Guilford County Jail Ministry

A Volunteer’s Perspective

September 17, 2013

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?I tell you the truth, whatever you did

for one of the least of these brothers of mine,you did for me.

Matthew 25:37-40

Why are we here?The jail ministry is Biblically based

The spiritual needs of the inmates are broad… but intense

Lost17%

Disobedient19%

Restored37%

New Convert27%

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What is the most frequent requests received from inmates?

The most frequent request I receive is prayer for the inmate AND their families.

I begin each session asking if any inmates have a special prayer request. I bring a faith and hope journal and I offer them an opportunity to write their requests with their first name.

I end each session with prayer and often the inmates ask for a few moments of individual prayer.

We include mini discussions on the power of prayer, how to pray, how prayers are answered almost every session.

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What are the topics that are most often discussed?

CRITICAL 5

Forgiveness

Pervasiveness of Sin

Depression and Fear

Prayer

Acceptance

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Can you make it real?

The most common expression I run into at the Detention Center is…

“making it real.”

I spoke with one of the inmates and asked what this expression meant to him…

"Stop pulling my leg (fooling me, or kidding around). A lot of folks are BS-ing me, and you need to 'make it real'. Don’t say the politically correct junk or use a bunch of clichés because they’re easy to say. Speak honestly from the heart with me."

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Can you assure them with sincerity that you care and you can forgive them?

Most importantly God will forgive them

Do you have limitations on forgiving the inmates you are ministering to? Are there crimes and transgressions you cannot forgive?

1. Do not ask what crime they have committed2. Avoid reactions or judgments if they volunteer the information.3. Use Biblical grounding to explain the extent of forgiveness that is available to

them.4. Be careful to distinguish between forgiveness for sin and consequence of sin.

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Will you be able to stay sensitive to group dynamics

but not lose sight of individual needs?

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The heart of a small group ministry is its relationships.

Within a group there are sometimes alliances and antagonisms, sometimes temporary and some semi-permanent.

This dynamic adds to the need for awareness and sensitivity by the group leader..

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Eight Keys To Effective Ministering

1. Recognize this is God’s work; He receives the glory2. Acceptance of the inmates as children of God3. Support with prayer4. Prepare lessons/devotions likely to be useful to them5. Submit yourself to the Holy Spirit6. Make it real7. Spirit of forgiveness8. Be aware of the group dynamics and individual needs

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