Learner will be addressing the ministerial factors that chaplains must address on a daily bases. How chaplains are to facilitate the different kinds of ministries even if they are not a part of their own religious belief system shall be discussed. Ways to invite, not force, our Christian beliefs to those that are seeking. Ways to maintain respect for other religious belief systems will also be discussed. Learners will develop a Christian liturgy using at least one of the sacraments.
This course is for volunteers, laymen, clergy, and chaplains that are involved in correctional ministries. Learners will develop leadership skills necessary to address the many different cultures and religious belief systems that are present in correctional facilities everywhere. The criminal justice system here in America is now aware of the potential of chaplaincy and how it contributes to the reduction of recidivisim. There is now, more than ever, a need for correctional chaplains that have gone through specific training that is needed to become a chaplain. This course is just one of many that will help to insure that learners will develop those leadership skills needed in correctional ministries.
The necessity for skilled chaplains in correctional ministries is ever increasing.
This course will be based on a biblical worldview. We shall adhere to Ephesians 4:12, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the *body of Christ.”
It is this course's missional purpose to provide students with leadership skills that allow them to facilitate a correctional ministry. It will give them the ability to personally lead worship services and therefore become advocates of Christ's ministry here on earth.
Through the diversity of resources available to the students, and the interaction with their peers and instructors, they will develop a deeper understanding of the demographics and social skills involved in leading correctional ministries. This will include developing a liturgy stemming from their own belief system.
A focus on the multicultural diversity that is present facing leaders of ministries within correctional facilities is offered to students in this course. It shall provide a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges that a minister/volunteer/chaplain encounters in leading correctional ministries. By socially interacting through the discussion sections in this course will help the learners to remain focused as they apply their ethical praxis in their community and their profession.
This course will also give students the practical tools and insights that they need to develop different approaches and make a difference in leading ministries within correctional facilities, and half-way houses.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them as volunteers, laymen, or clergy leading correctional ministries as God has ordained them to do.
