Special Connections Ministry
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35
In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of others— especially those with great need—because in serving them, we are ultimately serving Jesus Himself. The Special Connections Ministry here at Briarwood aims to do just that: to meet the varying needs of participants and their families through discipleship and evangelism for the glory of God.
In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of others— especially those with great need—because in serving them, we are ultimately serving Jesus Himself. The Special Connections Ministry here at Briarwood aims to do just that: to meet the varying needs of participants and their families through discipleship and evangelism for the glory of God.
A Caring Heart:
One couple, Glenn and Jenny Ward, started volunteering with the Special Connections Ministry because of their medical expertise. Since Glenn is a retired surgeon and Jenny is a retired nurse, they thought their great medical experience would help them minister to people with advanced needs. As they got involved, they quickly learned that no medical experience was needed; only a caring heart.
“I really play a small role. I just try to be available for them and tell them that I care. That’s the most important thing,” says Glenn Ward. That’s all it takes. No medical degree, teaching certification, or hands-on experience is required. The only requirement is a heart that’s willing to listen and care for another soul that is made in the image of God.
Jenny Ward tells us, “There’s some days when they don’t feel like doing much, and we all have days like that.” They’re not so different from the rest of us; we all have needs, they just need extra support in meeting those needs.
One couple, Glenn and Jenny Ward, started volunteering with the Special Connections Ministry because of their medical expertise. Since Glenn is a retired surgeon and Jenny is a retired nurse, they thought their great medical experience would help them minister to people with advanced needs. As they got involved, they quickly learned that no medical experience was needed; only a caring heart.
“I really play a small role. I just try to be available for them and tell them that I care. That’s the most important thing,” says Glenn Ward. That’s all it takes. No medical degree, teaching certification, or hands-on experience is required. The only requirement is a heart that’s willing to listen and care for another soul that is made in the image of God.
Jenny Ward tells us, “There’s some days when they don’t feel like doing much, and we all have days like that.” They’re not so different from the rest of us; we all have needs, they just need extra support in meeting those needs.
Serving the Whole Family:
Special Connections volunteers make it possible for the families of people with Special Needs to attend church events when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. By relieving family members and caregivers of their responsibilities for a few hours, we minister to them too—and they are grateful for the help.
Moms of our participants take advantage of our Respite Care during Women’s Ministry Events so that they can benefit from the opportunity to worship with other women while knowing their children will be well taken care of.
What it looks like to Volunteer:
Volunteering with Special Connections can look like an array of different tasks from assisting during the Sunday School lesson to playing board games at a pizza party. All of them are equally important! Our staff and volunteers will guide you in what to do and equip you to help participants most effectively. As long as you are willing to learn and care for people, the rest will come with experience.
All volunteers must be members of Briarwood for at least one year and will be asked to complete a Ministry Safe training and a background check. Please reach out to Michael Johnson at mjohnson@briarwood.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Special Connections volunteers make it possible for the families of people with Special Needs to attend church events when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. By relieving family members and caregivers of their responsibilities for a few hours, we minister to them too—and they are grateful for the help.
Moms of our participants take advantage of our Respite Care during Women’s Ministry Events so that they can benefit from the opportunity to worship with other women while knowing their children will be well taken care of.
What it looks like to Volunteer:
Volunteering with Special Connections can look like an array of different tasks from assisting during the Sunday School lesson to playing board games at a pizza party. All of them are equally important! Our staff and volunteers will guide you in what to do and equip you to help participants most effectively. As long as you are willing to learn and care for people, the rest will come with experience.
All volunteers must be members of Briarwood for at least one year and will be asked to complete a Ministry Safe training and a background check. Please reach out to Michael Johnson at mjohnson@briarwood.org if you are interested in volunteering.