Lessons I Learned While In Prison 1 (of 4)

Posted by Scott Williams
11 Comments
February 18, 2008
Leadership | Life Application | Prison

life-sentence.jpgMany of you who are new to BigIsTheNewSmall may not know my story.  I spent about thirteen years in the prison system; that’s right horrible food, 8×10 cells, built up anger, razor wire….  I was an Officer, then a Counselor and finally a Warden.  This week, I am going to share some lessons that I learned while being in the prison system all of those years; some may be more graphic than others. 

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BEING A WARDEN AND BEING A PASTOR

  • I’ve found the most effective strategy for leading people, is to “Be about the people!” (Genuinely care; take care of inmates or church members).
  • The method in which you lead people, can cause them to become a great asset or pain in the asset (many times the inmates were my greatest asset as a leader, the same philosphy applies to church members).
  • In corrections and ministry, individuals are led by specific rules, identified culture and organized structure. (Do’s & don’ts).
  • Inmates and church members act differently around the Warden and the Pastor (In Craig’s post today he talks about members talking different to Pastors).
  • Just as we Got Rid of the word Church Member and changed it to Partners; there was a time in corrections when we changed from using the word Inmate, to using the word Client. (Both make a difference in the overall mindset).
  • Ultimately a Warden and a Pastor lead a venue where people can be confronted, held accountable, developed, challenged…. and leave personal chaos behind; in order for their lives to be truly CHANGED!

Don’t Judge, instead use Good Judgment: Bring-in, Build-up, Train & Send-out.

Any analogies come to mind with your job and The Church?  Share any other thoughts or perspectives! 

  • http://www.annameadows.com Anna Meadows

    I’m glad to be counted an “inmate” or “client” of your leadership… See you in 15 minutes!

  • http://www.manymeadows.blogspot.com Robin Meadows

    RELATIONSHIPS! That’s where it’s at, no matter the location. And Scott, you’re GREAT at it!! And your campus wears the fruit of it.

  • http://isdifferentok.com Heady

    “Don’t Judge, instead use Good Judgment: Bring-in, Build-up, Train & Send-out.” good stuff!

  • http://jthelmsdeep.blogspot.com Joseph

    Since my job is pastoring people, I am going to use a shepherd analogy. Sheep are always looking for the best grazing, sometimes at their own peril, it is the shepherds responsibility to protect the sheep from harmful pasture while ensuring that he is constantly looking for the best “food” for them to grow healthy on.

  • http://www.ichilly.typepad.com Chilly

    I’m religious about relationships. It’s worth the work.

  • http://boffthewall.wordpress.com Brooke

    At first glance you freaked me out a bit…i thought you meant 13 years as a prisoner for some horrific crime! Whoa.

    Then i kept reading…lol.

  • http://princessjes.wordpress.com princessjes

    It actually just hit me clearly…My position in lifeKIDS really is about finding the right people to play the right parts. We call our volunteers “cast members” because with out the right people playing the right roles, the show doesn’t go well. I mean imagine if the dorky guy and Will Smith traded places in Hitch…I mean, seriously!
    So my job is kinda like a Director or producer or something, not to be confused with the LifeKIDS Director/pastor.

  • Scott Williams

    Thanks for all of your comments and feedback; tomm. should be interesting.

  • http://blakeunfettered.wordpress.com Blake Bergstrom

    its all about rehabilitation right? i love your heart to restore people…you are incredible at bringing the best out of your people.

  • http://brentmusings.blogspot.com/ BlueRager

    Teachers are in the same boat too.. Especially the “bring in, build up…” Many kids are only seeking the loving attention of an adult! They seek approval, affirmation, as well as intellectual growth. I was a music teacher for 33 years with middle school kids. I saw the same human characteristics you have highlighted. Asking kids to quit gossiping, lying, and hurting each other is the same ministry as what you are doing on campus and with adults. I’m humbled by the experience.

  • http://www.tradeyourassets.com Asset

    I totally agree with your thought

    Don’t Judge, instead use Good Judgment: Bring-in, Build-up, Train & Send-out.

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