What is the SBTC Disaster Relief Ministry?

The Disaster Relief Ministry of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention is comprised of three basic areas:  Disaster Relief Preparation, Disaster Relief Training, and Disaster Relief Response.

Purpose: To prepare, equip, train, and mobilize churches and volunteers to fulfill the Great Commission by meeting real needs and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with those whose lives have been or will be affected by disasters.

Disaster Relief Ministries offers three seminars designed to assist Southern Baptists of Texas in Disaster Relief Preparation.

Family Disaster Preparation – A seminar designed to assist families in preparing for disasters by developing a family plan, a family disaster kit, and ways to provide ministry to neighbors after a disaster.  The seminar lasts 3.5 to 4 hours. 

Church and/or Association Disaster Preparation – A seminar designed to assist churches and associations win developing a comprehensive plan for providing ministry to their communities during a time of disaster.  The seminar includes a look at the possible disaster that could occur in a community and the ministry opportunities that will be available to the local church and/or association.  The seminar includes the setting up of a Disaster Committee, a process for who to contact after a disaster, and what training will be needed for the volunteers in the local church and/or association.  The seminar lasts 3.5 to 4 hours. 

Disaster Awareness – A seminar that provides an overall view of the Disaster Relief ministry of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and its relationships to the North American Mission Board, state and local Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and volunteer agencies.  The seminar also provides a general look at the different ministry opportunities during a disaster.  The seminar lasts only 30 minutes.

Disaster Relief Training

Training is offered for volunteers in seven ministry areas: mass care feeding, cleanup and recovery, temporary childcare, operations, communications, chaplaincy, and shower/laundry ministry.  These trainings also include the Introduction to SBTC Disaster Relief.  All volunteers are also trained in presenting the gospel in disaster settings.  Further volunteer leadership training is also available for those desiring greater involvement in team and equipment management.

Click here for a training schedule

Disaster Relief Response

The Disaster Relief Ministry of the SBTC is a ministry comprised of trained volunteers who are committed to share the hope of Jesus with those whose lives have been impacted by disasters.

Currently the SBTC Disaster Relief Ministry provides ministry through Feeding, Clean-up and Recovery, Chaplaincy, and Communications, Operations, Shower/Laundry and Childcare.

When disaster occur, volunteer teams may be asked to mobilize in Texas, North America, or internationally, depending on the nature and scope of the disaster.  One or more or all seven ministry areas may be asked to deploy, again depending on the nature of the disaster.  In order to be deployed by the SBTC, volunteers must have completed training. 

For more information on training and volunteer activities, call 1-877-953-7282 or email Jim Richardson, Director.