At our core, FJPM is a chaplaincy. We exist to share Christ’s love and forgiveness to transform lives and break the cycle of crime and punishment. Our founders met as they individually ministered at the Cherry Street prison. Nearly 50 years later, our current chaplains carry on their legacy.
Meet Our Chaplains
Reverend Jeff Carter joined the FJPM staff in 2019, and in 2024, he was named Senior Chaplain. In this role, he supervises and supports three additional chaplains who serve with the ministry.
Reverend Christopher Smalls joined the FJPM staff in late 2024 and serves at Forsyth Correctional Center. Reverend Roy Izzard joined the staff in early 2024 and serves at both the jail and the prison in the evenings. Reverend Leah Wheeler joined the staff in 2025 and works primarily with the women at the jail.
A Typical Day for Chaplains
A typical day for our chaplains might include visiting with an inmate at the Forsyth County Detention Center (jail) who has had a death in his or her family, providing marriage counseling for an offender at Forsyth Correctional Center (prison) and his wife, planning the next movie night, handing out reading glasses or hygiene items to offenders in need, or weekly welcoming new arrivals to the prison. It is not uncommon for the jail or prison staff to seek out a chaplain, too. Their work is often long and difficult and the support of a chaplain is vital to their wellbeing.
Movie nights are one of Chaplain Carter’s favorite activities. He curates movies with a message he thinks the men will enjoy. This summer, he showed An Interview with God, a drama from 2018. Local Moravian churches supplied the popcorn. One offender said, “When I come to an event in the chapel, I don’t feel like I’m in prison.”
Chaplains Serve at the Jail and the Prison
Chaplain Carter also oversees the Sunday worship services at the prison and jail. Local church volunteer groups come alongside him and the other chaplains to assist with scripture reading, saying a prayer, or bringing special music. These services are a vital part of the men having a place to worship together and encourage one another. From worship services and Bible studies offered throughout the year, many men and women have come to know the love of Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as their Savior. Each summer at the prison, a baptism service is offered for any men who want to be baptized. In 2023, 16 men were baptized and in 2024, nine men were baptized.
State Certified Chaplain
An important part of Chaplain Carter’s role is serving as a NC state certified chaplain. This means he has met the academic and clinical pastoral education requirements that the state has put forth. In this role, Chaplain Carter is responsible for providing religious resources for offenders who are Christians, as well as believers of the other 16 recognized religions. He writes monthly reports for the NC Department of Adult Corrections about the activities at the prison and is the liaison between the state and FJPM. As a state chaplain, he also is responsible for notifying offenders of any critical incidents in their families, such as a death or serious illness. Chaplain Carter can then help the offender contact his family and/or plan for a visit, if allowed by the Warden.
No Two Days are the Same
No two days are ever the same for Chaplain Carter and his staff. They work long hours with great care to minister to the men and women incarcerated in Forsyth County. Chaplain Carter says, “It is a privilege to walk alongside these men and women. Every day is a joy and blessing but not without its challenges in serving the incarcerated and those working at Forsyth County Detention Center and Forsyth Correctional Center. But each day brings the opportunity to practice the ministry of presence with someone who is in a difficult situation. That’s what Jesus has called us to do.”
