Resources
Welcome to the second edition of the Spiritual Survival Guide for Prison and Beyond. It's exactly what it sounds like, a tool that engenders hope, nourishes prisoners' faith, strengthens their relationships with Jesus, and is a helpful aid to discovering a positive new self. It deals with questions inmates often ask, as well as the questions they're afraid to ask. Written by Pastor Fred Nelson, the Spiritual Survival Guide was originally developed by Redeemer Church, Park Ridge, Illinois, for their Under the Door Prison Ministry at Stateville Prison in Joliet, IL.
Catch up on the latest news from ION or go back to the archives to read inspiring stories from our staff, service providers and returning citizen spotlights interviews.
START HERE. Many pastors and ministry leaders in ordinary congregations are motivated to become involved in ministry to men and women leaving incarceration, but they don’t know how to begin. This guide begins by providing a strong biblical foundation, exciting updates in reentry research, and a new paradigm for reentry ministry. It then lays out eight possible pathways that you can explore to see how well they might fit your congregation’s strengths and your neighborhood context. Each of these ministry models tries to offer a clear message—both to returning citizens and to your congregation itself—that you understand the need and that your congregation has something of value to offer.