‘Holy Spirit, where are You?’

by

by Lora Batterson

How one church has become a leader in prison ministry by listening, learning, and following the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, Lora Batterson

Lora Batterson is a pastor in Washington, D.C., at National Community Church, home of the Love Justice initiative and a member of the Prison Fellowship Board of Directors. Since its inception, Love Justice has sought to support local families affected by crime and incarceration. Bringing together both church and community resources, the initiative supports Angel Tree families year-round, trains returning citizens with digital skills, and equips Justice Ambassadors to advocate for policy change. This year’s Restore, a conference for church leaders with a heart for restoration, will be hosted by National Community Church.

Working with and getting to know people who are incarcerated has had a huge effect on my relationship with the Lord. I remember going into prison for the first time. By the time I left, I felt like crying. I realized that I had encountered Jesus in a way that I never would have encountered Him had I not been with the people behind bars. My proximity to other people who are experiencing Jesus from a different vantage point has been really enriching.

UNDERSTANDING THE HEART OF JESUS

Statistics tell us that 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record. Many of these people are likely part of our churches. One reason churches often don’t realize this is because people feel ashamed. Maybe they don’t feel like church is a safe place to share their story. But National Community Church has worked hard to create a safe space where others can be real about what they’re going through and what’s happening in their lives. We want our church to feel like a place where a loved one—or maybe a neighbor who’s a returning citizen or who has a record—can come and feel welcome.

The more you seek after Jesus and try to understand His heart, the more you find that He dwells among the suffering, which tend to be people who are marginalized, oppressed, or in vulnerable situations. When you go to these places, you start to understand the heart of Jesus.

It has become a mantra around our church to simply pray, “Holy Spirit, where are You at work today, and how can I join You?”

We want to join the Holy Spirit in what He’s doing. He’s the Comforter. He’s the Provider. He’s doing His work, and it’s a privilege to join Him in it.

CHAMPIONS WITHIN YOUR CHURCH

When serving people impacted by incarceration, we’ve found it’s important to have somebody in our church who takes the lead. You need people who have a passion for prison-related ministry, who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, or who understand ministry in this space. So you need to partner with a champion within your church or community. You can build something amazing when the church then comes alongside the champions in their midst and puts wind in their sails.

I’ve come to understand that when I have a listening ear alongside other people, I’m going to learn way more than what I’m bringing to the table. Prison ministry should be a synergistic kind of ministry. When you work in prison or in prison ministry, you discover that you aren’t taking Jesus to the incarcerated. The Holy Spirit is already at work. The Church inside is alive and well, and people are encountering Jesus. They have stuff to teach you, if you have ears to listen.

Join other church leaders with a heart for restoration by registering for Restore 2026.