Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Why is Prison Ministry different than Institutional Programs?

Why is Prison Ministry different than Institutional Programs?

Many prisons have educational programs with the intent to re-educate prisoners in order to accomplish two major purposes. First, they want to prevent repeat offenders. Each time a prisoner goes to jail, it gets easier and more familiar which make the consequences for crime bearable. The second goal for institutional programs is to help prisoners adapt and fit back into society and to have them be productive and reformed individuals.

One program uses dogs to teach prisoners how to care for others. As they say, having a pet will fill that void the inmates were trying to fill with drugs, violence, and alcohol. Another program uses education and help groups to encourage prisoners to deal with their issues by talking to one another rather than getting angry. But what happens if the dog dies, or the group is no longer there?

Prison MinistryUnlike institutional programs, prison ministry does not, or should not serve as a way to get out of prison earlier. It should never offer any other tools than a pillow for praying knees, and it should promise nothing but persecution and war on personal sin. It should not give steps to fit into society better, but rather a changed life from the inside, out. It should not present itself as a means to better humanity, but it should do all things for the Glory of God, no matter what.

Prison ministry works on a volunteer basis. There are no program costs, nor are there any incentives to go outside of complete reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Prisoners need to be taught and discipled in complete Christian doctrine. They need to learn to submit to the authority of God, and in doing so recognize that authorities they are under are appointed by God.

There can be no comparison between prison ministry and man-made programs. Although man made programs can accomplish their goals of re-educating a prisoner, and they can even do so effectively so that the prisoner never ends up in jail again, and does become a productive part of society; there is one thing that institutional programs can never offer inmates. Complete forgiveness of sins and a promise of eternity with Christ in heaven. There is no comparison.

One focuses on man, the other focuses on God. God uses faithful volunteers in prison ministries to point hardened and broken men and women to Jesus Christ. God works amazing miracles within the lives of inmates, so much so that they will never again fit into society, but rather they will serve in humility and love all people for the sake of their savior, Christ Jesus.

Compare the fruits of the program. What institutional program graduate became a missionary and risked his life to save people's souls? On the other hand, how many men and women have had their lives touched by the testimonies of former drug addicts who become pastors and evangelists?

How does this happen?

Prisoners, better than anyone, know all about Justice. They know all about the old saying, "If you do the crime, you do the time!" What prisoners learn is that God too has a Justice system, but God's justice scale is much higher than ours. God sees lying lips as an abomination, and says that every idol word will be taken into account. God will judge the actions, intents, even the thoughts of men.

God will punish murderers, rapists, and thieves. Those behind bars learn that human punishment is not nearly comparable to Gods punishment which is a lake of fire. And they understand their guilt even more when they learn that the cowardly, sexually immoral, and all liars will have their part in that lake of fire.

Empty Prison CellWhen a man realizes to the core of his being that he stands guilty before a Holy and Good judge who will let NO criminals go free, he is truly without hope, but then comes the good news.

Two thousand years ago, God made a way so that the criminal could go free from his day in court. To show His mercy and love, God became a man in the person of Jesus Christ and lived the only perfect, sinless life. Jesus went to the cross willingly to pay for the sins of the whole world, yours, mine, and those in prison. He completely died, was buried, and on the third day, rose again. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Coming to this realization in the heart, an man is broken and undone before the loving kindness of God. When he realizes his crimes and realizes that Jesus took the punishment that he deserves on that cross, he is changed. No longer will that former criminal live for himself, but he will repent of his crimes against God, not do them any more and trust in that sin payment on the cross as his only hope in life and in death.

Jesus said he is not coming to those who are well, but those who are sick. He is a friend to the broken hearted, and he is the gentle shepherd. Promises eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him with all of their might. He promises to keep those who turn from their sin and cleanse their hearts and consciences, giving the power to overcome this wicked world.

Those in prison know their crimes, and so often they are the most serious about following Jesus, because they have been forgiven much. What fruit comes from this? Murderers are no longer murders, but become peace makers. Thieves are no longer thieves, but become givers. Drug addicts no longer desire the hit, but become passionate for seeking God.

May God bless each and every bible-believing prison ministry volunteer who sacrifices their time and money to share and love men and women behind bars. Their work is beyond anything that the outside world can compare to and they surely will reap eternal rewards.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Fellowship in Prison Ministry

Of the many aspects of prison ministry, fellowship with brothers in Christ is at the top of the list. Fellowship is a type of spiritual bonding that happens when you spend time with another believer and your conversation revolves around Christ. This bonding happens at different times, but plays a vital role in spiritual growth for those going into prisons, or even those who have never set foot behind bars.Fellowship Gives Hope in Prison Ministry

Regular meetings is the first place fellowship happens. In Prison Ministry of America as well as other prison ministries, regular weekly attendance to a worship and training meeting is not only essential, but required to move into prison ministry. Before and after service, there is ample opportunity to meet and fellowship with brothers who share a similar passion for Jesus. Often times, after the worship meeting, dozens of people spend up to an hour talking about experiences of the past week, and what God has done in their lives. This gives an opportunity to encourage, rebuke, and correct one another in Christ.

