Prison Fellowship is pleased to announce the re-launch of Inside Journal®, a newspaper written to appeal to the unique needs and interests of the prison population. Distributed through chaplains free of charge, Inside Journal delivers timely, inspirational content—and most importantly the Gospel—to inmates who might otherwise never have access to it.

If you’re new to prison ministry or have a loved one doing time, where do you turn? The average bookstore lacks a shelf devoted to “prison issues.” That’s why BreakPoint and The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview have added a new section to their online bookstore, chockfull of resources devoted to the concerns of prison ministers and prisoners’ families.

As volunteers in ministry with us, you hold a special place in our hearts. In the words of the apostle Paul, we consider you “our joy and our crown.” And we are committed to doing everything we can to support you and provide you with a meaningful opportunity for service in God’s kingdom.

What makes prisoners more likely to re-offend when they get out of prison? Is it the lack of a job? Hanging around with friends from the “old neighborhood”? Low self-esteem?

What makes an effective mentoring relationship?

A 2001 research study by the National Resilience Resource Center, University of Minnesota1, includes some important revelations that can help guide volunteers who mentor prisoners, ex-prisoners, and children of prisoners.

The study investigated the mentoring practices of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, the oldest and one of the most reputable mentoring programs for adolescents.

Soon after Pat Nolan was released from a California State Prison, he found himself seated at a deli with some friends. Nolan, a 15-year veteran of the California State Assembly, and four-time Republican Assembly leader, had served 25 months after being targeted for a campaign contribution he received as part of an FBI sting.

You’ve been mentoring a prisoner, with good results. And then your worst fear happens—you hear he’s committed another offense. What do you do now? How do you balance confrontation and support?

If you’re not “in the know,” you could get off on the wrong foot with prisoners or prison officials. Following these do’s and don’ts will help extend your welcome in prison.

Entering a prison as a volunteer can be an intimidating experience.

Drawing upon his decades of experience, we asked Prison Fellowship volunteer Ashton Hardy the top three characteristics he believes are most important for volunteers who want to work effectively with prisoners. He gave us seven!

Unlike most Prison Fellowship volunteers (or staff!),

Speaking as the mother of a convicted murderer, Carol Kent gives volunteers specific tips to help prisoners’ families. For example, three things you can do to help a prisoner’s wife and how you can become a better listener.

At 12:35 a.m.

If you have an interest in assisting the families of prisoners, then the following two articles may help point you toward your next step. The first piece provides updated trends on the problems incarceration inflicts on families and the second is a tool to help children deal with the fallout of separation.

Before joining the staff of Prison Fellowship in 2007, Patti Tasa was a vibrant volunteer—serving inside prison for three years, then another three years as county coordinator for one of Prison Fellowship’s Aftercare Teams. Her long-standing mentoring relationship with ex-prisoner Tina Huber  has given her valuable experience and insights to share with other mentors.