This is an exciting time for Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy. Demand for our Chaplains 
continues to grow and our Chaplains continue to remain committed to the cause of reaching prisoners with the gospel message.
Our partnerships with local churches also remain strong. Former prisoners are being connected and welcomed into churches, continuing the faith journey they started on the ‘inside.’
What has changed is the increase in both internal and external challenges that threaten our ongoing operation.
Internally, based on feedback from our Chaplains and needs assessments, we are working to deliver a number of pillars that are deemed essential for our ministry to maintain proper standards, develop and maintain excellent chaplains, and provide the right resources for the ministry to grow. Our view is that we are presently not able to adequately resource these.
Externally, we are facing an increasing suite of demands within our operating environment. These range across increasing levels of governance and compliance requirements, increasing need for insurance coverage for a wide range of issues, increasing reliance on legal advice in a litigious society and increasing focus in the Human Resource management areas on policy, accreditation and qualification.
When overlaid with the existing challenges around finances and the ability to properly resource the support for our Chaplains, mentors and staff, we are facing an unsustainable position. Even without developing solutions to the emerging requirements, based on data over the last two years, we will not be able to operate through to the end of this financial year concluding June 2016.
We are working diligently to explore and evaluate options to move forward in a timely manner.
Our priority in this is to ensure we do not allow the face to face ministry with prisoners to fail. Bringing the Gospel to those in prison remains our priority.
What can you do?
We are sharing this update with you as a foundation for focussed prayer and contemplation. We are partners for the Gospel as our core foundation for this ministry. Prayer is our great tool at this time.
We’re also happy to hear from you, either via email (director@insideoutchaplaincy.org.au) or phone (0413 078 684), to discuss your ideas for solutions.
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow into a bigger, brighter and better future. With your prayers and support through this season of change, we can do just that.