Anybody work with prisoners?

[Macrina]

I'm just wondering if any of you have had a prison outreach or congregation members in jail/prison...? There are some real challenges to offering pastoral care in that context.

 

[IamGodslittlegirl]

Hi!

It's not very often that someone comes on a christian forum talking about prisoners - I am like floored - in good way


I am not part of an "organized" ministry or church per se. I am a loner with an outreach to prisoners all over the USA. I write letters. Lots of them

So tell me why you care [I am really curious ] and what exactly you are looking for - maybe I can be of some help

 

[Macrina]

Hi!

It's not very often that someone comes on a christian forum talking about prisoners - I am like floored - in good way


I am not part of an "organized" ministry or church per se. I am a loner with an outreach to prisoners all over the USA. I write letters. Lots of them

So tell me why you care [I am really curious ] and what exactly you are looking for - maybe I can be of some help

Well, I've sort of fallen into this type of ministry. I'm the pastor of a congregation, and two members are serving time. Basically, I was just interested in talking with other people who had dealt with similar situations and the challenges involved.

For example (and for confidentiality reasons, I will keep the generalizations very broad), serving someone who has been found guilty of a crime and yet protests innocence -- if the evidence is overwhelming but they still deny it, how can one make progress in guiding that person to repentance and spiritual healing? Or let's say that you are working with someone who has committed a violent crime completely abhorrent to you -- there's a certain visceral reaction that makes it difficult to minister to that person. It doesn't stop you, but it's a factor that tends to drain your energies and make for a little confusion as to how to approach this particular situation of pastoral care.

Basically, I just wanted to talk about the issues that come up when working with prisoners: The things that make it personally difficult or draining.


And thanks for responding -- I didn't know if I'd get any nibbles.

 

[IamGodslittlegirl]

I applaud your desire to gather some understanding to deal with these kinds of situations. It's a rare quality.

It's easy to confront on paper not so easy in person. Although, I think maybe some kind of trust has to be gained on their part? maybe a few short visits expressing concern. If you know that this person is guilty for sure, then I would firmly broach the sin factor - "God says it's wrong - how do you feel about that"? kind of discussion. Remembering that the Holy Spirit must convict, so prayer for the heart to be softened is critical.

Let me ask you, if it would be better to implement a ministry team? Not sure of the size of your congregation, but you nailed it - this kind of ministry is very draining.


shalom!

 

[IamGodslittlegirl]

oops - it double posted on me!

 

[Macrina]

Thanks so much for the encouraging words and advice. I'm hesitant to say much more out of respect for their privacy. Do know, though, that my personal safety is not at risk -- one of the individuals, my contact is only via telephone, letter, and family members.

Again, thanks for the input. It's nice just to touch base with someone who understands how draining it can be.

 

[IamGodslittlegirl]

Cool! Sounds like you have it handled

Shalom!

 

[Aceybee]

It is draining, and there are so many factors involved.. sometimes the battle is just getting stuff in there in the first place. I kind of work with prisoners, but not by face to face. At work we basically mark correspondance courses in bible and lifestyle and stuff. Its incredible how many prisoners we have faithfully studying, and thinking and asking questions. Because they probably won't ever meet us, there is a genuineness and an openness in their responses and what they share. It can be incredibly draining because of what they share about their life, and then you have to write a response to the deep hurt and fear and encourage them to seek God. One of our courses is called Taking Charge of Your Life, and you'd be surprised how many do it to look good for their parole board, and end up really changing their life. Some of them regularly remind us of their innocence, others realise what a mess their life is in, and we help them start to figure out how they are going to sort it out. It can be difficult because you listen, but alot of it you have to keep inside and the stories are so extreme and the emotions so strong, that you do get really drained.
The only suggestion I can give you, is if you can, find a mentor/pastoral supervisor that you can talk to regularly. You can talk about the issues without identifying the persons, and unless you can get a counselling session or something, you are potentially headed for burnout.. not cool.. look after yourself ok?

