The SIAFU Guidebook

96 The SIAFU Network Guidebook

neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”)

3. Our meetings can be places where we organize service projects in our communities that meet needs and transform our neighborhoods for the Kingdom. SIAFU gatherings can become ministry incubators, allowing local urban Christians to do good works on behalf of others in the neighborhoods where they meet. (Phil. 1.27 – “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”) For Chapters on the Inside This is also the case for Chapters inside Prison walls. Chapters on the inside will need to function more as a Christian “call out” within the prison or jail, a gathering that is sponsored by your church or ministry. This will provide both an opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters who are in the facility as well as share our testimonies of faith with those who attend who may not yet know Christ. Remember, your church- or ministry-sponsored SIAFU Chapter will be under the authority of the corrections facility. Although you should be free to minister to and encourage the men or women in your SIAFU Chapter, you have no spiritual authority over them. Continue to encourage, rebuke, exhort, challenge, build up, comfort and teach them but realize that all activities of the SIAFU Chapter fall under the authority of the corrections system of which you are a part. A Proposed SIAFU Chapter Meeting Structure Plan out your SIAFU Meeting ahead of time each week. All SIAFU Chapter meetings should be planned and operated in the most excellent, disciplined, and deliberate manner! Review the SIAFU Chapter Meeting Planning Sheet (found in the Appendix) and complete your SIAFU Chapter Meeting Worksheet (also found in the Appendix and on our website at www.tumi.org/siafu.worksheet ). The key to solid Chapter