Views of the Chaplain, Rev. Gerard Howell, at the Detention Center

For an introduction to a book underway describing the Fierce Landscape Spiritual Growth Program initiated here in 2003:

Paschal Baute, pastor, psychologist, professor, author and visionary has for a lifetime been a teacher, encourager, and a builder of community. Not only has he used his developed skills within the larger educational and working community but has freely invested himself with the persons who populate our jails and prisons. I find in this workbook many tools that are understandable and usable for the average person but which are built on a thorough knowledge of psychology and theology. These materials have been used by Baute and the volunteers in our interfaith approach to spirituality and transformation by use of group dynamics at Fayette County Detention Center.

Volunteers find it a helpful introduction to the subject matters that are absolutely necessary for the individuals and the group to journey toward transformation. The Spiritual Growth program has been one of the more dynamic programs within the Jail. Good seeds are being planted and that the participants are having an inter-faith, inter-ethnic group experience unlike what most men will ever make an effort to create. Led by a faithful core of volunteers under Baute’s leadership it has become for me one of the more meaningful events in which I share each week. Its power is the predictable development of a synergetic healing energy when the group begins to do its work throughout the twenty-four hours a day they share with each other in the subday room. This has become the core of our effort to help the re-entry of the participants into their new world.

Update on Prison Ministry Report, 9/27

RE: inquires about the prison ministry work.described in issue of Diaspora. This is an evidence-based program emphasizing changed behavior and understanding that mere talk about God is often vain and cheap.
Update 9/27/06

Many of the inventories and handouts used in the Fierce Landscape workbook were developed and printed many years ago and are not stored electonically. Interest in this non-traditional ministry program is growing with requests for copies of the workbook which takes considerable time and energy to assemble in their present form..

So we are currently manually scanning and storing electronically the entire workbook so that it can be more easily made available to others. This way individuals can copy, edit, print and use whatever materials seem useful for their own setting and vision of prison ministry.

Sections
part 1 Intro and endorsements (Inmates report what the program is doing for them and how this is differently from previous programs; volunteers report their particular focus; Jail staff report their view of this work).10-15pp

Part 2 will be the actual workbook, c, 50 pp. This is actually an extended 12 step program challening radical self-examination and change.

Part 3 will be the Action Planning for effective transition from program to community, in all that OWL (that is the "wrap" for the SG program and the cooperative partnership with others) is bringing forth, including forms used to create a more seamless transition, 20 pp

Part 4 is to be The Larger View in Society, Prison Reform, examining the challlenges and inequities in the present Penal Code and overcrowding, etc, Work of community activists and UK Law Faculty professors views. 20 p

Part 5. References.

We expect eventually to get this published online.
In the meantime, if you want a hard copy (version #14 after 40 some months) , please offer to pay postage and handling costs and whatever printing costs may occur. We are currently aiming for October 15 for publication. We are aiming for no more than $10 for everything, inc. P & H & includes permission to copy any edit all of it for your own use.

We propose there is no other such complete interfaith correctional program known in the country, as this includes every aspect of human behavior, physical, emotional, psychological, social, community, faith, and group skills, with planning for transition. .

Latest update. We are getting recognition from the judicial court re the reach and effectiveness of this program, as well as out of county vocational rehabilitation officers interested in starting this program in other counties.

We have decided not to seek money re grants to support the Spiritual Growth in-house program, as it is the obvious love the volunteers demonstrate that makes a difference to the inmates. Money would corrupt that aspect. Our volunteers become hooked, that is, this one lesson per week becomes a vital part of their own faith journey.

Thanks for listening. Namaste.

Paschal Baute

New report being prepared on program, October 2006

Underway is the digital collection of all documents, including the workbook, OWL re-entry program, documents on prison reform, etc. for purpose of making what we do easily accessible and copy-able by others. We aim for mid October, but may be later.
Here is the explanation of the Spiritual Growth program

THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROGRAM
Paschal Baute, Ed. D., Pastoral Psychologist.

In the fall of 2002, after many visits to the Fayette County Detention Center with Chaplain Stevenson, a program emphasizing the tools of Spiritual Growth was conceived, proposed and accepted in early 2003, with the approval of Major Todd Eads, then program officer. I had begun consulting and teaching in the Federal Correctional system as well as working with delinquent juveniles in the early 1970s. The current chaplain, Rev. Gerard Howell has been very supportive

The Spiritual Growth program emphasizes tools for behavior change, not merely talk or God-talk. The inmate must demonstrate three changes while in the program: A) the development of an inner life, by prayer, study, meditation and completion of inventories asking for self -examination; B) the daily practice of positive behavior, listening, learning, and following a personal regime of regulated activity: C) Each must be open to ongoing feedback from all others, learning to recognize the blind side and to deal with negative feelings constructively.

