Kairos Inside is composed of well-organized and well-trained volunteer teams of men and women from the communities surrounding an institution that present an introductory 3-day weekend, described as a short course in Christianity. This inter-denominational team of volunteers - both clergy and laypersons - works in cooperation with the Chaplain who carefully selects up to 42 inmate leaders to attend. Well organized follow-up is part of this program.
The Program
The Inside Program strategy brings positive and negative leaders of the institution together for a 3½ day weekend event of carefully coordinated talks, discussions, chapel meditations, and music led by the loving servant spirit of the volunteers. It is useful to think of the Weekend as a series of carefully planned events that flow one to another. For many Participants, this experience creates the desire to become a Christian and for others the desire to continue his/her personal Christian growth. After the Weekend, the Inside Program continues by helping the Participants establish small, 3 to 6 person Prayer and Share Groups within the institution. These small groups meet weekly to share their lives on a deep spiritual level and to pray for one another, other residents, their loved ones, and the staff of the institution.
The Weekend
The Weekend is conducted in an institution by a team of volunteers of the same gender as the institution. The Team begins on Thursday evening and ends with a spirit-filled Closing on Sunday. It is only the "starting point" as the Participants are guided through the steps of understanding the Christian life. Each day of the 3½ days of the Weekend has a guiding purpose or focus. The activities for each day are designed to support that day's purpose. As the day's activities unfold, a building process is occurring. The Participants are led, step by step, through a growing understanding of the focus for that day, which is why Kairos is such a structured program. Every activity has a purpose that supports a higher purpose for the day, and every activity builds on prior activities. Everything has a place and an order.Instructional Reunion
The Team returns to the institution as soon as possible, but no later than 3 weeks following the Weekend to teach the newest members of the Inside Community how to form Prayer and Share Groups.Weekly Prayer and Share Group Fellowship
This is the heart of Kairos! The ultimate goal of Weekends is to build a Christian community inside the Institution. Prayer and Share Groups of 3 to 6 individuals provide an opportunity for the Inside Community to pray and fellowship together on a weekly basis by nurturing each other in their faith walk and providing accountability.Monthly Reunion
Participants provide leadership for monthly Reunions. Three or more Participants are selected to share how Jesus is working in their lives. This gathering creates an environment that fosters participation and an opportunity for spiritual growth in the lives of the Participants.2-Day Retreat
A 2-Day Retreat is held approximately 3 months following each Weekend. The Retreat is conducted by a small team with a minimum of 10 Kairos volunteers and is open to all Participants who have experienced a Weekend. Download our Kairos Inside Brochure
