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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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. 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.

• Prison Ministry through PMA
• Prison Fellowship Ministries
• Karios Prison Ministry