Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries’ chaplains serve both the offenders at the Forsyth Correctional Center (prison) and the inmates at the Forsyth County Detention Center (jail). Their role is to share Christ’s love and forgiveness, practice the ministry of presence and counsel with both inmates and offenders, as well as the staff at each facility. Many of you are more familiar with the chaplain’s role at the prison because of your volunteer work.
Now, you can come along with us to learn more about a day in the life of a jail chaplain.
A Day in the Life
A day at the jail includes answering requests from inmates. These requests may be for a visit, prayer, a Bible or other devotional materials. As a chaplain fulfills each request, he or she takes a moment to spend with the inmate. They always ask how the inmate is doing, and if there are any other needs.
In the picture below, Chaplain Smalls is preparing to deliver Bibles and reading materials to the various dorms at the jail.
The Ministry of Presence
Lunch is often spent in a dining room or breakroom, where the chaplain may spend time with members of the detention center staff. As the chaplains get to know the staff, they are often asked for a few moments to talk or to pray about a particular matter. This ministry of presence is as important for the staff as it is for the inmates.
Critical Notifications
Another service provided by chaplains is that of critical or emergency notifications. If an inmate has a death or serious illness in their family, that information is given to the chaplain. The chaplain then then makes the notification to the inmate. Hospital visits fall under this category as well. If an inmate goes to the hospital for a serious reason, the chaplain may make a hospital visit. Critical notifications and hospital visits often entail sitting with the inmate as they process the news. Chaplains also offer guidance and prayer. These visits are sacred moments for the chaplain. It is a privilege to walk through these valleys with the inmates.
Bible Studies
As the need arises, chaplains may be asked to lead specific Bible studies. At the request of the jail staff, Chaplain Smalls will soon begin a Bible study for the inmates in the mental health unit at the jail. And of course, a chaplain is at the jail on Sundays when church volunteers come to lead worship services.
Each day is busy at the jail, and a chaplain may not know what to expect until they arrive. But it is clear that God’s work is being done inside those walls as FJPM chaplains bring the love of Christ to individuals during a difficult time in their lives.