The 12 week program has four necessary legs: 1) The workbook of checklists, inventories and handouts compiled by Paschal Baute, pastoral psychologist on the basis of many years experience as a therapist in helping people face themselves and change; 2) A core of volunteers who give their time freely with one regular visit per week, who also offer a diversity of views of spiritual growth; 3) The power of the inmate group to support, encourage, confront necessary social skills and to help develop leadership skills, 4) The surrender of each inmate to the Higher Power in the working of their own program, which is physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual--engaging body, mind, soul, and heart, a total program of change and transformation. Each of these legs is essential to the program as it has been developed over the past 40 some months.

The program teaches the detention experience as the Training Ground, or "boot-camp" necessary for change. Acceptance into the program is by interview. Only about one in ten is ready for the work involved. We call the program The Fierce Landscape for the Spiritual Warrior. Radical self-examination, intensive work on self, social skills, forgiveness, and anger is required. The program and leadership is guided by a workbook on how to become a competent spiritual athlete by attending to everything one does. The ultimate goal is an ex-offender brotherhood of Spiritual Warriors to support one another and be a force for change and education in the community.

Leadership is two fold, first by the volunteers who come six days per week, each with a special flavor illustrating tasks for spiritual growth. Each volunteer brings their own faith journey and life experience to the weekly discussions, motivated by love. Graduation can occur upon successful completion in a 12 week program. The second necessary leadership program is provided by the inmates themselves, with regular afternoon meetings with shared leadership, and role modeling, counseling, coaching and mentoring of one another as a regular daily part.

The OWL Re-entry program, under the direction of Moe Mercier is the "wrap around" program that makes the Spiritual Growth program effective for community transition. It is explained elsewhere.

Mock Funeral Passage Ritual

Mock Funeral Passage Rite
for Dramatizing Healing Graduation from
The Fierce Landscape Spiritual Growth Correctional Program
Fayette County Detention Center, Lexington, Ky
The 12 week program must be completed (shown in behavior change and
in writing ) and the entire correctional pod must consent.
Brothers are also invited to participate and lend prayers and blessings
at particular places as part of the ceremony. .

Purpose: Mock funeral passage rite for inmates, from the Old Man, Addiction, Sin, Selfishness, Shame, Guilt, Greed, Lust, etc., from being led by the Dark Forces of one’s own Nature and Evil in the world. Subject is prostrate to humble himself by renouncing all of the past.

AFFIRM the Passing over to the New Man, Alive in Grace, Mercy, Goodness, Truth, Forgiveness, Kindness, Open to Challenge, Ready to embrace all that Life offers and ready to accept to total consequences of my previous life, in humility and relying on the Power of God, accepting the summons to become a Spiritual Warrior in a new Brotherhood uner the protection of St. Michael the Archangel. Summons and commitments can be taken from that handout.

Upon completion of the 12 week program, the subject can apply for the Graduation Certificate and also for this passage ceremony. We begin by sitting in a circle in quiet prayer. Candidate for the Mock Funeral Passage rises and prostrates himself on the floor in the center of the group. He is covered with a black pall or black robe.

Prayers are selected by the facilitator, and he invites the members of the inmate community to join in. These can be chosen from the Baptismal Rite of the Book of Common Prayer or other passage rituals.

Dialogue in the prone position:
Facilitator: Who are you?
What is your name?
What do you ask for? "Death to sin, addiction, selfhishness and all of my past life of lies and deceits."
What else do you ask for? "Forgiveness and mercy."
Why do you ask? "Because I admit that I am helpless to change myself by by own efforts."
What have you come to in this program: Subject summaries in his own words.
Make you own confession of faults in your own words.
Now make your own confession of faith in your own words.

Do you recognize that accepting your woundedness, your brokenness is a Gift and
a constant summons to humility and grace?
What scriptures will you use as a shield against temptation.

Do you have a plan? Describe briefly your plan?

Will this group pronounce ________ dead to the old man of sin by mentioning behavior that supports this change?

In your own heart, surrender to the Love of God and promise to love him totally. As you do this each of us present sends the Love of God to your heart from our hearts.
Do You Promise to love your neighbor as yourself, to consider the least, lost, last and lame as your brothers? Answer: "I promise. . explicit words
Do you understand that this ceremony is only the beginning of your walk and you can only take one step at a time?
Facilitator leads all present in asking for God’s blessing on this man’s faith, hope and love.

Subject rises to stand, funeral pall taken off, and community surrounds him to place hands and shoulders and offer prayer, support, care, love, kindness, hope, and encouragement, in their own words.

Close with a simply celebretory song, such as Amazing Grace , Alleluia or Here I am, Lord.

First used, Fayette County Department of Correctional, September 25, 2006.
Comments invited.
Paschal Baute.

I first used this mock funeral years ago in group therapy with a young man who was compulsively suicidal who would not give up the suicidal ideation. Finally, We did a mock funeral and talked about him (under the funeral pall) and his sad death, with entire group participating. After about 20 minutes of listening, he got up suddently and said he was not ready to have people talk about him like that and he gave up the suicidal ideation and began to change.

