In our last newsletter, we mentioned that 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.
Thank you for the feedback that so many of you are providing to your Committee of Management. It is reassuring and encouraging to know there is such a faithful focussed band of Christians upholding the ministry and our decision processes.
As previously indicated, we have been progressing discussions with potential future ministry partners. This includes those who have also approached us because of our strong Chaplaincy brand and Gospel focus.
We are pleased to advise that these discussions are more advanced with one potential partner at this time. These discussions have focussed upon,
- Alignment with our evangelical priorities
- A commitment to prison chaplaincy where our chaplains are resourced, trained, and supported
- A commitment to a post-release pathway for those prisoners who wish to continue in their journey with Jesus through a connection to a local church,
- A commitment to a sustainable ministry where issues around compliance and governance are manageable and
- A commitment to maintaining our core ministry approach.
During March, the Board of that potential partner is meeting to discuss the viability of embracing IOPC and considering our ministry fit with their vision and strategic goals.
We are once again asking our prayer partners, members and supporters to join us in prayer as this Board meets,
- To ask God to speak to His people as they consider a shared ministry with IOPC
- For a clear sense of the Holy Spirit’s leading
- For wisdom in these deliberations.
Our desire is for any partnership to be thoroughly God ordained. If this is not of God, we ask that the Holy Spirit will make that abundantly clear to all concerned.
Bringing Christ to Prisoners is still the heart of this ministry. I am confident that we share a united commitment to see this continue and grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a financial issue?
- This is not just about our ongoing financial situation. God’s provision has never failed us and we recognize and honour His care of IOPC over many decades. Indeed we thank those who have faithfully responded to our previous call for prayer with a financial response. This goes beyond financial aspects and into areas such as governance, systems, and development.
- Is the Director going to be part of any future partnership?
A. Jesse has signalled his intent to remain available, and has committed to extend his current contract beyond September 2016; however his time is still limited due to ongoing personal constraints.