HANDBOOK and VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Mission: To bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the incarcerated through consistent, respectful, and biblically grounded ministry.

Vision: To see lives transformed, families restored, and the culture of the jail impacted through the Gospel.

Purpose:

• Provide spiritual support to inmates
• Partner with jail staff to maintain a safe environment
• Equip volunteers to serve with excellence
• Demonstrate Christlike compassion and integrity

Agape Jail Ministries affirms the core doctrines of the Christian faith, including:

• The authority of Scripture
• The Trinity
• The deity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Salvation by grace through faith
• The work of the Holy Spirit
• The unity of believers in Christ
• Faithfully obeying the teachings of Jesus Christ is the only path to God
• Baptism in water (when possible and coordinated through chaplain)
• Communion (when possible and coordinated through chaplain)

Volunteers must be able to minister in alignment with these beliefs.

• Respect: Every person is made in the image of God.
• Integrity: Volunteers serve with honesty and transparency.
• Humility: Ministry is done with a servant’s heart.
• Consistency: Faithful presence builds trust.
• Safety: Volunteers follow all facility rules and boundaries.
• Compassion: Ministry reflects the love of Christ.
• The Bible: Preach & Teach ONLY the infallible Word of God

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ
• Must demonstrate spiritual maturity and integrity
• Must be cleared to serve through background check
• Must be approved by the chaplain and his staff
• Must complete all required training
• Must agree to follow all jail and ministry guidelines

• Submit volunteer application
• Meet with the chaplain and/or one of his staff members for an interview
• Complete background check requirements
• Attend orientation and training
• Receive final approval before entering the facility

• All volunteers must pass a background check before admittance to facility
• Clearance must be maintained in good standing
• Any legal issues must be reported to the chaplain immediately
• The jail staff and/or chaplain may at their discretion, revoke clearance at any time for any non compliant reason

• Overview of ministry mission and expectations
• Review of jail rules and procedures
• Safety and boundary training
• Ministry communication guidelines
• Shadowing opportunities for new volunteers

• Follow all staff instructions immediately
• Never enter unauthorized areas
• Do not bring prohibited items into the jail
• Maintain professional conduct at all times
• Respect the authority of correctional officers

• Modest, professional clothing required
• No sleeveless shirts, shorts, or tight clothing
• No hats, hoodies, or sunglasses
• Wear closed‑toe shoes
• Avoid excessive jewelry or accessories

• Arrive early to allow time for security
• Check in with staff at the front desk
• Utilize the clipboard to sign in upon arrival.
• Follow all screening procedures
• Wait for staff escort before entering secure areas

• Volunteers must remain with their assigned escort at all times.
• Never move independently inside secure areas.
• Do not open any doors, gates, or control panels.
• Follow all posted signs and staff instructions.
• Report any unusual activity to staff immediately.

• Ensure all materials are approved and accounted for.
• Maintain clear sightlines to all inmates.
• Keep the pod orderly and distraction‑free.
• Notify staff if the room becomes unsafe or unmanageable.

• Lead with confidence, clarity, and humility.
• Set expectations at the beginning of each session.
• Redirect side conversations respectfully.
• Keep teaching Christ‑centered and Scripture‑based.
• Maintain control of the group without confrontation.

• Use clear, simple, respectful language.
• Stay on topic and avoid controversial subjects.
• Do not debate theology or argue with inmates.
• Keep lessons Christ‑centered and biblically sound.
• Encourage participation while maintaining order.

• No giving or receiving gifts, notes, or personal items.
• No sharing personal contact information.
• No private or one‑on‑one conversations.
• Keep all interactions ministry‑focused and professional.

• Arguing or debating with inmates.
• Sharing political opinions or personal beliefs unrelated to ministry.
• Using profanity or inappropriate language.
• Engaging in favoritism or special treatment.
• Violating any jail rule or staff instruction.

• Remain calm and follow staff directions immediately.
• Do not attempt to intervene in conflicts.
• Move to designated safe areas when instructed.
• Report any safety concerns to staff and the chaplain.
• Never attempt to evacuate without staff guidance.

• Lockdowns may occur without warning.
• Volunteers must remain where they are until staff instruct otherwise.
• Stay calm and reassure inmates if appropriate.
• Do not attempt to leave the area independently.
• Report the situation to the chaplain after release.

• Staff authority is final in all situations.
• Volunteers must show respect at all times.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Report concerns through the proper chain of command.
• Support staff decisions even when plans change.

• Volunteers operate under the authority of the jail.
• All rules, procedures, and restrictions must be followed.
• Never challenge staff decisions in front of inmates.
• Address concerns privately with the chaplain.
• Respect for authority builds trust and protects the ministry.

• Volunteers may receive spiritual or personal requests from inmates.
• Do not promise anything you cannot personally fulfill.
• Never agree to deliver messages, items, or favors (except to chaplain or his staff)
• Direct all requests to the chaplain for review.
• Document any significant request after the session.

