After 35 years of chaplaincy in county jails and larger correctional facilities, I wish to state that a recent three day weekend was an exceptional highlight within the framework of all those years. I was blessed beyond all expectations.
Since moving to Florida, I had longed to do some kind of jail/prison work again. A kind word was extended to me to become part of a team with Kairos Prison Ministry during a scheduled weekend ministry in a maximum prison not far away. I thought I’d try it…why not? I had heard the name a few times over the years but knew absolutely nothing about it.
As I type my reflections of that weekend I have come away convinced that Kairos is one of the most impacting outreaches to the incarcerated that I have ever observed. All of the elements that are included in the weekend (Thursday through Sunday), and through the program, give the possibility of creating an authentic Christian community for inmates while they are still inside.
In my experience, outreaches to prison and jail populations tend to be primarily evangelistic with little emphasis on spiritual growth, education and most of all, discipleship. These very basics are the ingredients that are stressed during the time spent among the volunteers and inmates.
The ‘evangelistic’ approach, however, is usually made up of three steps comprised of enthusiastic music, a Gospel message, and an invitation with an opportunity to “accept Jesus”. I have occasionally heard volunteers remark something like this, “Did you see how many got saved?”
After giving hugs or shaking hands the volunteers leave and the inmates go back to figuring out how this should all work. No chaplain can follow up on all those who want to be strong Christians. This weekend spent with other volunteers from all walks of life has shown me that the key is to incorporate Christianity in such a way that one on one relationships are the building blocks of the foundation that gives the inmate a fighting chance in a society that is less and less friendly to Christians.
My Kairos Weekend Experience
With Kairos, the inmate selected usually has little knowledge of his fellow participants. They sign up wondering what will happen next. By the end of the weekend they discover a groundbreaking experience with the Lord, fellow inmates, and volunteers, who reach out with love and concern. Twice I heard an inmate express surprise that these people would “give up their time” for prisoners.
The days are carefully scripted so that every minute is used. There is much interaction with speakers, then times around tables for discussion where everyone has an opportunity to share. Subjects are chosen to elicit conversation which occurs more easily as time goes on. Enthusiastic music is enjoyed by all, meals are eaten together (I might add here that some inmates are in shock that volunteers eat the same meals as they do). Times of prayer are powerful and the inmates feel God’s presence as their need and the needs of others are lifted up to the Lord. There are many more elements involved, essentials that give them an understanding of what a life of commitment to Jesus looks like and what surrender actually entails. Ample scripture is given by each speaker and each talk clarifies the decision before them.
What makes this such a powerful event is its simplicity and lack of spiritual celebrities to stimulate attendance. It is the volunteer that ends up being the tool God uses in a profound way. I did observe that there is a great need for younger men as volunteers to relate to the younger incarcerated men.
Kairos As Continuing Ministry
The end result is that a cohesive community has begun in Kairos and is established within the facility, a family built in hope and the love of Jesus. This family can pray and care for one another while still within the prison walls. Kairos returns at regular times to encourage those who have been a part of the event. Follow up is a big component in order to continue to encourage those who have joined the family.
In all, I highly recommend this multi-faceted Christ-centered ministry and I pray that clergy and lay people make time to be that hand extended in Christ’s name. In closing these remarks I do have one regret. It is this….I regret that I didn’t look into this ministry years ago and then incorporate it into our programs.
I do leave you with one of my favorite sayings, “I am just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread!”
– Reverend Bob Reed
wow! In the few times over 2 or 3 years I’ve been hearing about and very short moments I have observed the dynamic of the communication between a chaplain and an inmate, I’ve always wondered about what a chaplain do to help those inmate, spiritually speaking? Also, do the chaplain really care about those sent to solitary or segregation? why ther’s no special program for those inmates? Leaving them alone by themselves is not going to change a heart of a broken soul. The true is that not every chaplain has the spiritual vision to bring those inmates to the Lord. Now, It is good I read this article, because it also shows me the reality of having one chaplain for maybe a thousand or more inmates in a prison is not enough. That’s why vounteers are needed. However, I liked the fact that Rev. Bob is honest and says that in the years he was a chaplain, he had heard about Kairos, but was never curious to look into it. What a blessing he was missing! That’s a picture of what happenes in still many prisons, that the chaplain is not aware nor look into prison ministrties that can really make a difference positively in the prison they work. I just came from a Kairos Otside weekend, and even I am a Christian and strongly believe in the power of prayer, this weekend had an impact in my life. It is an experience I’ll never forget, and will look into it more to help. Thanks Kairos! Keep fighting the good fight winning more souls for the Kingdom of heaven.