Learn how to share God’s love through in-prison ministries. The resources on this page will show you how to meet men and women behind bars at their point of need. (Please click on the + to view more resources.)
Ministry Basics
General Prison Safety Guidelines
What to expect while visiting a prison, including dress codes and basic best practices to make the experience safe and beneficial for you and those you’ll meet.
What the Bible Says About Prison Ministry
Read about God's heart for prisoners and His call to remember them.
Top 10 Bible Verses on Prison Ministry
Is there a biblical precedent for prison ministry? Does Jesus truly want His followers to go behind...
Providing Bibles for Prisoners
Which Bible translations are best for prisoners, and how do you get Bibles to them? That's a question often asked by volunteers who want to share God's Word.
Hardwired to Connect
Find out why the relationship you build with a prisoner can have a lasting, positive impact on them—and on you.
Prison Culture
Frequently Asked Questions About Prison
Discover answers to commonly-asked questions about prison.
FAQ: Medical Care
WHAT TYPE OF MEDICAL CARE DO PRISONERS RECEIVE?
Medical and dental care within a prison is very...
FAQ: What is Ad Seg?
WHAT IS ADMINISTRATIVE SEGREGATION?
Administrative segregation (ad seg) is when a prisoner is ...
Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Learn how to understand the confusing world of criminal justice.
What happens when a...
Legal System Definitions
Crack the code of legal jargon.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L |...
Five Stages of Incarceration
Understand what new prisoners experience as they process the changes to their daily lives in a correctional setting.
Needs of Female Prisoners
Find out how ministry to women in prison differs from ministry to men.
Ministry Tools
Doing HIS Time (English)
A devotional book of meditations and prayers for men and women in prison.
Haciendo su Tiempo (Espanol)
Meditaciones y oraciones para los hombres y las mujeres que están en la cárcel.
Short-Term Ministry
Supporting Prison Chaplains
Learn practical, meaningful, and easy ways to support prison chaplains, who are on the frontlines...
Sports Outreach Ministries
Bouncing balls and cheering crowds can pave the way for ministry.
Young or old, male or...
Long-Term Ministry
Joining an In-Prison Ministry
Discover why joining an established prison ministry team is a great way to get started volunteering.
Criminogenic Needs: The Risk of Returning to Prison
What makes prisoners more likely to commit another crime when they get out of prison?
Preparing to Lead a Class in Prison
Prepare yourself spiritually and practically before starting to teach inside prison.
Leading a Prison Bible Study
Prepare for the exciting challenge of exploring God’s Word with prisoners.
Talking with Prisoners
Find out how friendly conversations can have lasting impact.
Praying for Prisoners
Become a faithful prayer warrior lifting up the needs of prisoners and speaking blessings into their lives.
Incarcerated Women's Ministry
Frequently Asked Questions About Incarcerated Women
Discover answers to common questions and concerns about incarcerated women.
Recommended Reading
Ministry to the Incarcerated
A former police officer and state prison chaplain explores biblical themes that can promote healing and regeneration among prisoners.
Prison Ministry: Understanding Prison Culture
A former prisoner provides a thorough “inside-out” view of prison life, empowering pastors and lay leaders for effective prison ministry.
Prisoners in the Bible
Each chapter explores the story of a person in the Bible who was imprisoned, showing how God has used people behind bars to advance His kingdom.
Go to Jail: A Call to Christians
A pastor who started five jail churches in Arizona shares what he has learned about ministry to and with the Body of Christ behind bars.
Making Your Partnership Work
Prison ministry is often best accomplished through community alliances. This book focuses on cross-cultural and local ministry partnerships.
Doing Time with God
A former victim of violent crime talks about his ministry to convicted felons behind bars.
Karla Faye Tucker – Set Free
The story of Karla Faye Tucker and her spiritual journey while serving time on Texas’ death row.
RECENT BLOG POSTS ABOUT IN-PRISON MINISTRY
Derek Made My Day
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Going to prison removed Reggie from his children’s lives, but Angel Tree has helped him reconnect as a father. Now he's helping other prisoners do the same.more »Former Prisoners Can Become Productive Citizens
Second chances for returning citizens make for safer communities.more »