Introduction to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief

Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief is a cooperative, volunteer ministry of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and its affiliated churches. It is totally dependent upon volunteers who give of their time, energy, talents and finances to assist others in a time of disaster. The ministry is led by the State Director, an employee of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. He and one administrative assistant are the only full-time employees working primarily with Disaster Relief.

Within Tennessee, there are almost 3,000 currently credentialed and trained volunteers from churches and associations who are ready to respond to a disaster of any size any where. Many of these churches and associations own and operate their own equipment. Beyond Tennessee, our state cooperates with the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and 41 other state conventions that have similar ministries. At the national level, Statements and Memorandums of Understanding are in place with American Red Cross (ARC), The Salvation Army (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Angels of Mercy (AOM) and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). Because of these agreements, TN Baptist Disaster Relief is normally one of the first to respond with Disaster Relief services during a time of crisis.

Services that can be provided during a disaster response:

Recovery Teams (97 units with equipment)

• Chainsaw Teams
• Fire Recovery Teams
• Flood Recovery Teams

• 1 state unit capable of preparing up to 50,000 meals per day
• 1 associational units capable of preparing 10,000 – 20,000 meals per day
• 1 associational units capable of preparing 5,000 – 10,000 meal per day
• 2 associational units capable of preparing up to 5,000 meals per day
• 1 state quick-response unit capable of preparing up to 500 meals per day

• Unit Chaplains
• Community Chaplains

Rebuild and Recovery

• Damage Assessment
• Rebuild and repair

• 14 Association / Church Units (Ten of them have laundry units on them.)

Laundry for Victims

• 4 units (One has a shower on it.)

Ham Radio Communication Services

• Command and control unit with satellite phone technology
• Trained ham radio operators with equipment

Volunteer Requirements:

Because of agreements with national agencies and organizations, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief has the following requirements for volunteers:

1. Must be a member of an evangelical church. (Members of non-Southern Baptist churches may only serve in leadership positions following an interview and approval by the State Disaster Relief Specialist.)
2. Must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Must covenant to serve in accordance with, and not contrary to, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
4. Must have satisfactorily completed the training course, “Introduction to Southern Baptist Disaster Relief” and specialized training.
5. Must complete an application and be approved for service.
6. Must have a servant heart.
7. Must be ready to show Christ’s love in action
8. Must be flexible.
9. Must be trained by TBDR-certified instructors.
10. Certain units may require criminal background checks (e.g., Childcare unit).
11. Certain responsibilities may require background checks, motor vehicle checks and special licensing requirements. (e.g. driver for any state equipment)

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Responsible for own insurance coverage and medical expenses if injured or ill during activation.
• Responsible for own transportation to and from activation site.
• Must be able to follow instructions and guidelines from DR officials during a response. Failure to do so will result in volunteer being instructed to return home.

Funding for Disaster Relief:

Cooperative Program and Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions
Since 1925 the Cooperative Program has been the lifeline of Southern Baptist Mission efforts. Over the years, it has provided equipment, training, and personnel for Disaster Relief.

The Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions (GOTM) is the annual state missions offering that provides invaluable financial support for ministries that help reach Tennesseans for Christ. The offering is named after W.C. & Mildred Golden, who suggested the week of prayer for state missions and a state missions offering in 1902. Tennessee Baptists contributing through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions provide support for Tennessee ministries; sustaining state ministries not funded through the Cooperative Program. GOTM provides office and facility support to the ministry. Currently, the Cooperative Program funds State Director, Assistant State Director, and Administrative Assistant positions for Disaster Relief.

Designated for Specific Disaster
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief is dependent upon churches and individuals who donate during a specific disaster response. These funds are used, based on approved policy, in providing relief and assistance to the victims of a disaster.

Designated Gifts for General Disaster Relief
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief is also dependent upon generous churches and individuals who donate to the General Disaster Relief. These funds are used to purchase new equipment and to expand the ministry.