Types of Meetings
Silent Word Ministries Conducts
Often deaf ministry workers ask how to invite Silent Word Ministries to their church. All meetings are conducted with the approval of a pastor. Pastors may contact SWM to arrange one of the several types of meetings. SWM literature and materials are available in meetings to help Deaf people, hearing people and deaf ministries.
Fantastic Saturday and Deaf Day are area-wide meetings where SWM uses a church facility to invite many deaf ministries within a 2-3 hour drive. The areas and churches for D-Day and Fantastic Saturday are chosen by SWM and must agree with our doctrinal statement and standards. Fantastic Saturday teaches and encourages hearing deaf ministry workers. Deaf Day emphasizes teaching Deaf people. Both days are filled with excitement, encouragement, and fun for Deaf and hearing people. The preaching and lectures are centered around a helpful and challenging theme. There is always an evangelistic emphasis. Because these are area-wide meetings, SWM is responsible for speakers, music, and coordination of the meeting. Often the main speaker will also be invited to speak in the host church on Sunday.
Church Deaf Activities - A church may invite any SWM missionary to a special meeting sponsored by the church. Details of the meeting are controlled by the church. This can be a Saturday all-day or evening fellowship and special services on Sunday. SWM missionaries will be flexible to fit with the church’s program.
Sign Language Classes - Are offered by Jim Bracelin and Jon Barr. Whether starting a new deaf ministry or helping an existing one, these classes can be adapted to meet the specific needs of the church. Beginning Sign Language classes are either one or two weeks. Fingertips Seminars are Friday evening and all day Saturday. Sunday services also available.
Church Deaf Awareness Day - Whether your church has a deaf ministry or not, help them understand the needs of Deaf people to hear the Gospel. This can be done in Sunday School, morning, and evening Services. Deaf and hearing preachers are available. The "Heart and Hands" Deaf choir is also available within a 150 mile radius of SWM.
Missions Conference - Let a SWM missionary come to your annual missions conference to present the need of Deaf people. A clear presentation, songs, testimonies, and messages in voice and Sign Language will be a blessing to the entire church. Ted Camp and others are available as a main speaker in the conference.
Other Meetings - Deaf Revivals, Camps, Retreats, Christmas and Other Banquets, Short-term Foreign Trips, and meetings based on individual church needs are available upon request. Other suggested meetings are listed below.
How to Schedule A Meeting - Pastors may contact SWM office with request for specific meetings or to schedule a missionary. Use the printable meeting request form and submit by postal mail.