John Poffenberger served as the chaplain at Alexandria’s city detention center, where he provided spiritual support for inmates and helped prepare them for life after prison. He retired Friday after nearly 23 years on the job.
What did you do for inmates as prison chaplain?
I ran a program called the Life Learning Program. It’s a 90-day program that helps inmates to change their lives, attitudes and actions. I try to teach them how to respond to authority properly, how to be a good husband, a good father and a good employee. If they learn that, they go back in the community as productive citizens.
Do you find the inmates are religious people when they first come to you?
Some have a religious background. As the years have gone on, we’re seeing them having less and less spiritual background. There is certainly a difference. In the ones that do not have that [background], we have to start from the very beginning rather than building on what they already know.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing changed lives. To see who they are and what they are like when they come into jail and then see them come out as different people. Two inmates have gone through teaching and came back to work as volunteers for the program. I was talking to another man yesterday who I’ve kept in touch with since he was released. He has a good job in D.C. and still lives in Alexandria. Meeting the spiritual needs of inmates does work. It really helps.
How did you decide to start working in prisons?
I had my first taste of jail ministry in the Marine Corps doing brig duty in the 1950s. After 12 years in church ministry, I came to a place where I felt a change was needed, so I applied to work for the Good News Jail and Prison ministry, not thinking I would be here this long. But it turned out to be a good ministry [in Alexandria]. There is great cooperation with the staff, and it’s been a very pleasant place to work.
What are you going to do now?
I’m retiring but also re-firing. My wife and I are moving to Alabama and starting at a new ministry, Proclaiming Christ ministry. Our kids are there, so rather than visiting three times a year we’re going to live there, and I’m going to do interim work at a ministry where they are between pastors.
