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...