Information for Leaders

USE THIS INFORMATION TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR MINISTRY OR HELP YOU GET IT UP AND RUNNING.


ON YOUR KNEES AND COUNTING

After all the surveys  and fact-finding and after the accessibility audit has revealed 39 infractions of the ADA, the time comes for recruiting leaders. Prospects for the grand design you have in mind may not raise their hands to volunteer. It’s too daunting! They may sit on their hands and say, “How can I do this?” If you are in charge, the question becomes, “How can I help our volunteers do this?” An answer will bring you to your knees. Never have you needed God’s help so much. Be of good cheer. God’s help and the help of others is Biblical. Remember that Moses needed help from his brother, and even Jesus needed disciples. God helped them, and God will help you.  God walks with you in recruiting and training leaders and molding them into a team. Don’t be surprised if you find people-gifts and support in unexpected places. Meanwhile you are asking, “Where can I find materials to help me train leaders for the different aspects of special needs?”

SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAINING AND ENABLING OTHERS

When I got to this very point, I found a few books on the subject, many suggestions and directions but not very many put-it-in-your-hand practical facts and ideas. I needed concise leader training materials and specific, organized information to enable me get the job done. I drew on the expertise of co-workers and on my Christian education background to write materials to use with leaders, buddies and planning groups. They are not endorsed by anyone; they are simply what I share.

  1. Offer training
  2. Teach safety rules
  3. Coach, support and encourage volunteers.

When you offer training to recruits, it is easier for people to say yes. Once volunteers are trained and they get acquainted with individuals with special needs, a comfort zone is created, and they  are genuinely surprised to find that they are having fun. Leading a group of persons of any age with special needs or mentoring one person has needs beyond getting acquainted, so there is a need to know safety rules, boundaries and teaching and learning techniques. I humbly share some with you, and I will be posting more as time permits. Each churches’ ministry differs and is just as successful as the one I coordinate, so information can be molded to fit. This is not a how-to book, only ideas to help  enable and train others to do the job.

Training resources are divided into three sections:

Long Range Planning and Training Volunteers

Educational Suggestions and Materials

Examples of A Program That Works

Please “Contact Us” with a question or specific request.