Upload
hector-bishop
View
216
Download
3
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Practical Tools for anIrresistible Buddy Ministry
Presented by Jan Joaquin
What is a Buddy Ministry?
• Pairing two people– Two are better than one, Ecc 4:9-10– One with a disability , one provides
assistance– So that the body of Christ may be built
up, until ALL reach unity in faith and knowledge of God…Eph 4:11-13
Why Buddies
• Gives volunteers positive experience serving
• Parents and sibs experience meaningful worship
• Age appropriate environment• Relationships grow• The body is served• The kingdom is built – Luke 14
Characteristics of a Buddy
• Teachable• Dependability• Flexibility• Sensitivity• Confidentiality
Responsibility of Buddy
• Provide assistance• Use appropriate behavior management• Learn Buddy’s mode of communication• Encourage social interaction
• A buddy is…– A friend not a babysitter– A role model not a teacher– A partner not a parent– An advocate not an agent
How To Be A Buddy
• Pray for your buddy– By name and often– For your own purpose
• Get to know your buddy– Learn the disability– Know the family
• Be a real Friend
Focus on Inclusion
• Can function in the least restrictive environment– Among typically developing peers– Safe– Meaningful– Amicable, friendly
Volunteers
•Recruitment
•Training
•Retention
Volunteer Recruitment
• Getting the word out– Brand the ministry– Posters– Bulletin– Youth and young adults – Pastor support– Personal touch– Position discription
Volunteer Interview
• Biblical understanding of disability• Spiritual goals of the ministry• Good Buddy match for Volunteers– Age preferrences– Past experiences– Level of comfort
• Address fears and misconceptions
Training Volunteers
• Vision and Mission• Church staff involved• Policies and procedures• Welcoming and teaching tips• Resources• Connections
Volunteer Retention
• Thank them, publicly appreciate them• Create community• Utilize their gifts• Pray for them• Send cards/small gift cards• Feed them
Maintaining Buddy Ministry
• What doesn’t work– Buddies on call– No schedule– No training/prep
What Works
• Master calendar/schedules• Train parents to be responsible• Train Buddies with their child• Sub Lists• Define service hours/length of service• Family intake form
What Works
• Lead person to oversee families/volunteers– Keep communication open
• Foster relationships– Pray for them
• Build teams for each child• Appreciate volunteers• Have tools available
Tools For The Toolbox
• Buddy Clipboards-family communication• Sensory box/bag• Visual timer• Visual Schedules• Bean bag chairs/ball chairs
Resources
• Joni and Friends on Pinterest/Church Relations
• Special Needs Smart Pages-Joni and Friends• Practical Pathways-Joni and Friends• Leading a Special Needs Ministry – Amy Fenton Lee (* Chap. 7)
Kingdom Belonging
• Matthew 19:14
. . .but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for such belongs to the kingdom of heaven.”
• THANK YOU
• Questions??
– Jan Joaquin, Church Relations Coordinator
Joni and Friends Central Cal