“Walking” Ministry
The chaplain sees every situation as an opportunity for ministry. As the chaplain makes his rounds in the jail he is free to talk with the officers and other staff. He takes every opportunity to build bridges of communication with the staff. As communication is established and trust is built the chaplain may earn the privilege of discussing spiritual matters with the staff.
Whether it is with the inmates, the staff, or their families the chaplain has a myriad of opportunities for ministry both inside and outside the jail. People in the jail are in crisis. Inmates and their families are in crisis. The jail staff is stressed as they deal with each crisis involving the inmates and their families. Hope is in short supply. Many are asking, “Is this all there is to life?” The chaplain and his ministry volunteers can answer this often unspoken question by saying, “No. There is a more abundant life in Christ Jesus to all who desire it.” For Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly” (John 10:10).
