Chaplain Program

HomeCorrectionsChaplain Program

Chaplain Program

The Chaplain Program provides a fully licensed non-denominational minister to our county jail without cost to the taxpayers. The Ministry is fully supported by the churches and residents of Geauga County. The Chaplain is on call 24 hours a day to assist the inmates and officers. Chaplain Ethan Maynard helps inmates during personal losses and tragedies. The Chaplain could be an inmate’s first experience with an organized religion. The Chaplain also serves as a liaison officer between the county jail and churches of all faiths. If an inmate arrives at the county jail and desires to speak with clergy, the Chaplain will seek out a representative of whatever faith or denomination and make the necessary arrangements.

Overview of Local Ministry

A full-time chaplaincy program was first established at this facility in the fall of 1995, when Sheriff “Red” Simmons formed a committee to explore available chaplaincy options. Ralph Self played a key role in bringing Good News Jail and Prison Ministry to the facility and became the first Chaplain under that banner.

Over the past 30 years, the facility has had three chaplains. Ralph served from 1995 until June 1997, when he relocated to South Carolina and Chaplain Harry Richardson assumed the role. The local ministry continues to benefit from Chaplain Harry’s lasting impact. In January 2018, Chaplain Ethan Maynard began his service.

Recognizing the need for a more locally based and locally operated ministry, New Creation Jail Ministry became the official chaplaincy in November 2025 following the recommendation of the Chaplain Support Team and the approval of Sheriff Hildenbrand.

Today, the ministry includes 30 regular volunteers who minister weekly to both men’s and women’s inmate groups. Additional volunteers assist through occasional visits, grading correspondence courses, and other forms of support. Several businesses have also partnered with the ministry by accepting inmates into work-release programs.

New Creation Jail Ministry

New Creation Jail Ministry was founded in Geauga County in 2025. It is a nondenominational, evangelistic, gospel-centered Christian ministry. New Creation operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by a Board of Directors representing local churches here in NE Ohio.

At the invitation of the Sheriff, a full-time, seminary-trained chaplain has been appointed to the facility and serves as part of the jail staff. The Chaplain provides spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to incarcerated individuals as well as to correctional officers, and jail personnel. In addition, carefully screened and specially trained volunteers lead Bible studies and church services within the facility. Cross-cultural ministry to ICE detainees includes Spanish language Bible Studies. Another component of the ministry is strategic aftercare, as the Chaplain and volunteers seek to mentor individuals as they transition back into the community.

The Chaplain’s position is not funded by the correctional facility or by tax dollars. Instead, financial support comes from churches, businesses, and individuals who share the vision of reaching people for Christ and partner with the ministry to make this work possible.

learn more

Chaplain Ethan Maynard, M Div

  • Phone: 440-279-2074
  • E-Mail: ethanmaynard[at]newcreationjail.org

Primary and Additional Responsibilities:

  1. Oversight and direction of entire ministry
  2. Development of ministry to inmate men and women
  3. Volunteer orientation, development, and training
  4. Development of church relations liaison with religious community
  5. Coordinate affairs of the religious community

Special Area Considerations

Religious inmate services, men’s and women’s Bible studies, and aftercare.