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MOBILE HOME PARK CHAPLAINCY
The Need ... With America “on the move”, mobile home
living has become popular among many ages. Young couples “starting out” and retirees discover mobile homes as an affordable means of home ownership. Some mobile home communities consist of two thousand mobile homes. A community of 4000 plus resides ion these locales. A unique opportunity exists for the work of a volunteer chaplain.
The Target ... The management, employees and residents
of a mobile home community experience hurts, fears and needs which can be met through the services of a volunteer chaplain.
The Process ... A volunteer chaplaincy ministry may be
started by following these ten steps:
1. Make an appointment with the mobile park manager or president of the mobile home park’s home owners’ association. Be prompt in keeping the appointment.
2. Briefly explain the purpose of the volunteer chaplaincy program. Provide a brochure which gives further explanation. Point out the interdenominational context of chaplaincy.
3. Give details on general expectations of the management and expectations of the chaplain. Share how the chaplain will be an asset to the community (what will the chaplain do).
4. If the management/president is interested, ask for a second appointment within two weeks to allow him/her time to make a decision.
5. Upon interest in a volunteer chaplain, seek to secure a person to fill the need from the sponsoring church.
6. Phone the manager/president three days prior to the second appointment to affirm desire for a volunteer chaplain. Request permission to bring the potential chaplain to your meeting.
7. At the second meeting, introduce the volunteer chaplain and come to an agreement on his/her responsibilities. Set a date for beginning the program.
8. Request an official letter of recognition of the selected person as volunteer chaplain for the mobile home park.
9. Write a letter of appreciation to the manager/president as follow-up.
10. Be sure the volunteer chaplain has made application with the Florida Baptist Convention.
The Ministry… Both physical and spiritual needs are met
through volunteer chaplaincy program. Following are some ideas for ministry in the mobile home park through chaplaincy.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES/BIBLE STUDIES
The service should be non-denominational in nature incorporating hymns, liturgy and sermon. The members should feel ownership in the service by being allowed to participate and have leadership roles. A box for an offering may be placed by the door for those wishing too give. These funds should be given to the sponsoring church to be placed in a designated fund for this ministry. If possible someone other than the chaplain should collect the money to take to the church. Do not pass an offering plate as this is a volunteer ministry.
COUNSELING SERVICES
The skills of the volunteer chaplain will determine the extent of this ministry. Provide a listening ear for those having family/marital problems, substance abuse, or experiencing grief will be helpful. Be prepared to refer those in need of professional help to a good Christian counselor.
WEDDING/FUNERAL SERVICES
Often, the mobile home park chaplain is the only minister with whom many residents or employees may have contact. The volunteer chaplain should be prepared to meet the needs of the engaged and the bereaved. If the volunteer chaplain is not ordained, the assistance of an ordained minister will be needed to perform weddings.
SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
With the assistance of church youth groups or summer missionaries, the volunteer chaplain may plan a Vacation Bible School, Backyard Bible Club or Day Camp for children of residents. He may also plan a summer recreation program including clowning, face painting, drama and music.
HOSPITALITY
The volunteer chaplain may be available to assist residents in locating needed services in the community such as hospitals, banks, schools, and churches.
LATCH KEY WEEKDAY MINISTRIES
With the assistance of church volunteers, the volunteer chaplain may begin an after school program for children of parents who work. The Latch Key Program assures parents of proper supervision and excellent training for their children. Park managers appreciate the program because it reduces parental stress, keeps the children occupied after school and improves the services of the park.
FOOD AND CLOTHING MINISTRY
If space is available, the volunteer chaplain may lead the residents in the community in establishing their own food/clothing ministry. The ministry may be for park residents, residents outside the park, seasonal emphases like Thanksgiving and Christmas or to replenish the local food bank.
The Reason… An unchurched society is at our doorstep.
Thousands are crammed into small communities such as a mobile home park. The need exists for the church to go to these people for they will not come to the church. Jesus said, “Go…” . The church must heed Christ’s words. A mobile home park near your church is a good place to start.