JOB DESCRIPTION: DEAF MINISTRY DIRECTOR

By: Bro. Steve Addison

Job Purpose

To administer and motivate deaf saints into a closer walk with Jesus Christ. The key is to have every deaf person full of the Holy Ghost and baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The main focus is to teach the deaf; the true gospel, so that they can teach others. By fulfilling this the church will grow for the glory of God.

Job Qualifications

1. Must be filled with the Holy Ghost.
2. Must meet the qualifications for church membership.
3. Must be loyal to the Pastor.
4. Must be willing to work in harmony with others.
5. Must carry a burden for deaf people.
6. Must be able to instill enthusiasm and excitement in deaf saints.
7. Must be able to teach, lead, and motivate deaf ministry staff.
8. Must be a lover of souls of deaf people.
9. Must be faithful and dependable in accomplishing duties for the deaf.
10. Must have knowledge of the operations/functions of the deaf ministry.

Job Responsibilities

Shall oversee and supervise all operations of the Deaf Ministry under the direction of the Pastor. Shall seek to implement this ministry with tact, zeal and love.

* Shall work diligently in teaching everyone who is interested in deaf ministry.

a. The director should be careful not to allow a critical spirit to develop toward those who do not want to participate in the Deaf Ministry.

* Shall assist the Pastor in coordinating (setting date, locating deaf speaker and promoting) of the annual Deaf Ministry Training Seminar. This is to be done once a year.

a. Should be a one to two day seminar.
b. Should be more than just preaching. Should include teaching methods; how to obtain more knowledge of speaking to the deaf.
c. Dates and plans should be made at the Annual Planning Retreat.

* Shall develop an effective way of teaching others sign language.

a. Lessons taught at least once or twice a week.
b. Give homework to those who are learning sign language.

* Shall promote and utilize the one and two lesson Home Bible Study

a. “Rightly Dividing the Word” by Larry Smith
b. “Into His Marvelous Light” by Al Gossan
c. Hold at least two workshops each year to train people how to teach and use this type of study.

* Shall keep a stack of tape, books, and manuals to loan or sell to those interested in the Deaf Ministry.
* Shall work actively at obtaining Deaf Ministry materials through various places.

a. Hospitals or learning centers for deaf people
b. Book stores and libraries
c. Tapes and books from seminars

* Shall hand in a monthly Deaf Ministry report to the Pastor.
* Shall keep accurate, up-to-date records on all Deaf Ministry progress, all teachers and prospective teachers.
* Shall insure that all new deaf saints are taught a Home Bible Study.
* Shall keep and maintain an inventory of all the materials for the deaf ministry, charts, manuals, video tapes, etc.
* Shall maintain, motivate and lead each service with the right attitude.

a. Shall rotate interpreters for each segment of the service.
b. Not place too much work on any one interpreter, but have them to work as a team.

* Shall motivate all interpreters to follow good absentee follow-up practices each week.
* Shall plan and oversee the activities.

a. Have at least four get togethers each month.

* Shall be able to communicate well with the family members of the deaf person.
* Shall make sure each deaf person feels welcome in each service.

Other Duties

* Shall sit in the first or second row to do the sign language to deaf saints while at church.

a. Must not hold conversations while church is going on.

* Shall be at church at least 20 to 30 minutes before church starts.

a. This time should be used to set up the area for church.
b. Should also pray during this time.

* Shall work with the Pastor to select an assistant to help you in all aspects of your departmental duties.
* Shall be an example to the church in faithfulness by attending all church services and functions.
* Shall attend all Annual Planning Retreats and Monthly Departmental Planning Councils.

a. If unable to attend any meeting, notify the Pastor and try to get a replacement for that night.

* Shall hand in an official monthly report at the Monthly Staff Council.
* Shall perform additional duties as required.

Organizational Relationships

The Deaf Ministry Director is directly responsible to the Pastor. Each year the Pastor and the Director will review the job description, update and improve to make more applicable to the position. Accountability shall consist of a monthly report of all activities and upcoming events. The Director is responsible for all Deaf Ministry staff and personnel. The director shall work closely with all
departments, but especially with New Convert Care, Outreach, and Visitor Follow-up. Evaluation of performance of this position shall be performed every year by the Pastor. The term of this office shall be for one year.

Training and Development

* Read “Talk to the Deaf” by Lottie Riekehof
* Read “The deaf student” by Maxine Strobridge
* Read “Let My People Grow” by Tim Massengale
* Read and watch video “Signing Naturally” by Cheri Smith, Ella Mae Lentz, and Ken Mikos

Job Goals for the year of 1992

* Hold a Deaf Ministry Seminar or Committee Service with an outside speaker.
* Purchase, learn and use new sign language books, tapes, manuals, etc.
* Develop a good record keeping book.
* Contact each helper, each week, for their plans for the next coming service.
* Try several new ways to teach deaf people.
* Reach the surrounding area, reaching out to the deaf and to those who are hurting.
* Plan at least four new activities for each month.
* Develop a training seminar program.
* Begin a good absentee follow-up and visitor follow up program.
* Plan an annual banquet any time of the year preferably at Christmas time.

(The above material was designed and developed by Steve Addison, an Indiana Bible College Student.)

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