Volunteering at a prison is a terrific opportunity. Not only will you get to know your surroundings, but you’ll also get the opportunity to observe inmates in a new and eye-opening light. Volunteers are essential to every ministry. These unpaid workers frequently work alongside ministry employees, who may also give some of their time in addition to their normal job hours.
There are nearly a million convicts, and many of them are looking for stability, transformation, and everlasting love. When you join a prison ministry, you will be able to give that love via The Devotion to God. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started if you’re thinking about whether you can volunteer to be part of a ministry in different states in the US?
How Ministries Aid Their Communities
Prison Fellowship, one of the largest prison ministries in the United States, has aided in the passage of legislation to help convicts. For example, they aided in the passage of House Bill 86, which attempted to get proportional punishment and reform penalties to boost the incentives for constructive change. Even if you aren’t religious, correctional ministries do a lot of good in their communities.
Many prison ministries are aware that the jail system is broken. Each year, the cost of incarceration exceeds $80 billion, yet two out of every three prisoners are rearrested within three years. The cycle of reincarnation causes broken relationships, instability, and sorrow. Prison ministries, on the other hand, give many people a second chance.
Openings In Ministry
Individuals who are incarcerated are at the darkest point in their lives. They’ve lost everything. Many people desire to change but don’t know-how, and this is when they are most receptive to the Gospel message.
All you need to do is be willing to be used by God. You can volunteer for in-prison ministry in a variety of ways, including:
- Lead or co-lead a Bible study
- Oversee worship services
- Participate in a music ministry
- Assist in the facilitation of seminars/workshops
- Teach life skills and/or job preparation skills.
The majority of in-prison volunteer work is done every week, but there are numerous activities you can do on a monthly or bimonthly basis. The most vital aspect of your ministry is consistency.
In-prison ministries are best led by a group of volunteers who share the ministry’s tasks. This is especially true for long-term ministries that operate all year.
How To Participate In A Prison Ministry
Joining a prison ministry is a simple process. Several ministries will accept applications online or through the church in different states such as Rock Hill Jail South Carolina . You don’t have to be a gifted musician, singer, teacher, or preacher to apply. Many ministries simply require assistance.
Step 1: Choose Your Volunteer Opportunity
Here are a few ideas on how you might assist a ministry:
- Assist with the setup and breakdown of seminars and workshops.
- Inmates can be taught career preparation skills.
- Participate in a choir, group, or play an instrument.
- Run or co-run a Bible study class.
- Participate in a worship service.
The type of volunteer work you choose is determined by your interests and skill set. You often begin by engaging in direct activity within a jail, or you may serve as an advocate for prison reform.
Once you’ve gained enough experience, you may be requested to volunteer with offenders’ friends and relatives or to coach other volunteers on how to be a successful prison minister.
Step 2: Contact A Pastor
To contact an online jail ministry, write an email through their contact page stating how you wish to give back to your community. If you are a church member, chat with one of your pastors about joining an active ministry or starting a new one.
Step 3: Get Trained
Before training, most prison ministries have a brief approval process. Once authorized, a senior pastor will guide you through the process of preparing for ministry. If you intend to start your own, get advice from a local ministry in your region.
Step 4: Clear A Criminal Record Check
All new volunteers are required by most states to undergo a background check and attend a volunteer orientation class. If you intend to work inside a prison or around minors in the future, the ministry will undertake a criminal background check immediately after the following clearance.