of a Successful Field Minister
INTEGRITY
- The Field Minister maintains a visible, unashamed, humble, accountable, and incorruptible personal integrity in a place where inmate integrity is often defined by the dark network of the prison’s inmate culture. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8, ESV)
PERSEVERANCE
- The Field Minister does not quit; he or she perseveres with joyful patience and hope-filled endurance in the midst of harsh circumstances, threats, temptations, and intimidations. “To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador inchains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:18-20, ESV)
FAITH
- The Field Minister lives out his or her faith with gentleness and consistency, and without hypocrisy—in full view of his or her peers. “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8, ESV)
HEART
- The Field Minister proactively offers his or her heart to those in the prison’s deepest places of need, where the most isolated, forlorn, and lost inmates live—an environment which is often hostile and threatening. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14-15, ESV)
