I Was In Prison… Now I'm A Pastor

Many 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 (People in general talk different and act different around Pastors).
• Just as we Got Rid of the word Church Member and changed it to Partners; there was a time in private corrections at lower-level security facilities 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!