Chapter 3

Florida Prison Ministries Organization

Florida Prison Ministries will be under the direction of the Church ministries Department. It will be under the leadership of the Florida Prison Ministries Coordinator. Each church in the Florida is encouraged to have a prison ministry program to work with inmates, their families and friends in their area.

Most families do not know how to deal with the situation of having loved ones incarcerated. This is a perfect opportunity to witness to those who are hurting and need encouragement and understanding.

The Florida Prison Ministries will be so organized that a roster of approved Lay-Chaplain workers will be published, so that as prisoners are transferred to a different part of the state that prison ministry unit will know who in the new area they can call on to take up the fellowship with the inmate.

The goal should be to encourage not only ministry with the inmate but ministry to the family also. All of the prison chaplains ask all the time, what program do we have to minister after the inmate is released? Most of those ministering in prison do not have any after care and this is a big thing with prison officials. Florida Prison Ministries will attempt with the grace and guidance of God, to organize in such a way to over come these objections.

We encourage everyone now working in Florida prisons to unite with the Florida Prison Ministries to form a cohesive unit of ministry that will give us the power to have workers qualified in all areas of the state. We will have a network to minister to anyone, track and fellowship anywhere. We need to become one in our efforts and purpose. We are the only church that has the present truth and God wants us to take this truth to all creatures. We can not lose if we commit this effort to him. Prov. 16:3 NIV "Commit to the Lord what you do, and your plans will succeed."

Each Lay-Chaplain Coordinator would have a roster of committed trained Lay-Chaplain workers throughout the state to call on to support the inmate and his family when he is released. This transfer will allow the inmate to receive spiritual support and fellowship. Some of the inmates that have taken the Bible lesson studies in prison and return to prison after they get out say it was because they got away from their spiritual life.

Training

1. All Florida Prison Ministries workers are required to be trained by the FPM authorized personnel. Training requirements and categories of volunteers (see page 10).
2. Each Lay-Chaplain will be required to fill out the FPM application form (see page 9, for example) and be approved by their own Church board or nominating committee. This form will be submitted to the Florida Prison Ministries Coordinator for final approval.
3. Every Lay-Chaplain worker will be issued a Certification card by the FPM program. This is to insure the prison authorities that these workers are approved by the Church.

Three Categories of Volunteers

Lay-Chaplain Coordinator

The first category of layperson will be a Lay-Chaplain Coordinator an individual elected as the leader of the local prison ministry organization. She/he becomes the liaison between the local Church(es), institutional official(s) and the FPM Coordinator. Responsibility is to supervise and insures the adherence of all penal and FPM restrictions/regulations. Minimum 8 hours required FPM training program. They will fill out the required form and submit it to the local church board and the pastor for approval. This form will be submitted to the local conference for approval and certification. This position will be on a annual basis and proof of prison visitation will be required for the local church board to approve the renewal.

Lay-Chaplain Associate

The second category of layperson will be the Lay-Chaplain Associate who will support ministering to inmates. Minimum 4 hours required FPM training program. They will fill out the required form and submit it to the local church board for approval. This form will be submitted to the local conference for approval and certification. This position will be on a annual basis and proof of prison visitation will be required for the local church board to approve the renewal.

Lay-Chaplain Assistant

The third category of layperson will be the Lay-Chaplain Assistant support worker. Who will be involved in correcting lessons, ministering to relatives and friends outside of prison. Minimum 4 hours required FPM training program. They will follow the same procedure as above.

To apply to become a volunteer, please download and print out this form.

Note:

Persons filling out this form agree to follow and promote the Florida Prison Ministries guidelines and objectives. To unite in an effort to build an organization dedicated to the cause that every inmate or their relatives/friends will have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and be saved.