MISSION
Our mission is to encounter Jesus with those impacted by incarceration.
VISION
TO SEE A REVIVAL OF THE CHURCH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PRISON THAT BRINGS JUSTICE, MERCY, AND HOPE TO OUR CULTURE.
Prison Fellowship believes that a restorative approach to those impacted by incarceration can make communities safer and healthier. Our ministry is founded on the conviction that all people are created in God's image and that no life is beyond God's reach. He can make even the most broken people and situations whole again. As they embrace new values in a restorative community, those who once broke the law are transformed and mobilized to serve their neighbors, replacing the cycle of crime with a cycle of renewal.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT PRISON MINISTRY
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. … One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” … But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:32-43
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ … ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 34-40
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem. Psalm 102:18-21
PRISON FELLOWSHIP'S VALUES
- Collaboration: We value the diverse experience, perspectives, and knowledge of others while navigating decisions within our own areas of authority. We enter all situations with a mindset of teamwork: strategically partnering in the achievement of others’ goals, understanding how this also advances our own goals and the organization’s mission and vision. (Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 1 Corinthians 12:26–27)
- Excellence: We do all work as worship unto the Lord. We hold ourselves to a high standard of competence, work ethic, and focused dedication to the ministry. The quality and sustainability of our performance flows from the health of our rhythms of rest and renewal, including time with family and our local church. We take a posture of shepherd leadership over all we have been entrusted to manage. (Psalm 127:1–2, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Colossians 3:23–24, 1 Peter 5:2–3)
- Holistic Restoration: Redeeming souls and restoring systems are the interconnected work of the Gospel. We live out this value through missional unity, corporate prayer, holistic care for employees, proximity to those impacted by incarceration, and a restorative approach to justice. We extend second chances to one another, holding in tension the truths that proportional consequences honor human dignity and that someone’s worst choices do not define their identity and God-given potential. (Jeremiah 29:7, Micah 6:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- Humility: As a result of the holy confidence that flows from our identity in Christ, we are intentional in celebrating others and are not easily offended. We believe the best about each other and display grace and love, even as we speak truth. We welcome insights and expect coaching on how we can grow and improve, indefinitely embracing that we are “better than yesterday, not done yet.” (Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 4:1–3, Colossians 4:6)
