Understanding someone else’s story
- deansimpson7
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
BY MAJOR STACEY COTTON – PRISON CHAPLAIN IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
I was rather uncertain about commencing my new role as a prison chaplain, but it became an exciting prospect for me, as I was once again partnering with God, albeit in a very different type of ministry from anything I had been involved in before.
As I moved into my new role, I was reminded that Jesus never turned away from anyone who came to him in need, and I trusted his Spirit.
Prison chaplaincy, like any form of ministry, has its own uniqueness, challenges, learning curves and expectations. However, prison chaplaincy puts you face-to-face with issues you would probably prefer not to have to deal with.
Every day that I go to work as a chaplain, I am aware of the government’s expectations and the dos and don’ts of my role. The expectations of The Salvation Army and my ministry role, the expectations of the prisoners who think I can perform miracles every time they see me, and then my own expectations – what do I want to bring to these men I deal with today? How can I encourage them when, at times, things seem so against them? How can I listen better? How can I find what they are really asking behind the words they are speaking to me?
I am grateful that three days a week, I travel for over an hour from home. As I drive, I have time to contemplate these thoughts and reflect on God’s desires for my day.
Breaking down barriers I work in two prisons in Adelaide: one is high-security, and the other is medium-security. Between these two prisons, my fellow chaplains and I work with nearly 1500 men.
My work involves attending to the requests for Bibles and other religious materials. If the men request a visit from the chaplain, we make time to catch up with them. When you spot a man who appears to be nervous, alone, or uncertain about what is happening, a quiet “G’day, how are you doing?” is all you need to break the barrier down. They commence talking to you about the things that concern them about being imprisoned for the first time, or the 10th time, and I believe this helps to take some of their anxieties away from them.
This is where I can spend time talking to them and helping them navigate their way around the prison system. I help them understand both the rules and the opportunities the prison may present to them, as well as the activities they can get involved with.
We hold chapel services for those who wish to attend, and it is a delight to lead them in worship while I encourage the men to grow in and strengthen their faith experience by speaking one-on-one with them.
Chaplains have an amazing opportunity to discuss faith issues with inmates when they ask questions, share their experiences with lapsed faith, or express a desire for faith to be restored.
“I just pray that I will be Jesus to them, even if they don’t know it ...”
We may be asked by the prison staff to catch up with someone who needs a listening ear and a compassionate heart, especially if a loved one or mate has died. Like all of us, this is a very raw and often difficult time to tread, especially when you cannot be with those you love and need at this time.
What does chaplaincy mean for me? At times, it means I wrestle with people’s situations, stories, and injustices, stepping away from my own opinions, beliefs, and morals while trying to understand someone else’s story by looking at the world through their experiences and eyes.
I just pray that I will be Jesus to them, even if they don’t know it, and they are helped and comforted because they spoke to someone who cared.
More information on prison chaplaincy Salvation Army prison chaplains are available at correctional centres throughout Australia and are part of a multi-faith chaplaincy team. Where a Salvation Army Chaplain is not operating in a particular prison, a referral will be passed on to another member of the chaplaincy team. Chaplains provide a range of support to people in prison, such as:
· One-on-one support – emotional, spiritual and pastoral
· Regular visits
· Chapel services
· Bible studies (not available in every prison)
· Referrals to other agencies in preparation for release
For more information, click here
