55 FACTS

That You Need To Know For An Effective Correctional Chaplaincy MinistryBy Lorne K. Freake

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Dr. Lorne K. Freake (Ph.D.)
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-9592-5

Contents

Title..........................................................iiiPresentation Certificate.......................................vPreface........................................................ixForeword By Dr. Mary Speed.....................................xiAcknowledgement................................................xiiiPrologue.......................................................xvDedication.....................................................xviiIntroduction...................................................1CSC Chaplaincy Prayer..........................................5Chapter 1 Biblical Facts On Chaplaincy.........................7Chapter 2 Practical Facts About Chaplaincy.....................23Chapter 3 Seven Simple Sermon Outlines.........................37Conclusion.....................................................69Afterward......................................................71Epilogue.......................................................73Bibliography...................................................75Collections/Articles...........................................79Webpages/Links.................................................83About The Author...............................................87

Chapter One

BIBLICAL FACTS ON CHAPLAINCY

Now we are into the main section of the book. Here we are going to highlight simple facts that you should know for an effective correctional chaplaincy ministry. We will begin first of all with the fifteen 'Biblical' facts in scripture concerning justice issues and how God relates to them. These verses will not only be insight for those who are involved in a prison chaplaincy or community chaplaincy ministry program but there will be insight as well for those who have become entangled in the criminal justice system.

Following afterwards will be another forty facts, which I call 'practical' facts concerning the day to day aspect of the ministry, hence a total of 55 facts that you should know for an effective correctional chaplaincy ministry. Here we go ...

Fact # 1: First and foremost we need to recognize the fact that the ministry of Prison Chaplaincy is mandated in Holy Scripture.

In New Testament Theology, St. Matthew wrote:

The righteous will then answer him, 'When Lord did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me. (GNT)

Fact # 2: Secondly, we need to know that Old Testament Theology also teaches us principles that deal with crime, even for crimes as serious as murder. We note that divine intervention mandates that healing and wholeness are found within the community and not in isolation from it, at least not on a long term basis.

In all three biblical accounts of murder as recorded in the Old Testament in the following references, none of the offenders were given the death sentence. Please look up the following scriptures:

• Genesis 4:8, (Cain's murder of Abel),

• Exodus 2:12 (Moses' murder of the Egyptian) and

• II Sam. 11: 14-17 (David's pre-meditated murder of Uriah).

Interestingly enough while all suffered consequences for their actions, none of the offenders were put in prison.

Fact #3: Thirdly, we need to recognize that Holy Scriptures mandate us to 'visit the fatherless'. It is important to realize the need to help young people who seemingly have lost their way as prisons are full of inmates who have 'father abandonment' issues. Being aware of this need is necessary. St. James exhorts accordingly.

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27. (KJV)

Fact # 4: Fourthly, as the people of God, Scriptures teach us that we also have a social responsibility to minister to the poor. There are many people in jail who have poverty issues in their lives. Our goal then is not limited to exercising 'spiritual care' but rather 'holistic care' reaching out to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of clients and to their families because by ministering to inmates' families on the outside, we are in essence ministering to the inmates as well on the inside.

King Solomon wrote '... Blessed is he who is kind to the needy" Proverbs 14:21b. (NIV)

Isaiah wrote:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoner ..." Isaiah 61: 1-2a (NIV)

Fact # 5: As the Bible indicates, as Prison Ministry volunteers we must recognize the value of: 'Victim's Services'. In the story of the Good Samaritan, this biblical truth is underlined. While our prison ministry to offenders does not put us in contact with victims, it is good to be aware in most cases that there is also a victim out there somewhere who may need ministry, at least the ministry of prayer. In the story of the Good Samaritan, is highlighted how a crime victim was treated and cared for. St. Luke highlights:

"But a Samaritan as he traveled came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him', he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have." Luke 10:33-35. (NIV)

Victim care and victim 'after care' is without a doubt a Biblical mandate.

