Want to volunteer but not trained?

Florida Baptist Disaster ministries uses trained and credentialed volunteers to serve communities in the aftermath of disasters. Some training is basic and some is much more technical. We recognize that many of our Florida Baptist church members have not been trained through our ministry but have heart and desire to serve others who are hurting. We want to give you that opportunity to come along side churches and hurting families as part of what your Florida Baptist Disaster Relief ministry is doing in these communities. We do have a system in place that will afford you as an individual or your church group to join in the response efforts of FLDR through our Day Volunteer ministry avenue.

Steps to Become a Day Volunteer

1. You or your church contacts us for partnership. Groups of 4 or less: Complete this form. Groups of 5 or more: Contact David Coggins at dcoggins@flbaptist.org or (850) 326-0788
2. Download PDF forms: DR Day Volunteer Forms.
3. You or your church completes Group Form (link above) and email it to us.
4. We identify and notify you with site info where you’ll serve.
5. Onsite Command will be notified of your arrival.
6. You must bring completed roster form PLUS signed hold-harmless forms.
7. Let’s serve!

Have questions? Email us.

Thank you so much for your service in the past. We look forward to continuing serving together.

1. Backgrounds are required once every three years to renew your credentials and remain an active DR volunteer. See background check accordion for more details.
2. Registration – Please click on link to register and verify your current information. There is only one charge of $10 per year for taking as many classes as you wish

Choose a ministry area class you would like to take and/or review and click on the link listed below. Answer the questionnaire at the end which will record your attendance of this class. There is no charge for taking one or as many as you choose.

• Clean Up & Recovery
• Feeding
• Safe Food Handling
• Onsite Management
• Administrative Support
• Assessment Training
• Flood Response Training
• Trailer Safety Training
• Chaplaincy | Becoming a Chaplain Instructions

You may take as many ministry area classes as you desire – remembering to answer the questionnaire at the end to have your attendance recorded.

If you have been an active DR volunteer these last three years, this is all that is required to renew your credentials. However, with changes every day, we ask that you watch the Orientation videos if you are not attending an onsite training. If you have not been active, this is necessary.

Thank you again for your service in offering Help, Healing and Hope.

Disaster Relief seeks to involve every church and member in this ministry. By being trained and credentialed you will be ready to serve in the event of a disaster. We offer in person trainings for credentialing volunteers from March to June. You are encouraged to attend a training when offered in your area to experience the full benefit of hands on trainings. We also have provided for you online trainings. Usually 7 trainings are spread around the state each year.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these trainings.

Steps to Become a Credentialed Volunteer

1. (Each bolded word will link you to the proper site to complete that step)

1. Complete a background check. The Florida Baptist Convention requires a background check for all credentialed volunteers, which is good for three years.
2. To be credentialed as a Florida Baptist DR volunteer, you must reside in Florida at least part time.
3. For in person trainings, choose a date/location to attend and register on site the day of the event. For online training, follow the on-line process for registration and training below.
4. We will identify needs and notify you via email with site information where and when you may serve.
5. We look forward to ministering together!

Process for Online Training

1.Click HERE to Register for ONLINE TRAINING– Please enter all information. This is for both returning and/or new volunteers. There is a $10.00 registration fee per person that may be paid with a credit card. You only need to register once a year no matter how many classes you take.

2.Click HERE to Watch the Orientation segment videos. You may watch these separately or all at one time. When finished, answer the short questionnaire. The questionnaire will be sent to the office and your attendance will be recorded. This is required of all beginning volunteers and when renewing your badge (once every three years).

3. Choose a ministry area class you would like to take and/or review and click on the link listed below. Again, answer the questionnaire at the end which will record your attendance of this class.

• Clean Up & Recovery
• Feeding
• Safe Food Handling
• Onsite Management
• Administrative Support
• Assessment Training
• Flood Response Training
• Trailer Safety Training
• Chaplaincy | Becoming a Chaplain Instructions 

You may take as many ministry area classes as you desire – remembering to answer the questionnaire at the end to have your attendance recorded.

Allow a few weeks following your background clearance, registration, and class attendance to receive your badge. If we do not have a current headshot picture of you, one will be requested. Pictures may be selfies. When sending a picture, please remember – no hats or sunglasses may be worn in the shot, and a plain background should be used (for instance – a clear wall).

For online trainings, you will order your hat, shirt, and lanyard from IWantYellow.com At the time you place your order, you will need to provide your badge number. When ordering, you may decide to order extra shirts and items, which is perfectly acceptable. Whatever you order will be at your expense. Registration cost has been reduced since we will not be providing these items.

Any questions –  email us at dr.assistant@flbaptist.org

Need to find an area of service?

DR has many ministry areas to serve. Everyone should be able to find a ministry that fits their physical capabilities.

Cross training is another way you can help DR. Once you have been trained in one ministry and become interested in another all you need to do is attend another training event. Cross training is helpful when a specific ministry area is not called out to a disaster but more people are needed in another ministry area.

You must be a credentialed volunteer to be a part of these and any ministry of FLDR.

Feeding – Meet the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by a disaster through preparing up to 40,000 meals per day.

Clean Up & Recovery – Provide hope to others while engaging in temporary roofing, chainsaw crews, yard clean up, and flood recovery.

On Site Management – Provide safety/security to responding volunteers and local communities while onsite.

Chaplaincy – Serve as a chaplain during times of spiritual need. 

Administrative Support – Serve in a clerical support role by compiling reports, tracking volunteers and job information, while offering compassion to those in need.

Logistical Support – Move all the equipment and supplies: before, during, and after as well as keep it running.

Have questions? Email us.

The Florida Baptist Convention has implemented an updated background check protocol for all of its employees and volunteers. The policy states, “As a result, all convention staff and volunteers will be required to submit to a background check conducted by the same vendor (“Protect My Ministry”). There will be no blanket exceptions to this new policy and protocol. It does not matter whether someone may have already been through one or more other screenings, they will still need to undergo the Protect My Ministry background check. The Convention appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all of its employees and volunteers.”

Since the implementation of this policy in 2015, all who wish to be credentialed by—and work with— Florida Baptist Disaster Relief as a volunteer must undergo this background check process.

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions)

If I have been background checked elsewhere, will I need to complete Florida’s Background Check?
YES. Convention policy, in accordance with the law, must sustain its own level of care. The Convention policy states, “volunteers will be required to submit to a background check conducted by the same vendor (“Protect My Ministry”).”

Is the cost included in the Training Registration Fees?
NO. Fees only cover related expenses to training materials and administration costs.

Is there a cost for the Background Check?

YES. The cost is $20 of which you will pay (by credit card, debit card….) when you submit your application to Protect My Ministry.

Does this background check include a credit check? 
NO. The report does not consider any credit reports.

Will a person under the age of 18 be required to complete a background check?

NO. Current FLDR policy states that anyone under the age of 18 will be considered a YOUTH. Youth cannot be called out on their own. Youth can only respond with their credentialed legal guardian.

What would keep a person from meeting the background requirements?

While not exhaustive, here are some issues that persons who have been found guilty of such offenses as: Abuse or assault/battery — physical or sexual, Rape, Any crime of a sexual nature (including possession or dissemination of pornography), Homicide or manslaughter in any degree, Attempted murder, Domestic violence, Child neglect, Kidnapping, Arson, Weapons violations, Any crime (misdemeanor or felony) involving children.
For a more definitive answer you may contact Human Resources, Florida Baptist Convention.

Where do I go to complete my Background check?