Candidates for Christian ministry emerge from a variety of other careers, many providing truly helpful backgrounds for the work of the church. On January 30th John Bentham (38) was ordained and inducted to the pastorate at Clarendon Park, Leicester, having spent 11 years as a prison officer at Lincoln jail.
John is the son of long-serving minister Bill Bentham and his wife Betty, who have served our churches in Yorkshire, at Stalybridge, Chinley, and after 'retirement' at Scunthorpe.
John and his wife Vonnie have two girls, Cara and Emily. Clarendon Park church had recently attempted to join with a local Baptist church, but the arrangement did not work as had been hoped, and the church (formed 1886) is resuming its independent role.
John Bentham writes:
Lincoln is a category B local prison, which houses 700 people who have been involved in offences ranging from petty theft, affray, and motoring, to more serious matters involving drug supply, wounding, GBH, murder and sex offences.
What can I bring from my experiences in the prison service to Christian ministry? The question I should be asking is whether I have the qualities to emulate the work of all the church members in the Body of Christ?
It is difficult to explain prison life to people who have not experienced that pleasure! Prison chaplains will be well aware of the fine line between helping those who truly need and ask for it, and those who abuse their situation for their own gain.
It is called 'prison craft' and involves listening very carefully, and at the same time detaching yourself from the crimes they have committed. Offenders may go to extremes of self harm, and violent physical or verbal outbursts. They may go on hunger strike, create compassionate stories, or even turn the opposite way and become withdrawn and quiet to manipulate staff to achieve a goal. This can be something as simple as getting a free telephone call.
However, these are the extremes and in general life behind the prison walls is exactly the same as life on the outside, with a few subtle differences. An ordinary problem on the outside can and normally is magnified within prison, with the offender's only release from their anger, frustration, anxiety, or sadness being directed towards the staff that work and live alongside them. It is important at this stage not to judge on their past actions but to concentrate on the present to help their prospects and outlook on life for a better future. It is this quality of treating everyone with self-worth that I hope to bring with me and practice within my ministry, listening to all that come to the door.
Within the Prison Service we have to be professional and non-judgmental when dealing with all offenders, treating everyone on an equal basis. We learn to respect different cultures, races, religious festivals, beliefs, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation etc. There is no room for discrimination. We have to try to build a good rapport with the offenders and not pose a threat to them; we need to break down any barriers that exist, and a smile in prison can speak volumes and to have a good sense of humour helps a great deal.
Over the years I hope I have grasped these qualities to help my transition into the ministry. However, I have certainly realised you can't do anything on your own and you need to become part of a good team to achieve anything. In this, I know I have been very fortunate. My wife has been and is totally behind our decision to go forward into the ministry giving me the support and backing to do so.
Scunthorpe Church has also supported me with great enthusiasm right from the very start, and still do. During five years of study based at the Congregational Centre Nottingham, I could not have asked for better tutors who have guided me along the way what ever questions or challenges I have posed to them.
Rev Barry Osborne has already helped my transition to Clarendon Park and generously agreed to be my mentor.
I know I have a lot to learn, but I am not on my own, and through the gift of the Holy Spirit within others and myself we know that Christ is with us, helping us become part of the Christian family.