Rescued Not Arrested
Prison Ministry Volunteer
Training
NOVEMBER, 2012
RNA Prison Ministry Training - Contents
I. Introduction
II. Overview of Correctional Institutions, Prisoner’s
Needs and the Services We Provide
III. Major Do’s and Don’ts
IV. Next Steps
RNA Prison Ministry Training
Introduction
RNA Prison Ministry Training
Scriptural Reasons for Prison Ministry:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord,
when did we see you hungry and feed you, or
thirsty and give you something to drink? When
did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or
needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see
you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:37-40
RNA Prison Ministry Training
Scriptural Reasons for Prison Ministry:
“Continue
to remember those in prison as if
you were together with them in prison, and those
who are mistreated as if you yourselves were
suffering.”
Hebrews 13:3
RNA Prison Ministry Training
Scriptural Reasons for Prison Ministry:
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free.”
Psalm 146:7
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free
indeed.”
John 8:36
Arizona Department of Corrections Statistics
Classification
Level
Average
Length of
Stay
(Years)
Population
Minimum
3.31
16,003
Medium
9.96
16,361
Close
10.39
3,764
Maximum
13.69
2,583
Total
7.50
38,711
Totals on Custody Level worksheet are slightly different from Offense
Type worksheet due to missing values
Over 40,000 Arizonans Are Incarcerated for an
Average of 7.5 Years – Plentiful Harvest!
U.S. Department of Corrections Statistics
National Recidivism
Rate – 67%
7.1 M
6.2 M
4.0 M
1.8 M
Population in Millions
RNA Prison Ministry
Overview of Institutions and
Services We Offer – Needs
RNA Prison Ministry Training
Locations
Services
Population
Volunteers
Needed
Juvies
County Jails
State
Prisons
Federal
Prisons
Adobe Mt.
School,
4th Ave., Durango,
Estrella,
Lower Buckeye,
Tent City,
Towers Jail
Lewis,
Yuma,
Florence
Phoenix,
Safford,
Tucson
Black Canyon
School
•Sunday Services
• Mentoring
• Bible Studies
• Adopt a Cottage
• Sports Leagues
• Church Services
• One on One Mentoring
• Bible Studies
• Baptisms
•Mail
Mentoring
• Church
Services
360
9,800
41, 400
3,165
200
100
TBD
TBD
RNA Prison Ministry Structure
Scott–
Maricopa
County
Jails
Roger
Munchian Director
Leader
TBD–
Federal &
State
Prisons
Leader
TBD–
AZDJC
• 4th Ave Jail ___________ •Durango Jail __________
•Tank Orders _____
•Tank Orders _____
•Church Svcs ____
•Church Svcs ____
• Adobe Boys_________
•Church Svcs ____
•One on Ones ____
• Men ________________
•Church Svcs ____
•LBJ _________________ • Tents _______________
•Tank Orders _____
•Tank Orders _____
•Church Svcs ____
•Church Svcs ____
• BCS Girls ___________
•Church Svcs ____
•One on Ones ____
• Women _____________
•Church Svcs ____
•Estrella Jail ___
• Towers Jail __________
•Tank Orders _____
•Tank Orders _____
•Church Svcs ____
•Church Svcs ____
Leader
TBD –
Correspon
dence
• Men’s Mail
Coordinator _______
• Mentor _____
Leadership Required at Many Levels
• Women’s Mail
Coordinator _______
• Mentor _____
RNA Prison Ministry
Major Do’s and Don’ts
RNA Prison Ministry
PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
•Pray for God’s guidance in serving His people
• Be natural; be yourself
• Dress appropriately
• Treat everyone with respect; act as if you just entered someone
else’s house or work place
•Know the rules and guidelines
RNA Prison Ministry
ARRIVING FOR YOUR VISIT
Do’s…
•Be on time…arrive 30 minutes prior
•Check yourself for unauthorized items before leaving your car to enter the
jail. Know what’s allowed and what’s not.
•Make sure you have your ID badge before you enter the facility. Your
badge must be visible while moving within the facility.
Don’ts…
•Don’t bring any materials in that have not been approved.
RNA Prison Ministry
DURING YOUR VISIT
Do’s…
•Take time to get to know the inmates.
•Be a good listener…God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.
•Be trustworthy
•Advise inmates that you can be subpoenaed to testify in their case…it is
best not to discuss details of their case.
•Find ways to encourage and give hope.
•Be patient with the inmates and staff.
•Be perceptive:
1.Be aware of con games
2.Call security is you see any contraband
•Keep your eyes open at all times.
•Report any suicide threats, escape plans or threats against others.
•Keep a record of the time you spend in your visits.
•Take out everything that you bring in.
RNA Prison Ministry
DURING YOUR VISIT
Don’ts…
•No hugging…handshakes are permitted but no hugging is allowed.
•Never leave inmates unattended.
•Do not give inmates any materials unless it has been preauthorized.
•Do not take any materials or gifts from inmates.
•Never give out your address or telephone number.
•Never discuss your family or show family pictures.
•Don’t phone an inmate’s family or friends, nor make promises that you
cannot keep.
•Never ask an inmate why they’re in jail or for how long.
•Don’t be “preachy” or push anyone into making a decision for Christ.
•Never single an individual out in a manner that draws special attention to
that inmate.
RNA Prison Ministry
DURING YOUR VISIT
Don’ts…
•Never criticize:
•Staff
•Other volunteers
•Other inmates
•Religions
•Denominations
•Never get involved in:
•Inmate Finances – you cannot put money on an inmates’ books
•Legal issues – volunteers can not pick up inmates’ property
•Confessions of guilt
•Messages between inmates
•Never use your ID badge to visit a friend or relative…you must use regular
visitation channels for such visits.
RNA Prison Ministry
AFTER YOUR VISIT
Do’s…
•Remember to log the time that you
spent in visits and/or services.
•Thank God for the opportunity to
serve Him and pray for Him to grow
the seeds that you have helped Him
plant.
RNA Prison Ministry
Next Steps
RNA Prison Ministry
 Fill out clearance application form for the
appropriate facility.
 Get fingerprinted!
 Complete training for applicable facility.