Update on Prison minstry program in Lexington, KY

RE: inquires about the prison ministry work.
described in Diaspora. This is an evidence-based program emphasizing changed behavior and understanding that mere talk about God is vain and cheap.
Update 9/21/06

Many of the inventories and handouts used in the
Fierce Landscape workbook were written and printed many years ago and are not stored electonically. Interest in this non-traditional ministry program is growing with requests for copies of the workbook which takes considerable time and energy to assemble in their present form..

So we are currently manually scanning and storing electronically the entire workbook so that it can be more easily made available to others. This way individuals can copy, edit, print and use whatever materials seem useful for their own setting and vision.

Sections
part 1 Intro and endorsements (Inmates report what the program is doing for them and how this is differently from previous programs).10-15pp

Part 2 will be the actual workbook, 50 pp.

Part 3 will be the Action Planning for effective transition from program to community, in all that OWL and the cooperative partnership with others is bringing forth, including forms used to create a more seamless transition, 20 pp

Part 4 is to be The larger View, Prison Reform, examining the challlenges and inequities in the present Penal Code and overcrowding, etc, Work of community activists and UK Law Faculty professors views. 20 p

Part 5. References.

We expect eventually to get this published online.
In the meantime, if you want a copy, please offer to pay postage and handling costs and whatever printing costs may occur. We are currently aiming for October 15 for publication. We are aiming for no more than $10 for everything. This includes permission to copy any and all of it for your own use.

We propose there is no other such correctional program known in the country, as this includes every aspect of human behavior, physical, emotional, psychological, social, community, faith, and group skills.

Latest update. We are getting recognition from the judicial court re the reach and effectiveness of this program, as well as out of county vocational rehabilitation officers interested in starting this program in other counties.

We have decided not to seek money re grants to support the Spiritual Growth in-house program, as it is the obvious love the volunteers demonstrate that makes a difference to the inmates. Money would corrupt that aspect. Our volunteers become hooked, that is, this one lesson per week becomes a vital part of their own faith journey.

Paschal Baute
www.paschalbaute.com/writing
and see Fierce Landscape blog for
other postings;

God-Talk is Cheap. the workbook for the Fierce Landscape prison program.

Two recent decisions have been made about this program, as of the first week in September, 2006.
1. Because many have praised the program for its inclusiveness, its effectiveness and uniqueness, the have encouraged us to seek grants for program promotion and dissemination. I have decided not to do this, as one important aspect of the program is that our volunteers do this for love. Money is bound to change or corrupt the program as it is. We shall stay an entirely volunteer program funded out of our own pockets.
2. We shall publish the workbook for use by others and by future inmates in the program. Up to now I have taken several days to assemble the workbook every several months because of turn over and new needs. Both inmates and volunteers will purchase the workbook for a small amount to be determined by cost of printing.

GOD-TALK IS CHEAP
A Workbook and Program for an
Evidence-Based Prison Ministry
by Rev. Dr. Paschal Baute,
Pastoral Psychologist

Preface

God-talk is Cheap is the name given to the workbook of an evidence-based prison ministry program. Talking about God or scripture, praying, singing hymns or preaching does not change people, only behavior does. Prison ministry til now has tended to emphasize preaching, study of the Bible, and the learning of concepts of faith. Many inmates become converted in prison but lose “God” when they walk out the door. Lacking is the sustained endeavor to change personal habits and attitudes. We have not spelled out sufficiently both awareness needed and the practice of the new behaviors necessary to change a life of addiction and law-breaking. We have not understood the psychology of the addictive offenders’ life style.

This program is based on some 20 years of correctional consulting, from Federal, to state levels, to local detention centers, both adults and juveniles. Since I am both a pastoral psychologist, active in interfaith spiritual growth, former coach and athletic director, also former monk, former military (Army and Navy) and retired marital and family counselor, specialist in group dynamics, this program is INCLUSIVE, providing many tools of every kind for the transformation necessary in a correctional setting. Tools address the physical, the emotional, the psychological, and the social and community aspects of change.

We propose the jail / prison experience as the necessary, God-given checkpoint and singular opportunity to be alone with self and God and others and to become transformed. We call this program The Fierce Landscape for the Spiritual Warrior and teach the incarceration experience as the necessary "Boot camp" needed for change. Inmates have not learned to be regularly accountable and responsible. When we have never learned to love ourselves in a mature way, we cannot love others or be responsible.

This program integrates Bible reading, meditation, exercise, feedback, daily practice of new skills, group leadership, and the facing of typical and common games addictive offenders play. Facing oneself and our typical blindness to ourselves is a core issue in the changes necessary. This workbook contains the checklists, inventories and handouts employed. They may be copied and used for your program in prison ministry as you deem useful and necessary. They may not be re-sold. Proper attribution is expected.