 

[Macrina]

It is draining, and there are so many factors involved.. sometimes the battle is just getting stuff in there in the first place. I kind of work with prisoners, but not by face to face. At work we basically mark correspondance courses in bible and lifestyle and stuff. Its incredible how many prisoners we have faithfully studying, and thinking and asking questions. Because they probably won't ever meet us, there is a genuineness and an openness in their responses and what they share. It can be incredibly draining because of what they share about their life, and then you have to write a response to the deep hurt and fear and encourage them to seek God. One of our courses is called Taking Charge of Your Life, and you'd be surprised how many do it to look good for their parole board, and end up really changing their life. Some of them regularly remind us of their innocence, others realise what a mess their life is in, and we help them start to figure out how they are going to sort it out. It can be difficult because you listen, but alot of it you have to keep inside and the stories are so extreme and the emotions so strong, that you do get really drained.
The only suggestion I can give you, is if you can, find a mentor/pastoral supervisor that you can talk to regularly. You can talk about the issues without identifying the persons, and unless you can get a counselling session or something, you are potentially headed for burnout.. not cool.. look after yourself ok?

Thank you.

You are so right, that support is an important thing in ministry (any ministry). I have a couple colleagues I can talk with about issues, which is very helpful. I came here because I didn't know anybody who had this particular kind of ministry, and it's helpful to share perspectives, ideas, and feelings. But I've learned that the local Catholic priest (who I know from some ecumenical activities) does prison ministry, so I hope to connect with him on this.

The network is really important with something so draining -- but of course, the most fulfilling aspects of ministry also tend to be the most draining, so it's worth it.

 

[IamGodslittlegirl]

It is draining, and there are so many factors involved.. sometimes the battle is just getting stuff in there in the first place. I kind of work with prisoners, but not by face to face. At work we basically mark correspondance courses in bible and lifestyle and stuff. Its incredible how many prisoners we have faithfully studying, and thinking and asking questions. Because they probably won't ever meet us, there is a genuineness and an openness in their responses and what they share. It can be incredibly draining because of what they share about their life, and then you have to write a response to the deep hurt and fear and encourage them to seek God. One of our courses is called Taking Charge of Your Life, and you'd be surprised how many do it to look good for their parole board, and end up really changing their life. Some of them regularly remind us of their innocence, others realise what a mess their life is in, and we help them start to figure out how they are going to sort it out. It can be difficult because you listen, but alot of it you have to keep inside and the stories are so extreme and the emotions so strong, that you do get really drained.
The only suggestion I can give you, is if you can, find a mentor/pastoral supervisor that you can talk to regularly. You can talk about the issues without identifying the persons, and unless you can get a counselling session or something, you are potentially headed for burnout.. not cool.. look after yourself ok?

Hi

It was really cool to hear your side of the BCC thing. I hear from a number of my guys who have taken courses and tell me about them - but I didn't realize that they pour their hearts out to you, too.

I guess I am not surprised, I get so many letters from guys that just need someone to talk to. They feel alone and have held emotions in for so long. Most know that to expose how they feel inside will make them vulnerable to ridicule and harsh treatment.

I totally understand how you can get burned out when you have to keep hearing the tragic stories over and over again. And so many intricate challenges individually.

Anyway - thanx from someone on the outside - because you ARE making a difference in their lives

Getting a response or a certificate upon completion means the world to them - it's like they prove to themselves that they are not the loser that the system or family says they are.

I suppose this might be too personal, maybe not, but which BCC are you affiliated with?

shalom!

 

[Aceybee]

Yeah.. I guess they realise we aren't going to give up on them because they've made mistakes.. One guy last week wrote us a note telling us that he didn't want to share anything about himself because he'd been burnt before, and that just broke my heart..They can feel so abandoned in there and seperated.. another one who writes in regularly has a 2 year old daughter battling cancer, and is stuck behind bars feeling a bit helpless.. Giving them encouragment and an ear to listen is the least we can do I suppose..

I work for the Adventist Discovery Centre (australia and new zealand primarily)

Glad to hear it makes a difference!
As an interesting by the way, we often find that the prisoners are the best evangelists!! I can't tell you how many letters we get that go along the lines of "I got a mate here in prison who did one of your courses and told me about it.. can I do one too?" Oh that we were that open more!

p.s. sorry for the delay in replying

 

[plmarquette]

We have been writing to 30+ inmates in several facilities for 5+ years and going into 3 cell blocks to minister to 15-30 men in Springfield , IL at the Sangamon Co. Jail .

