Training buddies to serve in your children’s and youth ministries is an important part of helping your church be welcoming and inclusive! I’ve written before on Recruiting, Training and Supporting Buddies in Your Children’s and Youth Ministries, but I often get asked how to do the buddy training. I recorded these buddy training sessions to use with my church and share with others churches I serve. If they would be helpful, you can also use the videos and/or the slides below with your church!
Video sessions and time stamps:
Session 1: A Biblical Model for Being a Buddy
Session 2: The Role of a Buddy (starts at 3:37)
Session 3: Communication (starts at 12:13)
Session 4: Making Adaptations (starts at 33:08)
Session 5: Behavior Basics (starts at 51:00)
Slides:
More helpful resources:
- Be All In: A Ministry Guide for Special Needs Inclusion in Children’s Ministry (free download from Lifeway Christian Resources)
- Inclusion Basics for VBS Teachers
- Sample forms (including adult and teen volunteer applications)
- Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities (blog post)
- Amazon list with sensory items for buddy bags
- Creating ISPs (Individualized Spiritual Plans!) For Students With Special Needs, Learning Disabilities, And Behavioral Diagnoses
