"And they were told not to hurt the grass of the earth but only
the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads." Rev 9:4
We work with WWJD Prison Ministries of Monte Vista, Colorado and the respective churches under that ministry umbrella in ministering to the inmates in local correctional facilities. We conduct weekly bible studies inside the jails and prisons as well as after-care upon release.
The fruit of these ministries is many men and women establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ and the community sees lives transformed by the renewing of their minds with the word of God.
Jail & Prison Ministries, Rio Grande County, San Luis Valley
Jail Ministry Teaching ObjectivesIt is imperative that all jail visits and inmate family visits including scriptural teaching and readings, not just social visiting. The visits should include prayer fellowship. We must move the Holy Spirit to intensity and let God do most of the speaking by reading His word out loud to them. Our words and admonitions will just be ‘good lessons’ and are temporal and sure to fade out of their memory.
1. Salvation: - Acknowledge sin - Confession - Faith2. Prayer: - Why, How, When, Who
3. Disciple: -True Knowledge - Examined Life - Holy Spirit -
Baptism
4. Lifestyle: - active church involvement - bible study - new
Christian friends
5. Family Relations: - the jail ministry should give some reading
material and coaching directions on how to bridge
this gap with their family.
Inmate Family Ministry
It should be acknowledged that the wives, children, and entire families of the inmate are affected by the jail sentence. The church should make attempts to visit and minister to them. It is best that the inmate make the connection for the church.
Bridging The Gap Between Inmate & Family
To this end, the jail ministry must lead the inmate into reconciliation with his family. The jail ministry should gives reading material and coaching directions on how to bridge this gap with their family. Very often it is a crime that was committed due to broken relationships that landed the inmate in jail. Much of the alcohol and drug abuse is a symptom of a broken relationship or a symptom of a broken person who then damages relationships.
Inmate After-Care
The released inmate needs to be inserted into a new neighborhood if at all possible. He should not be released into the care of the same friends and situations he had prior to his jail visit. The released inmate will usually not have the wherewithal to do this on their own and will require the helping hand of the church or other ministry.
The released inmate needs to have weekly (at least) group bible study and weekly corporate worship. He should be discipled and helped in obtaining employment and housing. He should be directed into godly activities to fill his time. The released inmate needs to be taught basic life skills as well as spiritual disciplines.
The released inmate needs to be taught godly marital and family relationship skills and principles.
A Complete Ministry – Ministering To The Staff
A prison ministry that is not sensitive to the total needs of the prison is not a complete ministry and will not be helpful to the inmates. We do not overlook another part of the mission field: the jail staff! Our job is to minister to all people.
Contact us if you have need of this ministry.
