Engaging, educating, and equipping the Body of Christ for the discipleship, mentoring, and reintegration of prisoners.
Why should the Church care about prisoners?
From Joseph to Daniel to Paul, the Bible is full of stories regarding ministry to the prisoner. Moreover, we take seriously the words of Jesus in that, at the final judgment, those who inherit eternal life with him are those who fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and came to those in prison. May we not be counted among those whom our Lord rejects on account of ignoring the least of these in such ways (Matthew 25:34-46). Mark Casson, Executive Director of Metanoia Ministries, spent 11 years in one prison and never saw a Reformed Christian visit the prison chapel. He had written to Reformed churches, he says, but no one ever came. When he was released, he believes God called him to his current ministry in order to call the Reformed world to prison ministry. There are approximately 150,000 evangelical brothers and sisters in prison in the United States, and in Casson’s view, “we have, by and large, neglected them.”
Our Ministry Areas
Discipleship
Everything begins with our corresponding discipleship ministry. Prisoners across America, both male and female, enroll in our Bible Study curriculum as they seek to grow in their faith. Throughout this process, they are matched with personal instructors—volunteer church members—who both encourage and guide them in their lessons through correspondence by mail.
We are seeking men and women to commit to this life-giving act of service by walking alongside one of our students on their path toward discipleship.
Mentoring
Our mentoring ministry consists of both prisoners and volunteer mentors committing to meet face-to-face twice each month to participate in life-on-life mentoring. Our mentors serve inmates through personal encouragement in Christ; through helping prepare them for re-entry into society; and simply through being a regular, committed, and Christ-like presence in their lives.
We are in great need of men and women willing to answer the call of those in prison crying out even now for someone to help guide them through their spiritual journey.
Reintegration
Reintegration is a crucial step in a (former) inmate’s journey toward spiritual growth. Those being released may lack means to obtain basic necessities: housing, transportation, or a job. Nonetheless, we have strong faith that those who “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” will have all these things added to them.
We aim to partner with local churches willing to welcome those transitioning back into civilian life by providing a connection to a strong body of believers who might surround them in Christ’s love post-release.