OPEN RECRUITMENT:

Volunteer – INMATE MENTORS

Mentor Opportunity

The Word of God provides us with example after example of Biblical mentors and mentees. Moses mentored Joshua, Naomi mentored Ruth, Paul mentored Timorthy, and Priscilla & Aquila mentored Apollos. More importantly, Jesus was continually mentoring the Disciples. In each example, the relationship between the mentor and mentee was of extreme importance. It played the key role in producing men and women with Godly/Christian values. It was essential to passing on correct instructions about God and His Word. But it was also a vital part of helping a mentee acquire the life-skills that were needed in order to succeed. Finally, these Biblical examples show us how one can create community, and how a mentor – through accountability – can shape the life of another. The Wilson County Jail Ministry now has the opportunity to facilitate mentoring relationships with inmates; it is believed that the impact of a structured mentoring program could be tremendous. While the paramount goal is to introduce inmates to Christ and to help them grow spiritually, there are other objectives. It is hoped that mentors can maintain their relationships after an inmate is released, and can help mentees transition into a church community. We recognize the value of an inmate returning to society while having a Christian mentor and local congregation, walk along beside him/her. We know the impact of Christian mentors who will demonstrate Christ-like living, help men/women break the strongholds of their former lifestyles, hold them accountable for their actions, and walk with them as they rebuild new lives. The possibilities are endless. Initially, serving as a mentor requires a one-hour commitment each week, between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. This hour would be spent inside of the jail, working with an inmate via video call; mentors must use the communications system within the jail. For more information about mentoring opportunities, call or text 615-772-7878 to speak with WCJM Volunteer Services.
01.

Mentor Code of Conduct Ministry Agreement

Our Mission The Wilson County Jail Ministry exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing the gospel, encouraging spiritual growth, and helping individuals connect with healthy Christian community both during incarceration and after release. As volunteers and mentors, we represent Jesus Christ, the Wilson County Jail Ministry, our partner churches, and the correctional facility. We commit to serving with integrity, humility, accountability, and Christian love. 1. Christian Character Volunteers and mentors will: • Demonstrate Christlike conduct in speech and behavior. • Treat inmates, staff, volunteers, and families with dignity and respect. • Maintain personal integrity and Christian witness. • Remain active in a local church. • Support the mission, leadership, and values of the ministry. 2. Respect for Authority Volunteers and mentors will: • Follow all jail policies and procedures. • Follow all ministry policies and training requirements. • Cooperate with correctional staff and ministry leadership. • Accept accountability and correction when needed. Service within the ministry is a privilege and requires faithful adherence to established guidelines. 3. Training and Accountability Volunteers and mentors will: • Complete required training before serving. • Participate in ongoing development and mentoring meetings as requested. • Seek guidance when questions or concerns arise. • Report safety, security, or ministry concerns promptly. No volunteer or mentor may operate independently of ministry leadership. 4. Healthy Boundaries Volunteers and mentors are called to encourage, disciple, and support—not to rescue, control, or create dependency. Volunteers and mentors will not: • Give money directly to inmates or their families. • Purchase items for inmates or their families without approval. • Share personal financial information. • Enter into business relationships with inmates or former inmates. • Make promises they cannot fulfill. • Violate jail or ministry policies in an effort to help someone. Healthy ministry relationships protect the participant, the volunteer, and the ministry. 5. Communication and Confidentiality Volunteers and mentors will: • Use approved communication methods. • Protect confidential information whenever possible. • Exercise wisdom and discretion when discussing ministry matters. Volunteers and mentors will not: • Circumvent jail communication procedures. • Share confidential information unnecessarily. • Use social media or public platforms to disclose information about inmates or their families. 6. Mentoring Relationships The goal of mentoring is to help participants grow in their faith and become connected to a healthy local church. Therefore: • Men will mentor men. • Women will mentor women. • Mentoring relationships will be established through ministry leadership. • Mentors should encourage church involvement, spiritual growth, and Christian community. • Significant post-release involvement should remain transparent and accountable to ministry leadership. The goal is not dependency upon a mentor, but connection to Christ and His Church. 7. Commitment I understand that I serve as a representative of Jesus Christ, the Wilson County Jail Ministry, and the correctional facility. I will commit one hour weekly, mentoring an inmate within Wilson County Jail; mentoring must be done between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday. I agree to follow this Code of Conduct, maintain healthy boundaries, respect ministry leadership, and serve faithfully in support of the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. I understand that this Ministry Agreement will remain active until cancelled by either myself or the WCJM. Volunteer/Mentor Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________________
02.