that you’re sending your share to someone who has affirmed their belief in the triune God of the Bible and to someone who has affirmed they are accountable to a church they attend.

• The members have the opportunity to review updates to ministry principles and Guidelines.
• Members can be sure that their contact information is kept current in our system.
• When you confirm your family size and participation, you are also confirming the monthly dollar amount we should be asking you to send to other members or to the Samaritan Ministries office.

We understand that filling out the form can be time-consuming, but it also helps you as a member save time and money. Consider it from the perspective of requiring other members to fill out the form. For instance, if they didn’t update their information, you might send your share to an incorrect address, causing a delay and headache for you.

Please be encouraged that by taking a few minutes to fill out the Continuation Form once a year, you are enabling Samaritan Ministries to continue to share your needs and help you to relieve others’ burdens in accordance with the Gospel.