Outreach Ministries: Effective Ministry in Prisons or Jails

Prison ministry requires a special calling. First of all people in prison are smart tough thinkers. Ironically they do not trust people. The job is extremely hard preparing what to say, how to dress, learning all the security demands and winning over the listeners at each event.

One must dress professionally when entering prison ministry. The officers, directors and counselors at the prisons can make you or break you as one who is invited back. Your actions, dress, demeanor is extremely important at all times. Respect from the inmates many times is earned how you stand up for what you are teaching. Evidence is a huge important issue in what you are presenting to the inmates. Power point presentations, flyers, and backed up by research will soon prove to the inmate you are doing your homework.

One must become a real professional when it comes to emotions, listening to their stories, and their constant requesting from the inmates to help them, and many ask you to help their families on the outside. Your job in the prisons is very simple. Your job is to present the mission you have gone their to present, no matter what faith you may be.

The main problems in the lives of people come from one main root which is pride, there are three roots of sin that follow , especially with people in prison- rebellion, selfishness, and lust. Also included should be a message of repentance, love, and hope along with submission to God and earthly authority. It is important that they learn not to blame others for their circumstances, but take responsibility for their own sin. Although one must present the gospel at every preaching, there is more to prison ministry. An evangelist working the prisons must also have some training in pastoral care. The prison chaplain should be the lead role player in this field. Learn to work under his or her guidance all times.

Before beginning your ministry in the prisons meet with the chaplain and learn the primary concern of courts, judges, the legal system, the warden, and the guards is security. As an approved volunteer, you must also be aware of the need for security. Follow all instructions to the letter. After all, they are concerned about your safety as well.

WHY MENTORING

The mentoring section below is presenting by Inmate Helps with their permission

Many people visit jails and prisons to preach and teach but do not want to e involved with inmates when they are released. The prevailing thought is to invite them to church and leave it at that. However, the need for Christian fellowship is as great or greater outside the walls as it is inside. Though the greatest need is spiritual, it is not the only need as Christ’s love compels us to also consider their physical needs.

WHAT IS A MENTOR?

A mentor is one who dedicates their personal strength, resources and network of church contacts to help a mentee grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mentoring is the investment of one life into another. It requires two elements:

TRUTH – The truth of God’s Word which the Holy Spirit uses to change lives.

II Timothy 3:16,7

RELATIONSHIP – Loving relationships based on Matthew 22:37-39. A mentor must have a strong vertical relationship with the Lord which is expressed in the horizontal relationship with the mentee.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A MENTOR

1-One who has proven his or her ability to apply biblical principles to the issues of life.

2-Recognizes the potential of the image of God in people and doesn’t just dwell on their past.

3-Patient with people’s spiritual growth without compromising biblical principles.

4-Helps them to work through spiritual lapses as part of the growth process.

5-Willing to network with others to provide the helps ex-offenders need.

6-Willing to receive specialized training and join a support group that will encourage the mentor and mentee.

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR MENTORS

Whose needs are you meeting? Yours or theirs?

Training Resources

INSTITUTE FOR PRISON MINISTRIES

500 College Avenue

Wheaton, IL 60187

A ministry of the Billy Graham Center. They are a clearing house for many prison ministries. Don’t miss this.

AURORA MINISTRIES 941.748.4100

P.O. Box 621 www.chaplainhelp.org

Bradenton, FL 34206

They provide a Jail Ministry Training Manual, seminars and general chaplain helps .

Ask for their resources catalog of tapes, videos and other materials.

PRISON FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES 877.478.0100

P.O. Box 17500 www.pfm.org

Washington, DC 20041-0500

Among their many resources is a comprehensive training program for mentoring.