Chaplain Programs
Biblical Counsel
The chaplain and associate chaplains are often called upon to give Biblical counsel to inmates. The chaplain directly confronts the inmate with the issue of sin. Precounsel consists of determining a person's spiritual progress resulting in the presention of God's salvation plan. Once a person becomes a Christian, the Bible is then used to provide encouragement, assurance, admonishment, counsel, advice, instruction, and correction. Chaplains will spend many hours giving Biblical counsel to inmates that result in lives being genuinely changed and encouraged.
Aftercare & Mentors
After Care Art
Forgotten Man Ministries primarily focuses on the incarcerated inmate. Outside sources of aftercare and mentoring are often recommended and utilized. Released inmates need to find a source of encouragement, assistance, and accountability on the outside of the jail. Chaplains often assist in the placement of released inmates to concerned churches and Christian mentors. Often there are local resources and programs available on the outside to enable former inmates to bridge back to a productive life that will honor and please God. Many of our FMM chaplains train volunteers to be mentors to the released inmates.
Seasonal Jail Ministries
Forgotten Man Ministries chaplains are always looking for significant ministry opportunities and connections with the heart of the inmate. Demonstrations of God's love always seem to break those barriers. Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. are calendar events that our chaplains find creative ways to point inmates to our Savior. Presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inmates and His Word begins this process that enables the seeking inmate to pursue a new life in Christ.
Bible Distribution
Bible Distribution
Apart from our evangelism efforts, the placing of a full Bible into the hands of an inmate continues to remain high on our list of priorities. God's Word is quick and powerful and needed in the process of changing lives of inmates. Each jail chaplain coordinates the distribution of Bibles in their jail. Forgotten Man Ministries purchases thousands of Bibles yearly that are distributed by the chaplains without any cost to inmates. Some of our chaplains are able to work with the Gideons in the placement of prison Bibles as well. Award Bibles are given to inmates as they complete a series of correspondence Bible studies. "God's Word (the Bible) is foolishness to those who are perishing but unto us who are being saved, it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Group Bible Studies
Group Bible Studies
Scheduling a group Bible study on a floor or housing unit is part of the process of instruction. Weekly or daily Bible studies are often permitted in the jail based upon the type of housing, allotment of time, availability of space, and approval of the sheriff. Sometimes the chaplain or associate chaplain is the instructor and sometimes outside pastors or associate pastors are invited to teach a Bible class in the jail upon availability. Each jail has it's own clergy guidelines, policies and procedures. Security is always the number one concern and those who teach in the jails are often required to complete the Correctional Chaplaincy Layworkers Course, sponsored by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and Forgotten Man Ministries.
Correspondence Courses
Correspondence
Forgotten Man Ministries provides a series of Bible correspondence courses to Michigan jail and prison inmates. The courses and postage paid envelopes are provided free to inmates. An introduction course to Bible study enables a student to begin the journey through selected Biblical courses that generate significant spiritual growth. Upon the satisfactory completion of each course, an award certificate is given to the student. Inmates that begin their studies in a local jail are encouraged to continue if they are moved a prison or go home. There is a three step process in the correspondence Bible courses: Basic Bible Studies contains 10 courses, Advanced Bible Studies contains 9 courses, and the Continuing Bible Studies contains 42 courses. Awards are given at the completion of each series.
Book Cart Ministry
Book Cart
A very fruitful work usually results in the provision of a book cart. God's love is truly acknowledged as the book cart makes it way through the jail. A variety of permitted materials are made available usually on a weekly basis. The chaplain or volunteers will take the book cart out to the inmates with an assortment of Christian and wholesome material. Some materials are purchased by the chaplain but most of it is donated by supporters. Often inmates will ask book cart attendees to visit them. This is the opportunity we look for to share our God's love to them.
Church Worship Services
Each Michigan jail has a unique design and floor plan. Therefore, Forgotten Man Ministries chaplains must work within the perimeters of the facility assigned. Most often, with the sheriff's permission, an opportunity is made available for local churches to conduct a worship service for inmates at the jail. Different days and times are scheduled based upon the logistics and spacing in the jail. It is often very helpful for a local church to connect with inmates during a worship service to express their concern and availability for future discipleship and assistance upon the inmate's release. Worship services are really appreciated and well attended by the inmates. In addition, church members are able to get a first hand perspective of life behind bars. They will see the genuine heartcry of those inmates that are truly seeking after God and knowing Christ personally. Local church members also learn about jail ministry opportunities and how to pray for and financially support the jail chaplain.
Drug & Alcohol Classes
FMM chaplains coordinate a variety of different programs that deal with drug and alcohol use and abuse. Some chaplains have AA / NA meetings scheduled in their jail or Alcoholics for Christ meetings (if available in the area) Other chaplains have specific Bible study classes that deal with these life controlling issues. The classes that deal with the topics of alcohol & drug abuse are well attended since many inmates find that their journey to jail began with periodic or continuing use of these substances.
Discipleship Training Unit (DTU)
DTU Class
Some Forgotten Man Ministries chaplains have been able to facilitate a "Discipleship Training Unit (DTU)" in their jail. Other names for such programs may be "God Pod", "Biblical Life Principles Pod", "Jumping In Unit" or such like Biblical instructional units. The primary purpose of a discipleship training unit is to provide some very basic Christian 101 instruction and help the inmate learn about this new life in Christ and all the blessings ahead following and submitting to our Lord.
Anger Management
Jails are holding many people with a variety of different problems. Often uncontrolled anger magnified by adversity are significant issues that inmates find to be a real battleground of failure. Only the full control of the Holy Spirit enables one to handle such conflicts within. Forgotten Man Ministries chaplains often conduct or schedule Bible classes that deal primarily with these issues. Inmates are instructed that God offers alternatives that are available to us through a vital and personal relationship with Him, His Word, and the releasing of control to His Holy Spirit.