• Offer biblical encouragement and prayer.
• Listen with compassion and without judgment.
• Avoid giving legal, medical, financial, or political advice.
• Keep all guidance Christ‑centered and Scripture‑based.
• Refer complex issues to the chaplain.

• Use Scripture respectfully and accurately.
• Pray in a way that is clear, simple, and Christ‑honoring.
• Avoid emotionally manipulative language.
• Encourage inmates to read and apply Scripture.
• Do not force participation in prayer.

• Maintain a calm, compassionate presence.
• Do not ask about crimes, charges, or legal details.
• Avoid trauma‑digging or probing personal history.
• Redirect conversations that become inappropriate.
• Report concerning statements to the chaplain.
• Do not spend all of your time with an individual.
• All requests or concerns are to be presented to the chaplain or his staff.

• Stay calm and speak gently.
• Maintain dignity.
• Do not engage in arguing or raise your voice.
• Keep your conversation Christ-centered and focused on the Gospel.
• Redirect tension with steady leadership.
• Give clear, simple instructions when needed.
• Notify staff immediately if conflict escalates.
• Notify the chaplain immediately of any conflicts that have occurred.

• Recognize that many inmates carry deep trauma.
• Use gentle, non‑triggering language.
• Do not pressure inmates to share personal stories.
• Affirm dignity and worth without enabling manipulation.
• Make no demands of the inmates.
• Refer serious emotional concerns to the chaplain.

• Maintain a strong personal devotional life.
• Seek prayer and support when needed.
• Stay connected to your home church.
• Communicate openly with the chaplain immediately.
• Serve from a place of spiritual strength, not exhaustion.

• All materials must be approved by the chaplain.
• No loose papers unless specifically authorized.
• No staples, metal bindings, or unapproved books.
• Count all materials before and after each session.
• Report missing or damaged materials immediately.
• Any and all tracts for distribution must be approved by the chaplain.

• Arrive early to allow time for screening.
• Check in with staff and wait for escort.
• Do not wander or enter unauthorized areas.
• After ministry, wait for staff escort to exit.
• Before departing, mark the appropriate pod boxes visited on the sign in sheet.
• Debrief with the chaplain if needed.

• Report all unusual behavior or safety concerns immediately.
• Document incidents factually and without emotion.
• Submit reports directly to the chaplain.
• Do not discuss incidents with other volunteers or inmates.
• Follow up if additional details are requested.

• The jail’s authority structure must always be respected.
• Volunteers operate under the leadership of the chaplain.
• All ministry decisions flow through the chaplain.
• Volunteers must not bypass staff or chaplain authority.
• Concerns should be reported privately and respectfully to either Brother Ron Handley, or Chaplain Mike Harris.

• Maintain professional, ministry‑focused interactions.
• Do not ask about crimes, charges, or legal matters.
• Keep physical distance and avoid private conversations.
• Redirect inappropriate questions or comments.
• Report concerning behavior to staff and the chaplain.

• No personal items may be brought into the jail.
• No loose papers unless approved by the chaplain.
• No metal bindings, staples, or unapproved books.
• No cellphones or other electronic devices (unless approved by chaplain).
• Never accept items from inmates.
• Report suspected contraband immediately.

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Maintain clear visibility of the entire group.
• Watch for changes in tone, posture, or mood.
• Never engage in negative conversations or behaviors.
• Trust your instincts if something feels “off.”
• Seek staff assistance when needed.
• If an emergency arises, notify the chaplaincy staff or jail staff immediately.

• Volunteers must uphold ministry standards.
• Accountability protects the ministry and inmates.
• Concerns about volunteers must be reported to the chaplain.
• Unity and professionalism are essential.
• Misconduct may result in retraining or removal.

• Initial training is required before serving.
• Ongoing training strengthens ministry effectiveness.
• Volunteers must pursue spiritual growth.
• Mentorship may be provided for new volunteers.
• Readiness is measured by character and competence.
• Required meetings may be called by the chaplain from time to time.
• Teaching/preaching by volunteers is subject to evaluation by the chaplain.

• Volunteers must honor their scheduled commitments.
• Notify the chaplain promptly if unable to attend.
• Reliability builds trust with staff and inmates.
• Excessive absences may require schedule adjustments.
• Arrive early to avoid delays at security.

• Treat every inmate with dignity and respect.
• Model Christlike humility and compassion.
• Avoid judgmental attitudes or language.
• Maintain respect even in difficult situations.
• Your conduct is often your greatest witness.

• Monitor your emotional and spiritual health.
• Recognize signs of compassion fatigue.
• Maintain healthy boundaries at all times.
• Communicate with the chaplain when overwhelmed.
• Ask the chaplaincy staff for prayer when overwhelmed.
• Take breaks when needed to prevent burnout.

• Protect inmate privacy at all times.
• Never share personal or sensitive information.
• Do not discuss jail operations or incidents publicly.
• Report safety‑related disclosures immediately.
• Confidentiality continues even after leaving the ministry.