Practical Tools for an Irresistible 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