FORGOTTEN MAM MINISTRIES: Lead Chaplain - Ingham County Correctional Facility
Forgotten Man Ministries (FMM) is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Chaplain to facilitate all spiritual programs in the Ingham County Correctional Facility located in Mason, MI. The jail houses 441 persons with annual bookings of approx. 9,000 persons.
Position Summary:
To serve as a Christian leader to inmates, volunteers, correctional staff in the Ingham County CF. In a multi-denominational spirit, the lead chaplain is responsible for all spiritual programs; as well as, recruitment, training, and oversight of volunteers.
A high priority will be to develop alliances with re-entry organizations and develop relationships with Christian leaders, Christian churches, while seeking the support of the broader community to advance the FMM mission.
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Forgotten Man Ministries’ primary purpose is to rehabilitate inmates in Michigan county jails through chaplain-led, Christian biblically-based programs. This is accomplished by the placement of a trained
and dedicated chaplain in each of the 35 MI county jails currently served. Our chaplains provide spiritual care on both individual and group levels. Mature in their Christian faith, they are compassionate about serving incarcerated men and women. Chaplains
are able to relate to a wide range of ages, faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities. As the “lead shepherd,” the Chaplain must demonstrate a well-rounded gift set of ministry, volunteer leadership, administration, development and be enthusiastic about FMM discipleship
programs. Specific duties for this position shall be defined by the Executive Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ministry Management
- Work in compliance and coordination with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility staff.
- Responsible for explaining facility rules and providing security training to individuals associated with FMM when visiting the jail, such as clergy, guests, volunteers, and FMM staff.
- Support the vision and values of FMM’s leadership and demonstrate a Christian witness, prayerful life, and cooperative spirit that sets the tone for FMM staff and volunteers.
- Organize and maintain the worship program of the facility that incorporates local church involvement.
- Oversee the effective operation of the FMM library, Bible distribution, church services, Bible studies, self-study Bible courses, one-on-one counseling, and all special spiritual programs.
- Facilitate visits for clergy who desire to meet with inmates connected to their congregation.
- Maintain activity records as required.
- Perform other duties or functions as assigned.
- Respect cultural and ethnic diversity, yet keep our Christian foundational values and Christian identity.
- Provide spiritual comfort through individual and group prayer and scripture reading, share devotional readings/thoughts, and meet individual spiritual needs.
Ministry Development
- Regularly attend FMM chaplain meetings for professional and ministry development.
- Develop, articulate, and execute a community engagement strategy that enhances re-entry alliances, church relationships, and contacts with other faith and civic leaders in Ingham County.
- Cultivate donor relationships and coordinate local fundraising activities.
- Develop annual ministry plan, including managing budget for FMM-Ingham County.
Required / Desired Qualifications
- Must be a Christian in good standing with a local Christian church and in agreement with the FMM doctrinal statement.
- Endorsement as a Chaplain by one's church pastor or similar.
- Desire 5 years work experience in a ministry-related context. Pastoral ordination, seminary education, and clinical pastoral education are preferred but not required.
- Must demonstrate composure and exemplary pastoral skill in crisis and intense ministry situations.
- Must show flexibility and problem solving when working through challenges inherent to working in a correctional environment.
- Must possess and strive for good physical and emotional health, effective communication skills, and be committed to a team mindset at the correctional facility and with chaplain colleagues throughout FMM.
- Embraces the FMM mission, has strength of character, resilience and an ability to be a team player with the jail and FMM staff.
- Experience working with the incarcerated preferred. It will be important that the chaplain have a desire to learn about and develop relationships with those incarcerated.
- A warm, inviting, compassionate character is desirable. Someone with continuous improvement of spiritual care in an environment of compassionate care. Relationship based care is key.
- Moderate computer software knowledge and skill required.
- Resident of Ingham County, MI or adjacent county preferred.
FMM is a multi-denominational 501 c(3) Non-profit organization supported 100% by donation. (rev. 4/2018)
Submit resume to:
Attn: Bill Cariano
Forgotten Man Ministries
3940 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
616.784.4620
www.forgottenman.org
billcariano@forgottenman.org
