Ministry to the Incarcerated

Dr. Henry G.Covert uses his experiences as both a police officer and state prison chaplain to examine the environment of the incarcerated - people who are often forgotten by society. He emphasizes particular areas of inmate stress and how they impact upon the inmate's spiritual formation and the role of the Church in offering encouragement, healing and transformation. He calls for staff education, environmental improvements, and a pastoral presence that facilitates rehabilitation and hope, rather than discouragement and punishment. According to Dr.Covert, many inmates truly desire to change. The presence of the Church can be their strongest form of encouragement and support. He provides examples of biblical themes that can promote healing and regeneration among prisoners, drawing specifically on the teachings of Jesus.