Safer Communities Ministries’ Do's & Don'ts for Volunteers
To become a volunteer, you must take a test on the content of this page. You may do this one of two ways:
- Complete the reading/listening of the subject matter and follow the instructions at the bottom of this page. or
- Download and print the PDF TEST document here, and complete the test as your read/listen to the course content.
Also, you may wish to print an abridged transcript of these training modules beforehand to read along or to read later. Click here for a downloadable / printable PDF copy.
Mail the completed test to:
SCM, PO Box 556 Monroe, NC 28111
Contents
A. “Do’s & Don’ts” - Inmate & Ex-offender Ministry
B. “Do’s & Don’ts” - Inmate Ministry
C. “Do’s & Don’ts” - Ex-offender Ministry
APPENDIX. Information
*Note: All content of this website © Safer Communities Ministry*
Launch Module 1
Introduction from Al Lewis, Executive Director (audio only)
Launch Module 2
Testimony by Pastor Eddie Williams (audio only)
A. “Do’s and Don’ts” – INMATE & EX-OFFENDER Ministry
Launch Module 3
Presented by: Rev. Al Lewis (audio + text)
Safer Communities Ministry, Executive Director
Launch Module 4
Presented by: Rev. Dom Duarte (audio + text)
Restoration House Ministries
Launch Module 5
Presented by: Chris Ammons (audio + text)
Ex-offender / Volunteer
Launch Module 6
Presented by: Tommy Belk (audio + text)
Ex-offender Program Director
B. “Do’s and Don’ts” – INMATE Ministry
Launch Module 7
Presented by: Rev. Terry Merritt (audio + text)
His Perfect Love Ministries
Launch Module 8
Presented by: Rev. Lee Gant (audio + text)
Volunteer
Launch Module 9
Presented by: Angela & Ryan Tolman (audio + text)
Volunteers
C. “Do’s and Don’ts” – EX-OFFENDERS
Launch Module 10
Presented by: Rev. Jimmy Bention Sr. (audio + text)
Pastor
Launch Module 11
Presented by: Lee Little
Ex-offender Reentry Specialist / SCREEN Coordinator
APPENDIX
Information about Safer Communities Ministry - the Area Network’s Initiator
SCM’s Mission Statement.
Safer Communities Ministries’ MISSION is to exhort, equip, and mobilize its partners to be more effective in changing the lives of prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families. Safer Communities Ministries partners with churches, faith-based organizations, community and government service providers, businesses, and civic groups.
SCM’s Statement Of Faith.
We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the Universe, the coequal Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Bible is God’s only inspired and authoritative Word, which is our guiding authority for all of belief and conduct.
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is fully God and fully man. He is the only mediator between God and man through His substitution, atoning death, resurrection and ascension. He will return in glory to complete salvation and judgment.
We believe that all people are sinners and cannot see the Kingdom of God except through the new birth. All of salvation is by God’s Grace through faith in Christ alone and is applied by the Holy Spirit.
We believe in the universal Church of Jesus Christ, which includes all those who are truly saved by God. Its purpose is to: worship God in Christ; to fulfill, with love, Christ’s commission of evangelism and discipleship; to be a loving community with one another; and to provide compassionate service to the needs of mankind.
Ex-offender Area Network Ministries Volunteer Release Form (click to access form)
Volunteer Training Process
Launch Module 12
Tommy Belk explains (audio only)
EVERYONE SHOULD PARTICIPATE
We encourage all volunteers to participate in this training program, regardless of their past experience. This way more experienced volunteers can share what they have learned with newer volunteers. It will help all of us understand the whole picture work together better.
WHY TRAINING AND DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED
- The world of prisons, jails and ex-offenders is a very different cultural experience than most people in churches have experienced. The mind-set and life issues of inmates can be quite foreign to those not previously exposed to this environment.
- Because we are working among the criminal element there are security precautions that must be observed. But it is not just about protecting us.
- To be effective in working with this population, and to actually change their lives for the Lord, experienced people need to pass on what they have learned to new or less experienced people.
- To work together in unity for the Lord, we all need to know what each team member does.
- Because we live in a legally active society and are working in the criminal justice area, certain documents need to be signed, obtained or understood to best serve and protect everyone.
- It would be irresponsible to let volunteers loose without training, understanding, and standards of commitment.
Most of all, we are called to excellence as stewards of the Lord’s work.
TRAINING STEPS
- Attend an entire Mentor Team Training Event either Friday night or Saturday morning
- Fill out Mentor Team Application / Legal Release
- Submit a copy of Drivers License and other ID /Complete the background check form.
- Come visit Monday night dinner Fellowships with ex-offenders, volunteers, and families, and / or come visit Thursday night teachings at Restoration House. Do this at least three times. Call Lee Little for place and time, 704-499-1332.
- Process:
- Attend a live, full “Do’s” and “Don’ts” training session or listen to CD with handout
- Take the test
- Attend a training session with an experienced volunteer to discuss Do’s and Don’ts.
- Obtain a Letter of Recommendation from your pastor or SCREEN partner organization leader.
- Attend special training sessions for specific volunteers roles.
- Receive volunteer Certification Award.
5 “L” WORDS FOR MENTORING
Listen to them
Learn about them
Lend a hand
Love their hearts
Lead, after winning the right to be heard
If you have completed all of the modules, you may download the test file here, print it, complete it and send it to:
SCM, PO Box 556 Monroe, NC 28111