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

jjoaquin@joniandfriends.org