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  Mercy Heart is a gateway to long-term ministry with families and children of inmates (an unreached segment of the population). A sponsoring church is the catalyst for this ministry.

 How to initiate a Chapel Program:

 Phase 1 - THE MERCY HEART CHAPEL PROGRAM (MHCP) AS EVANGELISM

  A local church decides to implement the MHCP as a ministry-based evangelism strategy. The church would enlist a responsible leader (lay person, bi-vocational person) and a team of volunteers to minister. Action Steps provided in this packet will be followed to initiate the Chapel plant. The sponsor church may also seek partnership funding from other churches and/or denominational sources.

Phase 2 - THE MHCP AS THE SIMPLE OR ORGANIC CHURCH

  Over time those who attend and are the recipients of ministry will begin to show signs of spiritual growth. They will begin to see the Chapel plant as their place of worship and growth. Through the nurture of a spiritually alert Chapel Program leader and a loving ministry team the Chapel plant will take on the look of a simple/organic church. This will be a natural bi-product of making disciples. It may continue this way indefinitely or move onto the third phase.

Phase 3 - THE MHCP BECOMING A FUNCTIONING CHURCH

  This phase results when it becomes clear that the MHCP is moving towards standing on its own. The sponsor church may at this point determine to assist with further funding of a full or part-time pastor (If they have not already done so). The sponsor church may infuse the church plant with other funding and people. There are assessment tools available through various denominational and independent organizations to help in this process.

Phase 4 - MHCP DNA REPLICATION

Goal #1:  Provide guidance and assistance for families and children experiencing the crisis of incarceration.

Goal #2:  Assist the ex-offender in a successful re-entry to society; reconnecting with family and community.

MERCY HEART CHAPEL PROGRAM CONNECTION

STARTING A CHAPEL PROGRAM:

Mercy Heart provides a simple process for recognition as a church Chapel Program.

Family members experience fear and embarrassment when a family member is incarcerated. They often seek to escape or hide from friends and associates - this at a time when friends are most needed. Mercy Heart provides that safe place where families can seek answers to questions without fear or embarrassment.

When Jesus was confronted with those who were cast down and left fatherless He felt "compassion." He felt "mercy" for them. His heart was broken for them and He had an accompanying desire to help. At Mercy Heart the need for love, acceptance, and understanding is met by people willing to share in the deepest suffering and hurts of life.

When a family member is incarcerated, it seems all of life comes to a stand-still. It may seem as though life is over for this family. Mercy Heart provides a place where hurting people can continue to live. Through good friends and quality Bible teaching family members can get the nourishment needed to continue living and growing spiritually and emotionally.

Often feelings of hopelessness can defeat the most courageous efforts to keep families together. The uncertainties of life with a family member in prison can cause many set-backs mentally, emotionally, and  financially. At Mercy Heart our goal is to provide friends and resources for keeping families together. New courage and confidence to go on will be simulated by offering help and support to those in need.

 Matthew 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

 Hebrews 13:3 - "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

RECOGNITION AS A MERCY HEART CHAPEL PROGRAM IS BASED UPON FOUR TENETS:

1. There must be at least one sponsoring church from the community.
2. There must be a request from a local committee or group to initiate an application.
3. The Chapel Program must be prepared to meet at least twice a month (weekly is preferred) in some public place.
4. There must be tacit acceptance of Biblical authority and accountability to Mercy Heart general methods of ministry operations.

Application for Recognition as a Mercy Heart Chapel Program

 Please make a copy of this form; keep the original for your records.

Please TYPE or PRINT NEATLY in INK.

Organizing Members:

Name:    __________________________________  Church Affiliation:                                                                .

Address:                                                                                                                                                                                       .

City, State, Zip:                                                                                                                                                                            .

Daytime Phone: _____ ___________  Evening: _____ ___________   Cell: _____ __________

Name:    __________________________________  Church Affiliation:                                                                .

Address:                                                                                                                                                                                       .

City, State, Zip:                                                                                                                                                                            .

Daytime Phone: _____ ___________  Evening: _____ ___________   Cell: _____ __________

Address:                                                                                                                                                                                       .

City, State, Zip:                                                                                                                                                                            .

Daytime Phone: _____ ___________  Evening: _____ ___________   Cell: _____ __________

(If a leader has been selected, please indicate next to their name above.)

Where will your Chapel Program meet? (Please give actual address and brief description.)

 Address: ______________________________________________________________________

 Date Submitted:                                                              Signature: