Matching Advisors' Training - Clifton, NJ - Nov. 6-7

Are you inspired by the idea of helping people create a foundation for happy marriages and families? As a Matching Advisor you will receive training and have access to tools and resources that will empower you to help others create happy marriages and families. Matching Advisors are instrumental in supporting individuals in the matching process, on the path to receiving the Marriage Blessing.

A training and certification seminar for prospective Matching Advisors will be held in Clifton, NJ on Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, together with the Parents’ Matching Convocation (PMC) that takes place on Saturday and Sunday. The MA Training will be held Friday from 8:45am – 5:45pm and Saturday from 8:45am – 12:45pm. A full schedule of the training seminar is attached. The training will be conducted by members of the national Blessing and Family Ministry team. The training is free for qualified participants. Meals and snacks are included on Friday and Saturday. MA Training participants are encouraged to remain for the entire duration of the PMC, which ends at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 8.

To participate in this training, you must pre-register on the BFM website by November 1, 2015. You will be prompted to fill out some basic information and a questionnaire, and upload a recommendation form from your local or district pastor.

The ideal MA should feel called to this ministry, be trustworthy, a good listener, a patient communicator, and happily Blessed in marriage. He or she should also have a few hours per week of availability to devote to this ministry on an on-going basis. Advisors will be trained to help candidates and parents develop a clear plan for the matching process, assist them in finding potential candidates, and support them through the process as needed. For more information about the role of a Matching Advisor see the attached document.

Advisors can choose to work with one or more of the following categories of candidates:

 First Generation Unificationists  Jacob Generation  Blessed Children  Associate Members  Treasures of Heaven  Getting Back on Track

Younger Matching Advisors are in high demand. If you are a young Blessed individual with a passion for supporting individuals and families in the matching process, please consider attending the training and becoming a Matching Advisor. Your efforts can make a big impact.

We look forward to working with those who are called to support candidates and their parents in the matching and Blessing process. Thank you in advance for your investment and support. May God be with you and your family!

Dr. Michael Balcomb President

Crescentia DeGoede Director, Blessing and Family Ministry

MATCHING ADVISORS’ TRAINING Creating a Legacy of Love Clifton, NJ

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AM 8:00- Registration & Light Breakfast

8:45- SESSION I: Introduction to the Matching Process  Role of the Matching Advisor- What it Is, What it Isn’t  Important Policies  Outline of the Matching Process Q & A, Discussion

10:00- Break

10:30- SESSION II: The Nitty Gritty of the Matching Process  Preparation Stage  Finding a Candidate  Introduction Phase  Communication Phase  Commitment Ceremony  Preparing for the Blessing Q & A, Discussion PM 12:00- Lunch

1:30- SESSION III: The Role of Matching Advisors for Families  What to Expect During Each Stage of the Process  Using the Family Matching Plan Worksheet  Supporting Candidates Who Joined With their Parents Q & A, Discussion

3:00- SESSION IV: The Role of Matching Advisors for 1st Generation  What to Expect During Each Stage of the Process  The USA Matching Committee  Using the Personal Matching Plan for Unificationists  Change of Blood Lineage Q & A, Discussion

4:30- SESSION V: Tools and Resources to Assist the Matching Process  BFM Website  The Online Matching System for First Generation  Matchbook  International for BCs  Virtual Matching Webinars  PMCs Q & A, Discussion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 AM 8:00- Breakfast

8:45- SESSION VI: Matching Advisor Support and Getting Started  MA Coordinators and Support  Get Access to Key Websites  On-going Training and Networking  Find Your Calling

10:15- Break

10:45- Matching Advisor Support Continued and Q&A

Quick Facts about Matching Advisors  Are volunteers who feel called to support individuals and families in the Matching process.  Usually have specific hours or days when they can offer their services.  Are trustworthy, good listeners, respectful of confidentiality and effective communicators.  Are connectors who know many people in different categories and situations. They do not make matches, but can make introductions and support a healthy communication process.  Have been trained and certified by the National Blessing and Family Ministry, and participate in advanced training at least two times each year.  Often serve a particular community or geographic area, while others choose to specialize in particular categories of candidates, such as those who consider themselves Getting Back on Track.  Thoroughly understand the guidelines for the matching process, and are very familiar with the best practices and tools available for matching.  Are prepared to support candidates in developing a matching support team and Personal or Family Matching Plan.  Able to assist with the online Matching and Blessing Application, where to find the forms, and how to submit them.  Know how to use the BFM Website, Matchbook, the Online Matching System and the International Matching Website for Blessed Children.