Prison Chaplain - Role in Ministry

The Chaplain provides a vital part of the whole process within the law enforcement community. The primary goal of the prison Chaplain is to provide Pastoral care to the inmate. The Chaplain becomes pastor to the inmates as well as their teacher in spiritual matters.

This important aspect incorporates areas of spiritual, moral and emotional development for the incarcerated.

Achievement in these areas will help to insure the future success of offender as a productive member of the community at large. The Chaplain must integrate these tools for change into the programs inaugurated. He will provide comprehensive services to all inmates in the various facilities assigned to him within its parameters of security

In the capacity of pastor the Chaplain will provide and often conduct
Chapel Worship services for the inmates. Depending on the number of Chaplains at a facility this will mean providing services for all faiths.

The Chaplain is also responsible to provide religious Instruction, for the inmates. This may be done through regular Bible Studies, or doctrinal classes. This is sometimes accomplished through organized discipleship groups among the inmates themselves.

The role of pastor often is extended to families of inmates and prison staff. This may involve counseling, and instruction in moral and spiritual development that will establish an environment for rebuilding the family upon release of the prisoner.

There will be time when the Chaplain is called on to contact
friends or relatives. These incidents may involve hardship cases, illness, legal and financial needs, or the death of an inmate.

Counseling Prisoners will take on many facets. It is therefore important that the prison chaplain have an understanding of the inmates, themselves as well as their felt needs.

1. Attending Court hearings and trials

2. Conferring and consulting with prison officials

3. Assisting prisoners find jobs, housing, and community support upon release

The Chaplain may be asked to provide these same services to, prison staff, public officials, and others within the community. He may be asked to work with the local church to provide ministry support through prayer, volunteers and finances.

The Chaplain often becomes a Public Relations Representative to the community in behalf of the prison

To Coordinate Volunteer Services

The religious volunteer becomes an extension of the chaplain in ministering to the needs of the inmate. This mission, like that of the church includes regeneration, spiritual healing and development. Volunteers need to be integrated into the total objective of religious programming of the institution and not just a patchwork of superimposed programs to fill program needs or slots and keep inmates occupied. Training phases are usually sequential and required. Avoid conflicts with training phases and training objectives, scheduled. Recognize the philosophy of the chaplain training staff

In order to be more effective in ministering to the prison community we should expand our understanding of the correctional process.

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Book Store Owner, Training Director Prison Ministry

Advice To Jealous Partners