Going to Prison

This weekend, I have been in training at The School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.  This is mentor training for EfM, Education for Ministry, and the specific theme of my group is EfM in prisons.

I came with a blank slate and a bit of trepidation, thinking I am really illequipped to conduct a program in a prison, but I am willing to learn.  What will it take to be prepared?

On the one hand, I have been mentoring a group for a few years, so I know what that entails, but this is a different venue.  I have attended events in prison, so I know about the security and restrictions, but, this is about going in every week.  Can I do it?

One of the things that gives me confidence is Kairos.  I have been working with this ministry for several years, and it has introduced me to some amazing and loving women on the outside who have loved ones on the inside, men and women who want them to experience a weekend of God's love.

Bringing EfM inside would be bringing those men and women more of what they seek, a better understanding of their relationship with God and their personal ministry.

I thought this would be a new program and all of us would be learning.  As it turns out, the others in my class have been doing this for years.  Who knew?

I suddenly found myself a novice among experts, and although that can be intimidating, it turned out to be a blessing.  I would not be blazing a new trail, I would be following a well-worn path.

But that path is not the same for each mentor, or in each prison.  It can take a lot of work to get to the starting gate.  I will need to establish a relationship with the chaplain and staff of a prison, demonstrate my ability and dedication to the ministry, and stay committed, not to mention clearing background checks and following all the rules.

Discipline, determination and devotion.

It is not going to be something I can arrange overnight.  Like most things I tackle, I am focused on the great potential before me, rather than the obstacles.  Does that sound admirable, or naive?

I would say it is a little of both.  In the recesses of my mind lie all the logical objections and realities that want to jump out and make me think twice, or three times when thinking twice doesn't deter me. 

One approach might be to seek help.  Not mental help, but other interested parties to join the effort.  I know several people who have worked in prison ministry, many who have gone into the prisons and have connections and relationships with chaplains.  Rather than take the long route and build them from scratch, I should be able to use my connections to make new ones.

It reminds me of how Jesus built his ministry.  He sought the help of others, people who could go out in teams to do the work he needed done.  That didn't stop him from doing the work as well.  It just made the task of reaching many easier.

One of the things I learned about this ministry is that it is powered by individuals.  While there is a long history of good work, it hasn't spread outward.  There are not many EfM classes in prisons.  If one new class was added each year, there would be more than twice as many today. 

I think that could change, and should change. 

You see, that is how my mind works.  I like to see things multiply and grow.  If it is worth doing, it should be worth doing with others.

What do you think?