Fact # 6: The Bible teaches that 'crime does not pay' and the courts have an awesome responsibility to render justice in the cases of crime. King Solomon wrote:

"To show partiality in judging is not good: Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—peoples will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them." Proverbs 24:23b-25. (NIV)

Fact # 7: The mandate of Scripture is any one who has committed a crime, needs to 'repent' and be 'reconciled' with their Heavenly Father. The words of the rebellious son are recorded by St. Luke:

"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father." Luke 15: 18-20a. (NIV)

Fact # 8: Furthermore, the Scriptures teach that when people repent and are reconciled to God that the benefits of such are: total forgiveness. This is highlighted in the above mentioned reference in the story of the wayward son who repented. He then was reconciled to his father. St. Luke noted:

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate!" Luke 15: 22-24. (NIV)

We note in the text that he received a joyous welcome back home and he was given a robe (righteousness), a ring (authority) and sandals (freedom). There is no reference to a probationary period. His repentance and return to the father made him justified, 'just as if I'd' never left home, he could have proclaimed! Hence the consequences of his former acts of rebellion were already punishment enough. Being reconciled with God and his earthly father meant a new start in life. Possibilities of real repentance and real reconciliation are biblical facts that we need to know for effective correctional chaplaincy ministry.

Fact # 9: The prophets of the Old Testament were adamant when it came to issues of justice. They noted exactly what the Lord requires of us. Micah asked the question then he gave the answer. He wrote,

"... what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. (NIV)

Zechariah reiterated the same message.

"And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah: This is what the Lord Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another." Zechariah 7:8-9. (NIV

That we should be ambassadors of justice (true justice), mercy, humility and compassion is indeed a Biblical fact. See also Lev. 19:33, Lev. 25:35, Jer. 22:3.

Fact # 10: As the people of God, not only do we have a responsibility to the 'poor' and the 'prisoner' but also to the 'immigrant', (alien/sojourner) some of whom also end up entangled in our criminal justice system.

Moses wrote:

"The community is to have the same rules for you and for the alien living among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the alien shall be the same before the Lord. The same laws and regulations will apply both to you and to the alien living among you." Numbers 15: 15-16 (NIV)

Isaiah words are more explicit. He included the poor and the homeless in the list of responsibilities.

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter-when you see the naked to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Isaiah 58:6-7 (NIV)

It is easy to see the responsibility we have to reach out and minister in practical ways to others, such as prisoners, the poor and the immigrants, as this too is a Biblical fact.

Fact # 11: We need to realize and help others as well to realize that God is not against us, He is really on our side. In his book, Jonah described God as a:

"... gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity." Jonah 4:2b (NIV)

Not only do we need to remind ourselves of this but we need to remind offenders as well as they often see themselves as under the continual judgment and wrath of God.

King David who had the crime of pre-meditated murder on his criminal record, described God as:

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:8-14 (NIV)

Fact # 12: No one is beyond the grace and reach of Almighty God, no matter how terrible or horrible might their crimes be. St. John wrote:

"All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." John 6:37. (NIV)

St. Peter gives us an encouraging fact about the character of God. He wrote:

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." II Peter 3:9. (NIV)

Fact # 13: Everyone can overcome temptation. Even the habitual offender can break the cycle of crime and conquer temptation, no matter how strong it is. St. James wrote:

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God can not be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" James 1: 13-14. (NIV)

St. Paul explained it like this:

"So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I Cor. 10:12-13. (NIV)

Fact # 14: It is very important to be aware of our thought patterns and we should only think about things that are good and encouraging. Not only do we need to monitor our thinking but we need to help and encourage inmates to monitor their own thinking as well and to think positively. They need to completely avoid the vicious cycle of 'stink'in think'in' as so many seem to be caught up into. In St. Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he reminded the Philippians that:

"... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable,—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Fact # 15: All things are possible. In the Gospel of St. Matthew, he wrote the words of Jesus who said:

"Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

I'm guessing that Jesus was describing a very small faith, yet a faith that was growing.

