2012 Spring Newsletter.pub - Kairos

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
correction. Budgets are tight and
prisons are crowded. This has
caused a reflection on how society
views mandatory sentencing,
non-violent criminals, inmates
who are considered low risk, reduced
state budgets, elimination
of some chaplain positions, privatization
of prisons, rehabilitation
and recidivism. For our long
term success, Kairos is challenged
to understand these
changes and adapt accordingly.
I am inspired by the prospect of
future change, which could include
exploration of the following
core issues:
(1) Continuing to develop partnerships
with other ministries
and DOC and FBOP leadership;
(2) Increasing our own spirituality
as a path toward ministry
unity. Imagine a ministrywide
spiritual revival led by
our advisory councils. I want
so much for our advisory
councils to really understand
they are, after God, the heart
Kairos. We cannot be successful
without the unity and
enthusiasm of our parts
working together.
(3) With the unity, enthusiasm,
energy, generosity, and compassion
of our advisory councils
we need a ministry-wide
unifying vision. Many of us
would agree the typical ministry
vision of a volunteer, an
advisory council person, state
chapter person, IC or BOD
person can be very different
from each other. How can
they work together as a team
with different disconnected
visions?
(4) We need more prayer and
thought about the number
and integration of our programs.
Our founders gave us
a clear vision of Kairos as a
ministry supporting Christian
communities inside maximum
and medium security
prisons. Let’s not “back into”
our future – let us as a
total community through
prayer and discernment hear
where God is leading Kairos.
During the last several years at
one time or another the following
topics have been discussed:
evidence- based material (The
Change Company), First Steps,
The Kairos Peace Initiative, an
impact/recidivism study, a Torch
program for KO children, a reentry
program, expanded mentoring,
government grants,
growth and expansion in the
USA and internationally, a foundation,
a new office building,
collaborations with various organizations.
That’s quite an interesting
and diverse list.
The vision of these initiatives is
exciting, but how do we manage
and integrate these initiatives
thoughtfully? What is the sequence
of integration, and what
are the human, spiritual and financial
resources necessary to be
successful? These are the challenges
– the opportunities for
success. Be faithful, be positive
and trust in the one true God.
Life is good! God Bless,
Love,
John
FROM A PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
I would like to share about Kairos
from the perspective of a Pastor.
Today I serve as an Evangelist,
traveling and preaching across
the country. For a number of
years I led large churches and felt
the heavy burden of pastoring
congregations. I respect and admire
the men and women who
follow this calling. Their daily
concern for their flock and the
stress and sorrow of human pain
can, at times, be overwhelming.
In today’s spiritual landscape,
the pressure is more intense than
ever. Pastors are resigning at
record numbers, some churches
are closing their doors, and all
churches are feeling the economic
crunch. Church leaders
are charged with growing their
congregations, increasing their
budgets. They continually look
for new ways to feed their flocks
spiritually, and keep them inspired.
I honor those who give
themselves to this noble pursuit.
Many are simply burning out,
while others are thriving. What
is the difference? I find that
churches whose members are
active in outreach ministries,
tithe, and get involved in taking
care of their community are
thriving.
Continued on page 28
Spring 20112 God’s Special Time/Page 3