Some times it is like being a substitue teacher ... they check you out , try to gross you out , out preach you , ask for things should not have .... [games]

If you stand , ,continue , grow ... stay prayed up and trust God , there is an "anointing " to do what we do ..
and a blessing to see men change , grow , forgive , and start fellowshipping with one another and with Jesus

If you change 1 person you heal a family , house hold , neighborhood , county , city , state ...as the Holy Spirit uses us to renew the face of the earth , one person at a time , day after day ...

whether you know alot or not , keep it real , honest , and sincere ... try to relate to their situation and wounded hearts ... no matter what the sin the blood can and does wash whiter than snow ...

faith , hope, love , and Jesus ...

 

[kingdomseek4]

I go to a county jail in my city and minister to the inmates every Sunday. I have been going for almost two years. When I first started, it was mainly because I was asked to go. Now it has become a joy to share the reality of Christ with someone that thinks the bars they are behind dictate how their life is. When you get them to see Christ, they begin to realize their situation does not determine whether they have joy or not. One thing I remind them is that in jail they are actually free. They are free from doing the thing that got them in there. If the Lord had not had them arrested, they would still doing the same thing they were doing on the outside. I also tell them how crucial it is to get their minds renewed to the way God thinks. If they do not get their minds renewed, when they get out they will go back to doing the same things. Most of them are repeat offenders. One, two, three times and some even more. They have to think a different way. I praise the Lord for your faithfulness. Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not. God bless.

 

[Macrina]

I go to a county jail in my city and minister to the inmates every Sunday. I have been going for almost two years. When I first started, it was mainly because I was asked to go. Now it has become a joy to share the reality of Christ with someone that thinks the bars they are behind dictate how their life is. When you get them to see Christ, they begin to realize their situation does not determine whether they have joy or not. One thing I remind them is that in jail they are actually free. They are free from doing the thing that got them in there. If the Lord had not had them arrested, they would still doing the same thing they were doing on the outside. I also tell them how crucial it is to get their minds renewed to the way God thinks. If they do not get their minds renewed, when they get out they will go back to doing the same things. Most of them are repeat offenders. One, two, three times and some even more. They have to think a different way. I praise the Lord for your faithfulness. Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not. God bless.

Thank you, and bless you for the work that you do.


Yes, it is difficult to see repeat offenders, whom you know can "say the right things" but you fervently hope that the difference has taken root in their hearts. I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to make some small difference.

 

[Mark2010]

I did volunteer prison ministry a few years ago when I lived in a different city. It was sort of a one-on-one mentoring type of program, rather than preaching, per se, although have assisted in that as well.

I found the main thing was to accept the person for who they are, not to condemn them. Most people know full well what they have done wrong. If they don't, they get plenty of reminders. What I tried to do was to be honest, be real and try to encourage them in their spiritual journey and how to apply those principles to life, making good decisions both inside the walls as well as when they were released.

Personally, I wasn't intimidated, although I can understand how others might be. It really is a great untapped mission field right here in our midst.

 

[4Everloved]

I wasn't intimidated at all by jail ministry. I loved it. I ministered with women at the county jail up until 2 months ago.

Some women in my ministry group told me I couldn't come to jail ministry or come to meetings planning the halfway house. This hurt me very, very much.

About a month ago, God opened the door for me to work with a homeless shelter that is already in existence and running. I enjoy it and I know this is where God wants me.

Nevertheless, it still hurt me alot to be kicked out of jail ministry. I never did anything inappropriate at the jail, ever.

Once at a meeting about the halfway house we were planning, I spoke rudely about a pastor of one of the ministry lady's church, because he is not caring in the least for addicts, inmates, or homeless people.

She did not like me speaking so bluntly about her precious pastor.

It was soon that she and another lady from the group came to my house and gave me their version of "church discipline." It was horrible.

I'm still healing from it.

I love jail ministry. I miss it.

I like the shelter ministry very much, but I heart is still lingering in the jail ministry and I know God will take me back to the county jails.

The Lord has spoken to me about this and I know I have His sure calling into these areas: prison ministry, and
halfway house/shelter ministry.

So I trust God that in time He will bring me into jail ministry again.

It felt good to be able to talk about this here in this thread. Most people don't relate; don't want to go to jail and minister, and just would be relieved to be put out of jail ministry.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Macrina]

Happy to listen any time.

It is a very rewarding form of ministry, albeit quite trying at times.

 

[plmarquette]

Here are some Jail Ministry Links
http://www.prisonvictory.com/ Dove and Roloand Osborne
http://www.livingcrossnm.com/restoration.html Chaplain Fred