Prison Stories: "Bored - so he came to Alpha"Ed, like so many other prisoners, found the tedium of prison life boring beyond endurance. So, he signed up for as many programs as possible. Every one was full, as last resort he put his name down for Alpha.
At the first session we went around the group asking each person why they had signed up and what they hoped to get out of the the course.
When Ed's turn came to speak, he said: "I don't have any expectations, I only signed up to relieve the boredom of being in this place. What's more I k...
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Become a Volunteer
Stand out from the crowd - become a volunteer!
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If you have a heart for God and a desire to share the love of Jesus with those in prison please consider joining one of our volunteer teams. All volunteers must be in agreement with the Free Inside statement of beliefs and accept the Volunteer Covenant, set out below in our Beliefs page. Beliefs
Every volunteer will receive training in prison ministry and in the use of the Alpha course in prisons.
If you would like more
information about how to be a member of one of our volunteer teams that
go into prisons with the Alpha Course, please contact us by phone (860)
633-4085 or email at Peter@free-inside.com
Prison Ministry - Volunteer Covenant
I realize that the following points are crucial to the effectiveness, quality, safety and spirituality of this Prison Ministry. As a member of the Free Inside Prison Ministry Team I agree to:
Respect all inmates as individuals.
My behavior and demeanor should in no way offend an inmate.
Be humble, open and submissive.
Our call is to share the good news of Christ's love. I realize that this ministry will also be a learning experience for me. When I come across procedures that I think are inefficient or attitudes that I find close-minded, I will resist the temptation to inform prison officials as to how we would do it .
I will be willing to learn and follow prison regulations.
Ultimately our focus is Christ, we are not called to change the system.
Respect the inmates beliefs.
I recognize that the inmates we meet in prison may live out their faith in ways different from mine. I will be flexible in areas where the Lord has allowed flexibility in order to maintain Christian unity.
"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love."
A servant's heart.
I will develop and maintain an attitude of servanthood to inmates, correctional officers, chaplains and team members.
Respect my team leader.
I recognize that other Christians may not always do things my way, but that we are called to follow the leaders that God provides in the situations where I am called to serve. If I feel it necessary to offer feedback, I will do so in a spirit of humility. I will not be put out if my feedback is not accepted.
Refrain from judging my fellow teammates.
I will not gossip about my fellow teammates, the inmates, and prison officials, knowing that the Lord has forbidden such behavior.
Be positive, avoid a complaining attitude.
I understand that prison ministry can present many unexpected and often undesirable challenges, but I believe that God is able to make all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8: 29) Therefore I will do everything without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2: 4.)
Commit myself to the team and our preparations.
I will attempt to attend all team meetings and be prepared for the work.
Be responsible.
I will meet the requirements of prison rules regarding proper identification (driver s license or DOC yellow card), appropriate dress, I will attempt to attend all the Alpha sessions.
Maintain clear boundaries.
I will maintain proper boundaries in my contact with inmates, not accept gifts, exchange addresses, give my last name or any personal information as this is against DOC rules and could jeopardize the ministry.
Support my teammates.
I will be sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of my fellow team members and leaders. I will encourage them and pray for them.
Rejoice in the Lord.
I will see prison ministry as an opportunity to grow in my love for the Lord and the joy of being His servant. Such an attitude will help to overcome the difficulties and disappointments we may encounter along the way.
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