Correctional Chaplains: Keepers of the Cloack

by W. Thomas Beckner

In recent years, the so-called faith factor has been identified as both a significant variable in positive inmate adjustment and a potential remedy for recidivism. At the same time, very little has been written about the primary facilitator of religious services inside our nation’s jails and prisons—the chaplain. In Correctional Chaplains: Keepers of the Cloak, Dr. Thomas Beckner has provided a comprehensive perspective of this vital profession.

Dr. Beckner briefly reviews the history of correctional chaplaincy and its development within the American criminal justice system and summarizes several significant studies of the profession. He then examines the critical premises on which chaplaincy rests and presents a unique structural model of chaplaincy consists consisting of four critical dimensions: personal, pastoral, administrative, and community. Beckner then shows how this paradigm serves as a template for the development of a chaplaincy plan that will meet the needs of a specific institutional setting and can be monitored for effective results.
Correctional chaplaincy has evolved from a voluntary effort led by interested community pastors into a complex, specialized profession—one that is both demanding and rewarding. It is also a profession that is becoming increasingly at-risk. In his final chapter, Dr. Beckner challenges administrators and chaplains to address the issues that underlie this erosion of value and presents positive and concrete approaches to enhance the profession.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Correctional Chaplains is a great resource. I would recommend it for anyone who is considering going into chaplaincy, as I have. That is why I picked up the book. Then, in my interview, it was almost as if their questions was from a book review of this book. They mentioned a unique paradigm, and it followed the outline Beckner pushes forth here. If you are currently a Chaplain, I can only guess but my assumption is that this book would be an encouragement to carry on the work that you have already ad an intimate involvement in. Either way, this is a great resource. For the layman, it should motivate you to feed the least, the last and the lost in any way that you can.

[Lou Bloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for those in or considering any chaplaincy position. Beckner presents a thorough examination of what correctional chaplaincy is all about, and the principles and practical insights presented in the book can be applied to any type of chaplaincy. The only negative I have about the book a lack of case studies or examples of how the things Beckner espouses work in real life. Given the dearth of published content about chaplains and their work, this is a welcome addition to the library of anyone who ministers to those in prison.