Prison Ministry
When big, friendly August Hunter talks with inmates, they listen. They know he knows what their life is like.
An ex-con, August is now a pastor with the Rock Church in San Diego, overseeing a large prison ministry that encompasses four divisions: yard pastors, juvenile hall, family, re-entry, and women. So alongside August are his fellow volunteers, who take charge of those areas.
There is a lot to do.
It is estimated there are 509 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents. In 2008, more than 2.3 million (2,310,984) prisoners were held in federal or state prisons or in local jails. Of that, 1.2 percent were women. Most of these incarcerated people have families, directly impacted by the situation. Children sometimes suffer the most.
“It’s a work God called us to do. In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus said that ‘when I was in prison, you came and visited Me.’ It’s so important to reunite these families and get these people back in society and become productive citizens,” says August.
You can do it.
August says that to start a prison ministry within your church, contact the chaplain of a particular facility and find out what the state guidelines and rules are for starting up a volunteer program. Partner with other churches and prison-related ministries to support one another and utilize each other's resources. Working together is key to effectively ministering.
Consider hosting monthly outreaches and ministry events, such as Bible studies, discipleship meetings, letter writing, follow-up contacts, Angel Tree outreaches, as well as offering support for children of incarcerated parents, like summer camp or visitation.
If this interests you, then check out specific “how-to” information here on how to start a prison ministry.