In referring to the words of Jesus on the same subject, St. Mark declares it like this:

"With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27, (NIV)

So whatever situation one might eventually find themselves in, it is a Biblical fact that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible, even the challenges that seem impossible to overcome are entirely possible with God. All things are possible even for someone who just has a little faith but a faith that is growing. Interestingly enough, in Luke 13:18-19, (GNT) Christ referred to a tiny (almost microscopic) mustard seed, but when it grows into a full mature plant, it is a tree with branches where birds can build their nests!

Chapter Two

PRACTICAL FACTS ABOUT CHAPLAINCY

Now that we have looked at some 'Biblical Facts' concerning 'Effective Correctional Service Chaplaincy Ministry', in the next section we will examine what I have entitled as 'Practical Facts' concerning this ministry. Following along continuously with the same numbering system, here we go ...

Fact # 16: Being involved in Correctional Chaplaincy Ministry is NOT a right but rather a privilege and an honor. Those who are involved in this ministry should be people who are 'called', 'qualified' and 'committed' to this ministry.

Fact # 17: While you may be called by God and/or by your faith group to become involved in correctional service chaplaincy ministry, you will still need to have a 'Clearance Letter' which will generally enable you access into the correctional facility. I use the word 'generally' here, because while you may get a 'Clearance Letter' for access into the correctional facility, your name will still have to be placed on the ministry team list of volunteers. This is usually done through your local faith group who makes application with the prison ministry coordinator or chaplain. Hence, as a volunteer, you will need to be 'in good standing' with your local faith community.

Fact #18: In order to be able to get a 'Clearance Letter', it usually entails a criminal record check which you will need to request at a local police station, usually nearest your place of residence. If you have a criminal record, you might likely be refused as a potential candidate for correctional chaplaincy ministry. HOWEVER, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS GENERAL RULE.

As a former prison chaplain, I personally know several prison ministry volunteers and also prison chaplains who formerly had criminal records. They came to faith in Christ and by the grace of God they changed their ways and became totally rehabilitated (some instantly and some progressively). They became regular attending members of a local church. By their faithfulness they established credibility both as people of faith and as law abiding citizens. Miraculously God called them back to the prisons to serve Him as volunteers in prison ministry chaplaincy. Some have applied for and received a 'Pardon' and no longer have a criminal record. They have taken prison ministry training courses and are presently serving the Lord faithfully in prison ministry as volunteers. Some of them are even full time paid chaplains. Some of these stories are in my other book entitled: Prison Stories: (Memoirs of a Chaplain) published in 2012 by AuthorHouse, Inc.

So even if you have a criminal record, it may not signify that you can not serve in prison ministry, it just might mean that it will take a few extra obstacles to overcome. As Biblical Fact #15, so clearly states "Nothing is impossible!"

Fact # 19: To be involved in Correctional Chaplaincy Ministry, volunteers NEED TO BE TRAINED, because 'no training-means no access'.

This training must be formal training which is usually offered in various areas around the country. Among other components, the training usually includes policies and practices of the regional jails, guidelines for volunteers (the essence of this book) and anticipated expectations of the faith groups which are represented by the volunteers, etc. It is basically a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of what is expected by everyone involved and establishes a system of accountability.

Fact # 20: Furthermore Correctional Chaplaincy Ministry Training should be updated annually. Because of yearly directives from the Ministry of Public Safety and subsequent changes in policy and practice of the institutions, prison ministry seminars should be attended annually. In the meantime volunteers are encouraged to do their own reading of prison ministry related books. A look at the bibliography of this book including the websites is an excellent place to begin.

Fact # 21: A Correctional Chaplaincy Ministry Volunteer should NEVER ASSUME anything. Don't assume that you know the needs of the inmates/ex-offenders, that you understand them, that you can help them or that they even want your help. Don't even assume what they tell you is true, it might not be.

Fact # 22: Don't ask why they are or were in prison, it is not your business.

Fact # 23: Respect the inmate's personal space, don't be an 'in your face' type of person.

Fact # 24: Remember when visiting them in prison, you are a guest in their home, act and speak accordingly.

Fact # 25: Don't ask them what their religious affiliation is, or if they even have one.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from 55 FACTSby Lorne K. Freake Copyright © 2012 by Dr. Lorne K. Freake (Ph.D.). Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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