Thirty long-term prison inmates will begin seminary classes with a convocation event, launching the new NC Field Minister Program, a partnership between the Department of Public Safety, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and the non-profit ministry Game Plan for Life.The Field Minister program is a four-year, college-level educational program that will allow inmates to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, with a secondary emphasis in counseling and psychology. This degree is the same accredited program is offered by SEBTS on its campus in Wake Forest. The classes will be taught by SEBTS instructors who will travel to Nash Correctional Institution and teach the courses on site. After earning their degree, inmates will assume jobs as field ministers within the state prison system, supporting the existing staff of chaplains, and providing ministerial and counseling services to fellow inmates.
Funding for the field minister program is coordinated by Game Plan for Life, a non-profit organization started by Joe Gibbs, the former Washington Redskins’ coach and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville.
The convocation marks the beginning of classes for the semester, as well as the inaugural class for the program. DPS Secretary Erik A. Hooks, Southeastern Seminary President Daniel Akin and Joe Gibbs will be among the convocation speakers.
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