Module 1
Answering the Call: Becoming an Approved Volunteer
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” — 2 Corinthians 8:21
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain the biblical call to prison ministry and why it requires approval and training
- Describe the general steps of becoming an approved volunteer
- Explain that each facility decides eligibility, including for formerly incarcerated applicants
- Complete applications with full honesty and know what questions to ask
Lesson Notes
Called and Sent Under Authority
Jesus said, I was in prison, and ye came unto me (Matthew 25:36), and Hebrews 13:3 tells us to remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them. Prison ministry is not an extra for a few people; it is part of the church's calling.
But no one simply walks into a correctional facility to minister. Facilities are secure places with real responsibilities for the safety of residents, staff, and visitors. Volunteers serve by permission, under the direction of the chaplain or volunteer coordinator. Paul and the early church served under authority too. Let all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
The General Path to Approval
Every system has its own process, and the details change. A typical path may include:
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Sponsorship: many facilities ask that volunteers come through an approved church or ministry, or be recommended by the chaplain.
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Application: a written form with personal information, history, and references.
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Background check: a records check conducted by the facility or the corrections agency.
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Orientation and training: rules, security, boundaries, reporting, emergency procedures, and often training on the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
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Identification badge: a volunteer ID that must be worn and shown as directed.
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Ongoing requirements: renewals, refresher training, and sign-in at every visit.
Write your facility's specifics as you learn them: Volunteer office contact: ______________. Training dates: ______________. Badge renewal: ______________.
Each Facility Decides
Eligibility is decided by each facility or corrections agency, not by you, your church, or this course. Policies differ. Some facilities welcome formerly incarcerated volunteers after a waiting period; some ask for chaplain approval or extra review; some do not allow people on probation or parole to volunteer; and some do not allow volunteers who have family members housed there. Never assume what the answer will be.
If you were formerly incarcerated, ask the volunteer or chaplaincy office directly: What is your policy for applicants with a past conviction? Is there a waiting period after release? Is there anything else I should know before I apply? If the answer is not yet, that is not God's final word on your calling. There are many ways to serve, including re-entry support through your church, writing programs approved by the facility, and prayer.
Honesty on Every Form
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight (Proverbs 12:22). Answer every application question completely and truthfully. Leaving something out is likely to come to light during the background check, and it can end your eligibility and harm your sponsoring ministry. Honesty, even when it is uncomfortable, shows the very integrity that makes a trustworthy volunteer.
If you are on probation, parole, or any other supervision, you must check with your supervising officer before applying to volunteer in any facility. Contact with people who are incarcerated, and entering a correctional facility, may be restricted by your conditions. Get permission first; never volunteer in a way that breaks your conditions.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Volunteer clearance | A facility's approval process for volunteers, which may include an application, background check, and training |
| Chaplain / volunteer coordinator | The staff person who directs religious volunteers and approves their activities |
| Orientation | Required training on facility rules, security, boundaries, and reporting before serving |
| Eligibility | Whether a person may volunteer; decided by each facility or agency |
| Supervising officer | A probation or parole officer who must approve activities that may affect a person's conditions |
In-Class Activities
The Path to the Gate
On the blank flowchart, put the six general steps to becoming an approved volunteer in order. Next to each, write one thing a volunteer must do well at that step (for example, Application: answer every question truthfully).
Questions for the Volunteer Office
Write eight questions you would ask the chaplain or volunteer office before applying. Include at least two about eligibility and waiting periods, two about training, and two about what materials are allowed. If you are on supervision, write two questions for your supervising officer. You do not need to share your own history or conditions.
Assignment: My Call and Readiness
Write one page (about 250–400 words) for the opening of your Volunteer Ethics & Safety Handbook:
- Describe in general terms why you feel called to prison ministry. You do not need to share details of your past.
- List the general steps to approval and leave blanks for your facility's specifics: ______________.
- Write the questions you will ask the volunteer office (and your supervising officer, if applicable).
- Describe one other way you could serve if a facility says not yet.
- Copy 2 Corinthians 8:21 and write one sentence about honesty on applications.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Hebrews 13:3 asks us to remember prisoners as bound with them. How does your own story shape the way you remember those in bonds? What would it mean to wait patiently if the door to serve inside does not open right away?
Prayer focus: Ask God for honesty in every form you fill out, patience with every process, and a heart that remembers those in bonds.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Through the Front Gate
Every person who ministers inside a correctional facility comes through the front gate the same way: by permission. There is an application, a background check, orientation and training, a badge, and a sign-in sheet. It can feel slow. But that process is part of what makes the ministry safe for everyone inside.
Each facility decides who may serve. Some welcome volunteers who were formerly incarcerated after a waiting period; some ask for extra review; some do not allow volunteers who are on supervision. You cannot know the answer by guessing. Ask the chaplain or volunteer office directly, and if you are on probation or parole, ask your supervising officer first.
Monique had served time years before, and she wanted to go back inside to share hope. (Monique is a composite example.) She was tempted to leave her record off the application, afraid it would close the door. Instead she answered every question truthfully and called the volunteer office to ask about their policy. She learned there was a waiting period. While she waited, she served in her church's re-entry ministry. When she finally received her badge, she carried it with a clear conscience.
Honesty is not only a rule; it is the first act of your ministry. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21). If the answer is not yet, it is not God's last word on your calling.
Think About It
- What questions will you ask the volunteer office before you apply? ______________________
- How does honesty on a form reflect your faith? ______________________
- How could you serve while you wait for a door to open? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 1
I Was in Prison
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.— Matthew 25:36 (KJV)
Jesus counts care for prisoners as care for Himself. Your calling matters to Him.
Reflect: Who in bonds is God placing on your heart?
Pray: Lord, let me see You in those I serve.
Do: Pray by name for someone you know who is incarcerated.
As Bound With Them
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.— Hebrews 13:3 (KJV)
Remembering prisoners means standing with them in heart, not looking down from a distance.
Reflect: How does your own story help you remember those in bonds?
Pray: Lord, give me a heart that remembers.
Do: Write Hebrews 13:3 on a card and carry it this week.
They That Deal Truly
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.— Proverbs 12:22 (KJV)
God delights in truth, even when truth is hard to tell.
Reflect: Where is it hardest for you to be fully honest?
Pray: Lord, make my words true.
Do: Practice answering one hard question honestly and simply.
First Be Proved
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.— 1 Timothy 3:10 (KJV)
Waiting and being tested is not rejection. It is preparation for faithful service.
Reflect: How can you grow while you wait?
Pray: Lord, prepare me during the waiting.
Do: Name one way you can serve right now, where you are.
Subject for the Lord's Sake
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;— 1 Peter 2:13 (KJV)
Honoring rules, including supervision conditions, is part of honoring God.
Reflect: Is there a rule you need to ask about before you act?
Pray: Lord, help me honor the authorities over me.
Do: Write one question for your supervising officer or the volunteer office.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Who decides whether a person may volunteer in a correctional facility?
- 2.
A volunteer applicant who is on parole should first:
- 3.
Which is usually part of becoming an approved volunteer?
- 4.
Leaving a past conviction off an application is acceptable if it was a long time ago.
- 5.
Name two questions a formerly incarcerated applicant could ask the volunteer office.