NCJ Number
199805
Date Published
1999
Length
152 pages
Annotation
This handbook is intended as a resource for those in prison ministry, such as professional correctional ministers with an overview of the many faceted roles played by a chaplain in the correctional system.
Abstract
A professional correctional chaplain is a public servant who works for the inmates on behalf of the religious community in cooperation with the government and works outside the property or territorial domain of the church. The goal of chaplaincy is to help both staff members and inmates to mature in their states of faith. The chaplain plays many roles within the correctional system. This handbook serves as a resource for all professional correctional ministers, as well as correctional administrators and politicians who legislate corrections so that they may understand and utilize more fully the skills and services a chaplain has to offer. An overview is presented of the many roles identified as being played by a chaplain within the correctional system: servant, priest, teacher, mediator, ecumenical reconciler, counselor, pastoral administrator, prophet, poet/communicator, and volunteer coordinator. With the vast array of roles played by correctional chaplains, they are challenged in obtaining certified training in order for them to perform their ministry.