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The primary purpose of the ministry is the proclamation of the Gospel and the discipling of converts. Inmates are generally in the jail a relatively short time. They are from diverse religious backgrounds. Diversity among volunteers can be a distraction from the ministry, but it need not be. If volunteers respect authority, are team players, are sold out to Christ, and are teachable, then the team can be unified in its ministry in the jail. People who respect authority do not knowingly teach things that will cause confusion or are contrary to the chaplain's wishes. People who are team players are mindful of the effect their teaching or actions may have upon the inmates, the chaplain, the other volunteers, and the jail administration. They abstain from anything that will bring confusion among the inmates or give the impression of disunity in the ministry. People who are sold out to Christ will be serving Him with all their heart. They will be less likely to glorify themselves and more likely to seek to glorify Christ. People who are teachable will be open to correction from the chaplain or the jail administration. It is the chaplain's job to make sure the ship sails smoothly with a unified purpose. It is the job of the volunteers to respect the God-ordained leadership of the chaplain. Those who cannot do so should seek to use his ministry gifts in some other area.
Whether it is a Baptist or a Presbyterian believer who says in love to an inmate, "You need to repent and turn your life over to Jesus Christ," matters little. Whether it is a Lutheran or an Assembly of God saint who comforts an inmate who is dealing with a death or serious illness in the family makes little difference to the inmate. What is most important in the volunteer ministry is that Christ is lifted up and people are directed to Him for salvation. As Proverbs 27:17 declares, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Doctrinal distinctives among volunteers can be such a sharpening tool for each volunteer involved, and for the chaplain as they are discussed among themselves. However, in ministry to the inmates, they can create disunity and confusion. The ministry should be a testimony of our Lord's words. Jesus declared, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).
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