The Randall County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved the construction of a new non-denominational chapel at the Randall County Correctional Facility, aiming to provide a dedicated space for spiritual support, counseling, and community programs for inmates.
The decision came after a presentation from Randall County Sheriff Chris Forbis, along with local jail ministry leaders Connie Wooten and Tom Foran, business administrator for Men’s Ministry at First Baptist Church in Amarillo. The group has experience in this type of project, having previously built chapels at both the Neal Correctional Facility and the Clements Unit, also located in Amarillo.
Sheriff Forbis emphasized that spiritual access is an important part of the county jail’s existing programs.
“We have a very vibrant general ministry program at the Randall County Sheriff's Office,” Forbis said. “We have 15 organizations and churches that we work with, including First Baptist Amarillo and several others, Trinity Fellowship. Part of my responsibility as sheriff is to make sure that inmates have access to their faith and be able to practice their faith.”
The proposed chapel will serve as a stand-alone secured facility within the jail grounds, offering space for religious services for all faiths, counseling sessions, educational classes, and the jail’s prison re-entry programs.
Addressing a Practical Need
Currently, religious ceremonies—such as baptisms—are often held outdoors in the recreation area, leaving participants exposed to the weather.
“With the expansion of the jail facilities, the areas to utilize for use are some old multi-purpose rooms and some other areas,” Forbis explained. “Baptisms take place in an outdoor area, in the rec area, where they're open to the elements and as everybody knows February is not a great time to be outside. But they want to profess their faith so they go and be baptized.”
The new chapel is expected to solve that issue by providing a year-round, weather-protected location for such services.
Designed for Multiple Uses
While its primary function will be to serve as a place of worship, the facility is designed to have a broader role. It will include a small kitchenette for events such as program graduations and staff holiday gatherings.
“This will be a non-denominational facility to be accessed for all faiths to practice, but it will also be a multi-purpose facility that can be utilized for classes, for counseling or things of that nature or our prison re-entry program,” Forbis said.
By offering a flexible, welcoming space, the county hopes the chapel will contribute to rehabilitation efforts and help inmates prepare for life after incarceration.
Funded by the Community
Importantly, the project will not require county taxpayer funding. Forbis said the fundraising will be handled by Randall County Jail Chapel, Inc., a nonprofit entity created to support the effort. The group will be responsible for raising the money for construction, furnishings, and equipment.
The planned structure will be approximately 3,000 square feet, with a location carefully chosen so it will not interfere with potential future jail expansions. Ministry teams will have secure access to the building, making it both functional and safe within the correctional environment.
The Role of Mentorship in Reducing Recidivism
Randall County Judge Christy Dyer highlighted the broader benefits of such projects, particularly the role of mentorship and community support in reducing recidivism—the likelihood that someone released from jail will reoffend and return.
“When an inmate leaves the prison and has a mentor, they have a greater chance of not returning to the jail,” Dyer said.
Sheriff Forbis agreed, noting that spiritual guidance, counseling, and re-entry programs often make a significant difference in helping former inmates reintegrate successfully into society.
“Many of the inmates return to the community and have a better rate of recidivism,” he said, pointing to the positive results seen in other facilities that have similar chapel programs.
A Resolution in Support
Following the presentations and discussion, Dyer read aloud a resolution recognizing the need for spiritual guidance and acknowledging the positive impact such a facility can have on inmates and the broader community.
The resolution passed with a unanimous 5-0 vote from the commissioners.
Building on Proven Experience
The nonprofit and ministry leaders involved in this project have already overseen the completion of two similar chapels in other local correctional facilities. Their experience gives county officials confidence that this effort will be organized, community-supported, and completed without cost to county taxpayers.
The Neal Correctional Facility chapel and the Clements Unit chapel—both in Amarillo—have become integral parts of inmate rehabilitation programs in those institutions. Proponents believe that the same model can work successfully in Randall County.
Community-Driven Effort
The collaboration involves multiple churches and organizations beyond First Baptist Church of Amarillo. Trinity Fellowship, along with other congregations and nonprofits, participate in providing ministry, classes, counseling, and re-entry support at the jail.
By pooling resources, time, and volunteers, these organizations create a consistent presence inside the facility, building trust and offering inmates an alternative path forward.
A Long-Term Vision
While the immediate focus is on construction and opening the chapel, Sheriff Forbis and ministry leaders see this as part of a longer-term vision for inmate rehabilitation. The chapel is expected to become a hub for coordinated programs, including job readiness classes, addiction recovery groups, family reunification efforts, and life skills training—all within a safe, accessible space.
The hope is that these combined efforts will not only meet inmates’ spiritual needs but also help them develop the tools and support systems necessary for a successful transition back into the community.
Next Steps
With the commissioners’ approval secured, the fundraising phase will move forward. Once sufficient funds are raised, construction will begin, though no official timeline has been announced. Given the track record of the organizations involved, county officials are optimistic about a timely and successful completion.
As Forbis noted, the key to the chapel’s success will be its open, inclusive nature—available for all faiths and adaptable for a variety of rehabilitation-focused programs.
In a unanimous decision, county leaders have signaled their commitment to supporting efforts that combine faith-based initiatives with practical tools for reducing recidivism. With no cost to taxpayers and a design that complements the jail’s long-term needs, the Randall County Correctional Facility’s planned chapel may soon become a model for how local governments and community organizations can work together to create meaningful change.
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