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Chaplaincy is pastoral ministry that brings Jesus’ presence, care, and hope into prisons and frontline settings through relational, compassionate, and consistent spiritual support.

Prison Chaplaincy

Prison Chaplaincy is a way we bring the love and presence of Jesus into the heart of the prison system. Chaplains offer spiritual care, support and hope to those living and working inside, building trust through consistent, compassionate presence. It’s a ministry shaped by our Vineyard values and rooted in the belief that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Contact

Mark Crosby

Email the team

What is

Chaplaincy?

Prison Chaplaincy is a unique and powerful expression of pastoral ministry. It places trained and accredited individuals into prison communities to serve those often overlooked, forgotten, or marginalised. These chaplains carry the love, presence, and message of Jesus into complex and challenging environments. They offer spiritual care, support and guidance to prisoners and staff, provide sacraments, and build bridges of trust and hope.

Currently, we only have an accreditation process for Prison Chaplaincy, but in time, we will explore other Chaplaincy options.

Why

Chaplaincy Matters

Our prisons are full of people with stories of brokenness and pain, but also deeply loved by Jesus. Chaplains help people encounter the transforming love of Christ, often at a point of deep vulnerability. This ministry isn’t easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It requires spiritual maturity, emotional resilience, and a willingness to go where others might not.

The call to chaplaincy is not for everyone. But for those who are called, it is a significant way to embody the Kingdom of God in a place in need of hope and light.

Outlining the

Accreditation Process

To support and equip those called to serve, we have developed a formal process of accreditation inline with requirements from HMPPS for Prison Chaplains. This ensures our chaplains are well-prepared, spiritually healthy, and accountable. Here’s a brief overview:

Step 1: Initial Application

    • Express your interest and call to chaplaincy to your Senior Pastor
    • Submit a personal statement, references and relevant experience

Step 2: Local Church Discernment

    • Your Senior Pastor and leadership team review your application
    • A conversation or interview may be held to explore your readiness

Step 3: VCUKI Discernment

    • Complete a short questionnaire and psychometric test
    • Meet with the Multiply team for a discernment session
    • A commendation from your Senior Pastor follows

Step 4: Accreditation

    • Sign a Chaplaincy Agreement
    • Agree to our Code of Conduct and Leadership Standards
    • Receive an official letter of accreditation, enabling you to apply for chaplaincy roles

Step 5: Ongoing Accountability

    • Maintain regular contact with your Senior Pastor or delegate
    • Complete 20 hours of annual spiritual development
    • Accreditation is reviewed every three years

What HMPPS ask of

potential Chaplains

To be recognised by HMPPS as a Prison Chaplain and to carry out sacramental functions such as communion and baptisms, candidates must meet three key requirements:

A letter of accreditation from VCUKI confirming the individual’s commissioning for Prison Ministry, removing the need for formal ordination.

A minimum of an undergraduate diploma in Theology from a UK-recognised institution, such as a University or our Theology Partner WTC.

Practical experience of prison ministry, gained through shadowing a Prison Chaplain, volunteering in a prison, or serving as a Volunteer Chaplain in training while studying.

What we ask of

Chaplains

Stay rooted in your local Vineyard church

Commit to ongoing spiritual growth and leadership development

Serve with humility, respect, and integrity

Engage in safeguarding training and maintain good boundaries

Minister cross-culturally and pastorally in a complex environment

An expanded version of this is laid out in our Chaplaincy Code of Conduct and Chaplaincy Leadership Standards.

Is this

For you?

If you’re exploring the possibility of Prison Chaplaincy, a good first step is to speak with your Senior Pastor. This kind of ministry requires a clear calling, preparation and the ongoing support of your local church.

Whether you’ve already been considering this for some time, or it’s something new you’re curious about, we’re here to help you take the next step. This is a meaningful and important area of ministry that plays a vital role in serving those within the prison system.

  • Pray. Ask God if this is part of your calling.
  • Speak to your Senior Pastor and share what’s stirring.
  • If you both agree it’s right to explore further, your Pastor will contact the VCUKI team.
  • From there, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

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