by Terry Read

America has 1/20th of the world's population and nearly one-fourth of the world's prisoners. We have a growing problem.

Every day men and women in prison make decisions to receive Christ. They look forward to their release with the hope of beginning a new life. They have been told that when they received Christ they joined the family of God. Yet they are often poorly discipled and left alone at the gate with no resources, no identification, and no connection to the family of God.

Biblical discipleship during and after prison is essential to provide these new Christians with the spiritual maturity to carry on a transformed life throughout transition. Sometimes a person makes a successful transition from prison to a life of freedom and purpose because only one person came along side him to example the love and character of Christ. Unfortunately, post prison restorative ministry has been one of the most neglected ministries in America. Unless the church responds, America will be reeling as more and more prisoners are released.

The church is God’s instrument to create moral restraint carrying the gospel through restorative relationships. We encourage the church to be busy equipping and assisting men and women of God to step forward to effectively disciple individual prisoners. We encourage the church to make prison ministries in their areas an integral part of their mission portfolio. We encourage the church to actively work with prison ministries and community leaders of faith to develop restorative opportunities and connections for prisoners.

The Spirit of God is always moving behind prison walls. God has a fervent love for the prisoner. Christ's first public discourse was to announce that the Spirit of God had annointed Him to "proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners". Part of Christ’s final ministry from the cross was to restore a condemned and undeserving prisoner. Prison ministry is an integral part of God's plan and it is transforming. It transforms prisoners. It transforms volunteers. It transforms families, communities, and it transforms churches.

If God is calling you, I invite you to answer His call and become a part of this kind of life-changing ministry somewhere. Join a prison ministry in your community. Be a part of winning souls to Christ. Work together to repair harm and create safer communities. Watch God form Christ in prisoners through your own restorative relationships. Let God make a difference through you.

We have a growing problem, but we have always had a growing solution. Christ in me, Christ in you, a little water, the word of God, a restorative relationship here and there. With God's increase and a little faith, it's amazing what might come true.