Is there only one training?
There are two types of training sessions. The Coordinator Training will be conducted by a BFL trainer primarily for those interested in heading up a LIFT ministry at their church (although those interested in just volunteering in LIFT ministry may also attend.). This training session will last about 8 hours and will give a brief overview of the entire manual. The Volunteer Training (conducted by your trained coordinator for the volunteers in your local church setting) typically lasts nine weeks, covering one chapter in the LIFT manual (same manual used during Coordinator Training) per week.
How much does the Coordinator Training cost for churches?
The BFL trainer honorarium fee is a set cost of $250.00. If the training takes place outside of the trainer's geographic location, the requesting church(es) will also be responsible for the trainer's travel, lodging, and food. If more than one church participates, we advise that all churches equally split the trainer costs. The other costs involved are $25.00 per manual (married couples training together may decide to share a manual, which is fine), and $5.00 (optional, but strongly encouraged) for a CD which includes both a PowerPoint presentation & PDF version (for printing and making overhead transparencies) of the supplemental materials used by the BFL trainer during the Coordinator Training.
Are meals provided?
If Coordinator Training is conducted at the BFL office, BFL will provide lunch for all attendees at no extra charge. If training will commence at an alternate location, the requesting church(es) will be responsible for arranging meals.
How much does the Coordinator Training cost for missionaries?
If training is conducted at the BFL office or at an area church hosting a scheduled training session, the missionary may attend for free (no honorarium or manual costs); but they WILL be responsible for their own expenses incurred including travel, lodging and food. Requests from missionaries who would like to have BFL come to their field of service and conduct training sessions will be handled case by case as to how expenses will be shared.
What extra costs are involved for the Volunteer Training?
There are no extra costs involved for the Volunteer Training except $25.00 per volunteer for a manual (which we advise the church have the volunteer pay themselves to help instill personal ownership of the program.) Your church may also opt to start a LIFT library of reading resources.
Who will conduct the Volunteer Training?
Your church coordinator (the individual from your church who went through the eight-hour coordinator training) will conduct the volunteer training of volunteers within your local church.
How long does Volunteer Training last?
Churches have used different models for volunteer training, but most tend to meet once a week, for 1-2 hours, over the course of nine weeks, covering one chapter in the manual per week.
At what point are we ready to practically begin implementing LIFT ministry?
We recommend that you assign each volunteer in your nine-week Volunteer Training a person to minister to early on during the training and use a portion of the training time each week to let people share their experiences, raise questions, and ask for prayer (keeping strict confidentiality of their patient in mind.)
What sort of follow-up is involved once the volunteers have been trained?
After Volunteer Training is completed, many LIFT groups continue meeting once or twice a month for a time of prayer, encouragement, or to receive additional training information (in-service). Be careful these times don't become opportunities to gossip or be negative. You MUST have prior permission from a patient to share his or her personal information with the group, and personal information MUST stay within the confines of your group of LIFT volunteers.
Can missionaries on the foreign field receive a manual? What format? Are there any conditions?
Yes. BFL is willing to send most missionaries on the foreign field an electronic copy (PDF format) of the LIFT manual in English. The missionary may make as many copies as deemed necessary only for his or her own personal use and not for resale. Missionaries are prohibited from passing on copies to other missionaries or organizations. If additional missionaries/organizations express interest, they should be referred directly to Baptists for Life. BFL also requests that if the manual is translated into a different language, that said missionaries keep the BFL copyright on all pages and send BFL a CD copy of the new translation upon completion.
May I preview the manual before purchasing?
BFL will take your credit card information and send you a manual for your review. If you keep the manual beyond 30 days, BFL will charge your credit card. If the manual is returned to Baptists for Life within 30 days in NEW condition, your credit card will not be charged. To order, see our catalog.
Is there a charge for the LIFT promotional packet?
For a single LIFT packet, there is no charge. For multiple packets being requested, there is a $3.00 charge per packet. NOTE: these packets are not designed to be given to everyone in a given church - rather only one or possibly two people (the pastor and the person interested in becoming the LIFT Coordinator for that church). To generate extended church interest, we recommend churches use the LIFT bulletin insert and/or tri-fold LIFT brochure and dedicate a particular Sunday as "LIFT Promotion Day." To order, see our catalog.
Is there a charge for the LIFT bulletin inserts?
Yes. LIFT bulletin inserts are available in packs of 50 for $6.00 per pack (or $0.12 each for lesser amounts.) To order, see our catalog.
How can I get my church excited?
There are several ways to "get the word out" about LIFT and glean out from your congregation those who are gifted for this type of ministry:
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Use the bulletin inserts to generate initial interest
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Visit each adult Sunday School Class with a sign-up sheet and announce a meeting to discuss LIFT ministry
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Have a BFL representative present LIFT during a Sunday or Wednesday evening service (approximately 30-45 minutes)
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Show the What is LIFT? PowerPoint presentation (PPT disk available upon request.)