WHY ANOTHER PRISON MINISTRY?
WHO WE ARE
STATEMENT OF
FAITH
MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIPS
HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN GET INVOLVED
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Daily Quiet Time Series
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Shared Bible Studies
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
GAP & YOU
HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN GET INVOLVED
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MINISTRY TEAMS AND
PARTNERSHIPS
Most churches and their members have had
little contact with people in prisons and remain unenlightened about
prisoners. Much of what they know may have come from sensational movies
or media reports, which have done more to heighten fears and reinforce
stereotypes than to inform and enlighten.
While GAP Prison Ministries recognizes there are many legitimate
concerns and challenges facing those involved in a prison ministry
(e.g., lack of understanding, safety concerns, gender issues), we also
believe this very important work can be done effectively by forming
ministry teams from the church to be overseen and managed by a ministry
coordinator within each local church. These teams and their members will
then form a ministry partnership with one or more imprisoned believers.
MINISTRY TEAMS & PARTNERSHIPS
Because many of these Christian men and women are in the process of
changing negative life-patterns, we believe it is important for the
participating believers from local churches to form ministry teams of
two or more members. While a married couple is ideal, because the
male-female partnership introduces a model of a functioning, loving,
continuing relationship to the prisoner, something many have yet to see
or experience, teams can be made up of a combination of single and/or
married participants.
As we know, God designed a healthy family by uniting the unique
strengths and responsibilities of a mother and father. It is the same
with the family-type relationships God has called between believers on
the inside and outside. This does not mean that both persons on the
outside have to be involved in all aspects of the relationship, but
there should be a sharing of responsibilities and involvement among
teammates.
Once team members are selected from within the church and receive
adequate training by their ministry coordinator, they can begin to form
a ministry partnership between themselves and imprisoned believers.
In establishing a KOINONIA ADVENTURE, whether or not the goal is to
progress toward the TIMOTHY TRAVELS partnership, most GAP supportive
associations begin with letter writing and telephone contact between the
ministry team members and the BIP. This method provides time for the
relationship to develop and for the teammates to become comfortable
interacting with the BIP. It also gives the teammates an opportunity to
assess the sincerity, maturity, and spiritual needs of the BIP.
GENDER ISSUES
The letter writing portion of the ministry
does not need to be gender specific. Males and females may write to BIPs
(Believers in Prison) of either gender, but it is important they share
their letters with a team member. If the fellowship advances to
visiting, we strongly recommend that it be gender specific unless two or
more teammates participate. If married couples are not available, it is
important that those involved team up with someone in the church.
The MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP is a gender specific ministry. When a BIP is
commissioned as a missionary, it is required that he or she be matched
with the same gender partner on the outside. The only exception is when
a husband-wife (or male-female) team serves as the missionary's outside
partners. Because the issues facing imprisoned men and women are
somewhat different than those facing believers outside, it is important
they have someone of the same gender to go to for advice and
encouragement.
ADVICE TO CONSIDER
Romantic relationships. Due to the
loneliness of inmates and their natural desire to share companionship
with the opposite gender, there is a temptation to have romantic
feelings for someone who shows them time and attention. It is important
to guard against this by sharing honestly and openly with your ministry
team and coordinator.
Involvement in legal cases. Many inmates are looking for someone
who believes in them and will help them with their legal situation. Some
may ask for money or other help in getting their cases appealed. While
we caution team members against involvement, we also realize that some
people may feel compelled to act on behalf of the person with whom they
have grown close. On an individual basis, with godly discernment and
teammate agreement, some level of help may be appropriate on a very
limited basis, such as getting transcripts or contacting their lawyer.
Prayer and honesty should always guide you.
Sending money. While most inmates work to support their financial
needs, some cannot because of the low number of available prison jobs,
or for medical reasons. This is especially true of those who have
limited work hours or are housed in non-working units. They may ask for
stamp money if you want them to write or do Bible studies. Any money
that is sent should be limited to small amounts like five or ten
dollars, and sent through the church with the approval by the ministry
coordinator.
Family involvement. Outside involvement with the BIP's family is
encouraged as a means of restoring relationships and working with the
whole family. Your ministry coordinator will help you define clear
guidelines that will insure propriety. Caution should be exercised as
some family dynamics are not easily changed. The focus of a ministry to
the family should be centered on spiritual growth.
Visitation restrictions. Be sure to get a copy of the visitation
rules for the specific institution. All visitation rules must be
respected and obeyed at all times. You should not bring anything to the
visit that violates the rules and jeopardizes the visit and the ministry
of your church. It is important to always maintain a good testimony with
prison staff.
These guidelines are not exhaustive. Situations will arise that
are not covered in either the training or the material presented here.
They will require godly discernment and council. If something is not
clear, or you have any concerns or questions, be sure to check with your
ministry team mates as well as the ministry coordinator. GAP is also
available to help.
CONTACTING PRISONS
We have spent a considerable amount of time
working with prison administrators. Depending on the needs of local
churches, the location and the existing circumstances, GAP will either
directly assist the local church ministry coordinator in developing a
relationship with an area prison, or train the coordinator on how to
develop supportive contacts with corrections personnel. Each facility
must be approached on a case by-case basis.
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