Prison Ministry

Christmas Dinner at Riverbend

Fox 17 News Report on Christ UMC’s Prison Ministry

The Prison Ministry at Christ United Methodist Church was formed to support the spiritual decisions made by the incarcerated. We feel it is the crucial time to come together in communion, respect, love and compassion. These are the experiences that bind us into the community God wants for all. Even though prison inmates present practical and moral problems for our society, we are called to remember the parable of Jesus in which he tells his followers that visiting prisoners is indicative of a right relationship with God. To find out more, please call the church office at 790-2112 or email us.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the recidivism rate for Tennessee prisoners released is greater than 75% for the first 36 months of release. Why do three out of four inmates return to prison? The reasons are well documented:

  • No supporting family or community while incarcerated.
  • No guidance during incarceration.
  • Lack of viable housing opportunities upon release.
  • No meaningful employment after release.
  • Drug addiction and alcoholism – an especially critical problem.
  • Absence of any community support and accountability after release.
  • Profound and undiagnosed psycho-social illness.

Programs presently in place at Christ UMC to establish community within prison:

  • Disciple Bible Study: A 34 week Bible study which forms community where none existed. Over 5,000 volunteer hours the past six years involving 20 volunteers and 150 inmates representing more than 15,000 hours.
  • Sunday Communion Service: Involving eight ministers, four churches, over 500 visitors and a growing attendance (starting with 15 to the 50 in regular attendance today).
  • Pen Pals: Over 50 church members connect with prisoners through letters and cards. This provides communication between the inside and outside worlds for better understanding of each, an opportunity for a new perspective, producing an expanding community.
  • Parole Hearings: Attendance and presentations at over 30 parole hearings showing support for inmates in our ministry program.
  • Christmas Dinner: Offers a meaningful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. With churches suppling the food for 250 inmates and 50 church volunteers serving and singing.
  • Christmas Packages: Provides the gift of sharing for many who have no others to share the Christmas season. Over 150 volunteers distribute gift packages to prisoner.
  • Free Greeting Cards: Each inmate receives a box of Christmas cards, and if available, a box of everyday greeting cards. Over 7,500 cards are distributed each year and over 20,000 distributed overall. This promotes interaction and connection to family and friends outside the prison community.
  • Education & Needs Program: Provides items needed for personal use and educational advancement.

Release Programs presently in place for re-entry into the community outside of prison:

  • Application/interview process: Building Lives, a 501(c)3 non profit. All applicants fill out an extensive application, are interviewed and have references checked. Each applicant signs an agreement to be accountable for their actions and for adhering to the rules and parameters of the program. No drug use, abuse (verbal or physical), nor any weapons of any kind are tolerated. Participants sign an agreement to voluntarily leave the program immediately if violations occur. All participants are randomly and regularly drug tested.
  • Job assistance: Job search begins prior to release and continues until an individual is placed in an appropriate job.
  • Affordable housing: Housing is provided in a single one bedroom or a two bedroom apartment. The first month’s rent is paid as well as first month’s utility bill. The intent is to place no one in a half-way house.
  • Furniture Ministry: Furnished apartments are provided. This includes all necessary items for kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. In addition one month of cleaning and living supplies are provided.
  • Counseling: Psychological therapy through the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee (PCCT) with a minimum of six, one-hour sessions. Also, for any person with an active addiction, a requirement of five 12-step meetings per week for 8 weeks, a “home group,” and “sponsor.”
  • Transportation Options: For the first 30 days a bus pass is provided. Assistance is given to obtain a valid driver’s license, vehicle and auto insurance. The vehicle is offered with a small down payment and a no interest monthly repayment plan.
  • Mentor/Resource Coordinator: A Mentor (usually the “inside” mentor) is paired with each person prior to release. The Mentor’s primary role is personal and financial guidance, coordinating resources needed by the individual to reach their new life goals. Outside, the Mentors for prisoners transitioning from incarceration to an outside community show mutual respect, love, guidance, acceptance and accountability without shame. Mentors strive to empower the individual to make positive choices for their spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health needs. This is done by encouraging the individual to participate in community service, join a church, synagogue or mosque of their choice, and to join in clubs or associations that match the individuals’ interests. Working collaboratively with other faith groups, community groups and government agencies, we assist mentors with the resources they need and provide direction, through training, practical and emotional support.