Ministry to Prisoners and Prisoner Re-entry
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” — Hebrews 13:3
Metanoia Prison Ministry
Metanoia is a ministry of Mission to North America which offers churches the opportunity to develop a discipleship and outreach ministry to prisoners. Mark Casson, the executive director of Metanoia, reports to a board of directors made up of individuals from various PCA churches, including two Christ Covenant members.
One way to be involved is through their correspondence courses for prisoners using curriculum that Metanoia provides. The courses take the students from the very basics of the faith to advanced levels. The actual work of the ministry is done by church members who are paired with a man or woman in prison. Volunteers grade prisoner’s Bible study correspondence courses and send them back (postage paid) to the inmates with a letter of encouragement. All material is supplied by Metanoia and instructors’ identities are kept completely confidential. Any adult Christian can serve as an instructor. For more information, contact CCC member Jim Prieb at jprieb@mindspring.com or visit pcamna.org/metanoia-ministries.
Mecklenburg Jail Ministry
Be part of a team to bring Bible studies to prisoners right here in Charlotte!
Christ Covenant leads Bible studies on Wednesday evenings. There are studies by Christ Covenant women for women on the first Wednesday of each month at Jail North on Statesville Road, and studies for men at both Jail Central in Uptown Charlotte and Jail North. Inmates must sign up for the study and are very eager to learn. There are approximately 10-15 prisoners at each study which are held in secure classrooms.
The studies can include a DVD of a Bible study from leaders such as John Piper (all DVDs must be approved by the Chaplain’s office) or the teacher can speak on a topic from the Bible followed by a question and answer session and prayer time. Each teacher is required to go through a background check and training class at the jail before they can lead one of these classes.
For more information, contact Patti Prieb at pprieb@mindspring.com or Jim Prieb at jprieb@mindspring.com.
Changed Choices
Changed Choices is a ministry in Charlotte to women who are incarcerated as well as women who are transitioning back into society. Members can volunteer for this ministry in both aspects, including:
- Being a part of the monthly Prayer Team
- Mentoring a youthful offender or young adult at the Mecklenburg County Jail
- Being a pen pal to an incarcerated woman
- Writing cards/notes to clients in need of encouragement
- Providing meals on Tuesdays during client gatherings
- Mentoring a client in transition
- Providing special services such as administrative assistance, help plan events, assist with employment coaching, etc.
For more information about their ministry or how to be involved contact info@changedchoices.org or visit their website at changedchoices.org
