JAIL AND PRISON MINISTRY
What Is Our Role?
Prison ministry has a direct Scriptural Mandate (Matthew 25:31-40). As FCCPE Chaplains, we are asked to follow the example Christ set by ministering to prisoners. Prisoners meet the criteria of any mission field: lost people and a need for laborers. As Chaplains, we are often called to service the incarcerated and their families.
FCCPE Chaplains are required to have an understanding of the Jail and Prison Chaplaincy with regards to meeting the personal crises of inmates, providing programs to meet the spiritual needs of inmates, and fighting the frustrations and disappointments which are an integral part of Prison Chaplaincy. It it imperative that FCCPE Chaplains maintain a good relationship with the Chaplain on staff.
FCCPE Chaplains:
*Provide prayer and support for prison ministries
*Visit inmates
*Assist families of inmates where feasible or practical
*Conduct worship services, Bible studies, or group meetings inside prisons
*Provide Scripture and literature for inmates
Spiritual Goals Of Jail and Prison Ministry
Our FCCPE Chaplains are reminded of the following spiritual goals when providing service to those who are incarcerated, as well as to their families who are affected by their incarceration:
*To share the unconditional love of God
*To disciple new believers in the word and teach them how to study the Holy Scripture
*To demonstrate the Power of Prayer and teach them how to pray
*To lead inmates to experience the life-changing power of God that will free them from guilt, shame, negative emotions and addictions
*To minister to inmates’ families if feasible or practical
Social Goals of Jail and Prison Ministry
Within the boundaries of Jail and Prison Ministry, our FCCPE Chaplains recognize the social goals of this particular ministry are:
*To help inmates function more positively within the prison environment
*To provide a bridge between the community and individuals confined in correctional facilities
*To prepare residents for reentry into society (physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually)
*To assist inmates’ families in practical ways
*To provide post-prison assistance in practical ways