CHRISTIAN JAIL MINISTRY
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How You Can Help		 Volunteer Training

Volunteer training is an important part of Christian Jail Ministry's (CJM's) ministry. This page describes 1) the training and orientation provided quarterly for religious program volunteers at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) in Jessup, Maryland, 2) the on-the-job training (OJT) that CJM provides for those volunteers, and 3) the mentor training provided for those involved with former inmates and inmate family members. Click here to learn about CJM's confidentiality policy for its volunteers. Click here for a 29 KB version of the Application form for volunteers and mentors.

Ministry to Prisoner Training and Orientation for Volunteers in Religious Programs at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) in Jessup (MD)

The orientation and training is offered to anyone interested in ministry to prisoners without charge, but it is necessary to register in advance so that appropriate handout materials can be available. The date of the next session may be found on latest CJM Newsletter. 

HCDC is located on Rt. 175, about 1/4 mile east of US 1.
HCDC is on the north side of Rt. 175, across from the McDonald's.

9 am - noon: HCDC Religious Volunteer Orientation. This orientation is required for all who minister regularly in the institution. This session covers HCDC rules for religious volunteers. Particular attention is given the HCDC Policy and Procedures for Religious Services (J-900) and the HCDC Volunteer Handbook. The J-900 document may be downloaded (19 KB) by clicking on it as can the HCDC Volunteer Handbook (20 KB).

The session covers all aspects of religious programs at HCDC so that volunteers can understand how their activities relate to what others are doing. The importance of proper reporting of activities is stressed. The volunteer application and reference form is also discussed.

1-3:45 pm: Training for Ministry to Prisoners. This session is strongly recommended for all who are interested in or involved in ministry to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families.

Four major topics are addressed:

  1. The local church and ministry to prisoners
  2. Conversion, rehabilitation, discipleship, follow-up
  3. Inmates and what to expect from them
  4. Problems and concerns in ministering to inmates, their families, and correctional institution staff members

"On the job training" for volunteers

CJM provides individual "on the job" training for volunteers. For example, those involved in CJM's one-on-one discipleship program typically will go with an experienced person until the new person is confident that he or she understands what is to be done -- and the chaplain is also confident that the new person is ready to function alone in the program. This approach is applied for all people who are new to ministering to prisoners.

Mentor Training

For administrative efficiency, CJM and the We Care Program of the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association share mentor training. This training is provided through Baptist Family and Children Services. Mentor training covers the four main topics shown below, spending 1.5-2 hours on each. This training may be offered in a four week span (one session a week), on four consecutive days in a week, or in a long one-day session. Flexible and special arrangements can be made for congregations that choose to participate in CJM's Adopt One program. Click here for a 29 KB version of the Application form for mentors and volunteers.

    Topics covered in mentor training:

  • Building Relationships
  • Goal Setting
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Communication

For additional information contact Guy Nichols: 410-465-4442.