Once a person is established as a regular attendee, they are offered an application form to go into prisons. In doing this, the person is going under the name of the sponsor organization, and is representing the organization. Following the rules in these situations is essential.

Upon approval, the person joins in on a day trip or a weekend trip to a particular prison to minister to inmates. Many prisons are up to 200 miles away and during that time the team members have a great opportunity to get to know each other, share testimonies, and pray for the time of ministry. Stories are shared, struggles are revealed, and ministry partners are uplifted during these times.

When you sit behind someone in a service, looking over their head at a preacher, that person could have a wife with cancer, he could be training to be a pastor, he could be an ex-con who has served time for drugs, theft or even murder. Through fellowship, testimonies of passionate men and women can do nothing but stir up faith and grow a person spiritually.

Pastors, missionaries, and strong men of God are only made that way by being sharpened by the sword of fellowship. Challenged, encouraged, rebuked, and exhorted, they blaze a trail of loving others into Christ's Kingdom, all for the Glory of Christ.

Finally, fellowship given to inmates behind bars not only gives them encouragement and hope, but gives them a desire so that when they get out of prison, they will continue in their spiritual walk with Jesus. Fellowship plays a vital role in the life a Christian.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Purpose of Prison Ministry

The purpose of Prison Ministry can be summed in two simple words: Changed Lives. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change the heart of hardened criminals. In addition to preaching the Gospel, prison ministry programs disciple reformed criminals to effectively return prisoners into society.Prisoners In Prayer

Most prisoners, upon entering jail, come out only to commit more crimes. Imagine a man who went to jail 10 years ago for theft, and he enters society today. When he went into prison, Gas was 1.50 per gallon, rent was less than $500 per month, and the average person could live in the city alone. But now Gas prices have tripled from ten years ago and it is difficult to find reasonable housing. Not only are there economic pressures for someone coming out of prison, but many employers do not hire ex-cons. The temptation to get back into crime only increases once a criminal returns to society. Think about it this way. That next victim might be you.

So why does prison ministry exist?

Prison ministry exists simply to glorify God. What greater testimony to the power of God through Jesus Christ than a murderer to completely reform and become a beneficial member of society, or a thief who stops stealing, or a drug addict who no longer has an addiction. It simply shows the power of God working in the lives of people.

Prison ministry does this by first loving the inmates and sharing that God does love them, so much so that He died to pay for their crimes. When God changes their hearts, they are then taught about God through the bible. This includes discipleship, teaching, and worship.

By working with chaplains, prison ministries offer resources, books, and materials to inmates, giving them the opportunity to learn the bible and what God expects from them. Prison ministries also visit prisons to encourage inmates by holding services on a weekly or monthly basis.

Prison Ministries also can provide resources to men and women who have served their time and are entering society once again. This comes in the form of men and women's homes, church sponsored services, training courses, and other resources. One ministry, PMA (Prison Ministries of America) provides not only training, preaching, and visitation, but they also provide homes for men and women once they get out.

Put simply, Prison ministry changes lives, helps rebuild families, and reforms criminals through the Word of God.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Prison Ministry

Prison Ministry is one of the most rewarding ministries within the Christian church. In prison ministry, you are given the opportunity for outreach to prisoners through prayer, sermons, music, or what ever gift the Holy Spirit has given to you. Of all the correctional ministries out there, prison ministry allows you to grow more in Christian maturity than any other.

When you enter a correctional facility, the inmates usually always look forward to your visit. There is something rewarding when you are in worship in a prison. It
Prison Ministry brings life and joy to hear 30 inmates singing at the top of their lungs to some of the greatest songs of the church. For all who love to lead in worship, prison ministry you will have the opportunity to minister through the gift of music.

If you are learning to preach, desiring to be a Chaplin or a Pastor, or if you simply have a desire to preach the bible, prison ministry is a great training ground for learning to depend on Jesus’ leading in preaching and sharing.

Prison ministry also gives you the opportunity to share your testimonies with prisoners, so that everyone in jail will be encouraged by your story. If you have been in prison or if you have never been behind bars before, sharing your story will encourage fellowship among the inmates, and give an opportunity for outreach to others.

Prayer and biblical advice is an important aspect of prison ministry. Men and women in jail need the Church to play its role to reach out and comfort, exhort, confront, and lift up. Changed Lives Through Prison Ministry Prison ministry is one of the best seminaries for many inmates. It allows them to spend their time in the bible, in prayer and in worship.

Eventually, the prisoners you are ministering to will return to society. As a prison minister you are playing a vital role in bringing reconciliation not only between inmates and Jesus, but when the inmate returns to society, he will be trained to go out and expand God’s kingdom, through your prayers, preaching, sharing, and tears.

There are many opportunities for prison ministry in the United States. You could start in youth corrections ministry through Teen Challenge, or you could volunteer for full state or federal prison ministries through Prison Ministry of America (PMA), Prison Fellowship with Chuck (Charles) Colson, or Kairos Prison Ministry.