Prison Ministry
Mission: to share the Gospel message of life and salvation in Jesus Christ with the incarcerated, to reach the lost, strengthen the faith of Christian inmates and their families, and encourage them in their faith walk along with the recently released and those whose lives have been impacted by crime.
Vision: To fulfill the Lord's Mission to the incarcerated and those affected by crime.
Use the buttons below to find your local facilities.
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The Restoration of Rights Project (RRP) is a free online resource that includes summaries and analyses of state and federal law relating to restoring rights and status following arrest and conviction: https://www.nacdl.org/Landing/RestorationofRightsProject
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Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/career-seekers
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This Federal Bonding program was established in 1966 to provide Fidelity Bonds for “at-risk,” hard-to-place job seekers: https://bonds4jobs.com/
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KFUO Radio is the official broadcast voice of the Lutheran Church. Inmates in California are listening to this program on Sunday mornings: https://www.kfuo.org/
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Lutheran Braille Workers has prison-specific Large Print Ministry Centers that creates material with inmates in mind. The 14 point font English Standard Version Bible consist of 7 volumes, taking up approximately 1 foot of shelf space. It’s printed on 8.5×11 durable non-glare paper paper with glue-strip bindings to open flat: https://www.lbwloveworks.org/materials/large-print-for-correctional-facilities/
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Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program
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Angel Tree connects incarcerated parents with their children through gifts, the Gospel, and personal messages delivered by local churches.
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More Info: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/map/
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Inquiries: 1-800-552-6435
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Reaching In: Mentor Correspondence Program
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Overview: A mentoring opportunity for those who prefer not to go inside prisons. Volunteers write to inmates anonymously.
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Christianity Explored
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Overview: A powerful, institutional-approved program that introduces inmates to Jesus. It’s widely used and counts toward inmate release programs.
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Learn More: ChristianityExplored.org
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Bible Studies & Devotionals
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Christ In The Cell Block LCMS study for in-person or anonymous PO box-based ministry.
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Prisoner’s Reflections: Meditations for Prisoners by Thomas P. Bird, ideal for city and county jail ministry.
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The Journey Home from Lutheran Hour Ministries: Journey Home Booklet
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Anxiety! What Stresses You Out?
Watch on YouTube
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The Criminal Personality by Rev. Eric Schillo
Watch on YouTube
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Proclaiming HIS Presence to Set the Prisoner Free
By Rev. James Keurulainen
Watch on YouTube
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Get Your Feet in the Door by Jon Hohgrefe
Watch on YouTube
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Hate, Hustle, and Hope by Pr. Matt Weiss
Watch on YouTube
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You Can Sit With Me (for congregational encouragement)
Watch on YouTube
Inspired by Acts 1:8, we believe the Church is called to reach all people—near and far—with the message of Jesus Christ. As Wilhelm Lohe noted, mission is the Church in motion, bringing the Gospel to the world.
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In the Pacific Southwest District, this mission includes the 100,000+ incarcerated individuals and their families within our region. Through Prison Ministry, we see a significant local opportunity to share Christ’s saving grace.
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This work is complex. It involves collaboration across denominations, navigating government regulations, and serving both inmates and their families with compassion and faithfulness. Despite challenges, we remain committed to this vital outreach—bringing hope, healing, and the Gospel to those impacted by incarceration.
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Prison Ministry is a meaningful way to participate in the PSD-LCMS 100 in 10 initiative, which seeks to launch 100 new intentional
Gospel-proclaiming ministries by the 100th Anniversary of the Pacific Southwest District in 2031.