How to be Involved

There are many opportunities to contribute to the work of Prison Fellowship in NSW/ACT.

Volunteering with Prison Fellowship NSW/ACT

Prison Fellowship is a Christian volunteer organization with varying levels or degrees of volunteer involvement. Volunteers come from all walks of life and denominational backgrounds. Each volunteer is expected to be a part of a local church where they gain nurture and pastoral care. All volunteers are expected to sign the relevant child protection forms as required by law and Prison Fellowship policies.

Accredited volunteers serve in prisons, courts and in family ministries. There is relevant training for these volunteers.

Other volunteers assist in administration, with projects, as donors and pray-ers, and on the Council.

What does it take to minister in Prisons and Courts?

Motivation: It is important that volunteers have a biblical basis for ministry. Avoid a romantic fascination with crime and trying to get quick conversions.

Right attitudes: An ongoing relationship with God, willingness to work with others and a holistic approach to ministry. Genuinely care.

Openness and teachability: be willing to learn and build caring relationships. Recognise our strengths and weaknesses.

Ability to listen: developing good listening skills is essential.

Acceptance of others with all their faults: Avoid judgemental attitudes. Don’t pry or probe as to a person’s history.

A mature faith: Share about Christ and your experience of Him. There is no room for denominational bias. Point people to a growing faith in Christ.

Consistency and dependability: Toward your team and those to whom you minister – including staff at the court or centre.

How to be involved in Prison Fellowship NSW/ACT

Pray and seek God’s wisdom as to what aspect(s) of the ministry you could be involved in. Pray for a loving and genuine heart for those who have been affected by crime.

Maintain and grow your own relationship with God.

Get other people to be praying with you. Use the prayer calendar and Newsletter as a source of prayer and praise points.

If possible link into a local Prison Fellowship group.

Read and watch material about justice and reconciliation. If applicable go to the website www.pfi.org

If possible attend Prison Fellowship functions.

Become involved in a project of Prison Fellowship by praying, sponsoring, assisting with administration and planning.

Apply to be an accredited volunteer for prison or court ministry.

Prisons: A moderate application process requiring 3 referees. Interviews re suitability and involvement. Training in security, ministry methods, culture. Security clearance with the correctional centre.
Courts: A short application process requiring a reference from your church leader. Interview with team leader. Training is done locally.

Opportunities to serve as a volunteer with Prison Fellowship abound…

Prison Fellowship is seeking Christian volunteers from around NSW who are committed to serving God in ministries among those affected by crime.

Prison Fellowship offers appropriate training, insurance cover, support and accountability for numerous volunteer positions.

Volunteers are asked to agree with the ‘statement of faith’ and abide by the relevant policies and procedures.

General application procedures:
Pray and seek God’s wisdom as to what aspect(s) of the ministry you could be involved in. Pray for a loving and genuine heart for those who have been affected by crime.

Maintain and grow your own relationship with God.

Contact the Prison Fellowship NSW office.

Get other people to be praying with you. Use the prayer calendar and Newsletter as a source of prayer and praise points.

If possible link into a local Prison Fellowship group.

Read and watch material about justice and reconciliation. If applicable go to the website www.pfi.org

If possible attend Prison Fellowship functions.

Become involved in a project of Prison Fellowship by praying, sponsoring, assisting with administration.