Prison ministry takes money time and sacrifice, said Paul Carlin, a retired prison chaplain from Texas.
Sharing his thoughts during the second Alabama Prison Ministry Conference Sept. 28-29 at the Cathedral of the Cross church in Birmingham, Carlin said relationships are key in developing a prison ministry.
It is crucial for those who want to establish a prison ministry outside of their own church to develop relationships with pastors and local churches in the area, Carlin explained.
Proper motivation
He said pastors can motivate their churches in raising money for literature and other resources used in prison ministry.
“You’re not going to raise any money in prison, you’re not going to raise any money from chaplains,” Carlin said. “The money is going to have to come from Christians who are concerned.”
The best place to find those people who are concerned, Carlin said, is in the church.
“Once they develop an interest in you and in your ministry, then they will begin to give.
“When people begin to put money into your ministry, then their hearts will get in the ministry. Then they will give more and participate,” Carlin said.
“The pastor has to take the lead and you establish a relationship with the pastor and he will help you establish a relationship with people who have an interest in prison ministry,” Carlin said.
“A lot of pastors, they’re not involved in prison ministry because they don’t know how and they don’t know the opportunities.
“Prisons are a missions field and they don’t understand the working of that missions field,” he said.
Carlin suggested individuals who want to begin a prison ministry have pastors of their local churches accompany them to prisons.
“Once they get in and once they see the need, then the pastors will begin to help you generate support for your ministry,’ he said.
Carlin also suggested writing a newsletter to keep supporters informed and to solicit contributions.
“The newsletter as to go out, it must be mailed every month,” Carlin said. He said the newsletter should include a reply envelope for contributions.
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