"10 Creative Ways To Start A

Prison Ministry "
Pastor Alfred Long

When most people think of the Prison Ministry, they think of going inside the correctional facilities. That is my passion, and I’ve done it for forty-seven years; however, I realize that other people find going into a facility intimidating.

With that said, there are other ways to involve your church in Prison Ministry.

Starting a prison ministry can be a powerful extension of a church’s mission to bring hope, healing, and restoration. Remember, Jesus said in (Matthew 25:36-40) that when we minister to prisoners, we are ministering to Him.

Here are ten creative ways to get it off the ground and make it impactful, which can involve everyone in your church.

1. Vision Casting and Storytelling Sunday

Idea: Dedicate a Sunday to casting the vision for prison ministry. Share real stories from returning citizens or current prison chaplains.

Creative Element: Use video testimonies, dramatic monologues, or even a “virtual prison visit” experience to immerse the congregation in the need to participate in Prison Ministry.

2. Adopt-a-Facility Program

Idea: Start small by adopting a nearby—juvenile, jail, or prison facility—and build a consistent relationship.

Creative Element: Send cards on birthdays and holidays, provide care packages, or host family reunification days.

3. Arts Behind Bars

Idea: Offer creative arts classes—writing, music, painting, and drama.

Creative Element: Create a “Freedom Art Show” at your church displaying inmates’ artwork with written reflections.

4. Correspondence Bible Study Team

Idea: Launch a team that facilitates Bible studies by mail with incarcerated individuals.

Creative Element: Include encouraging notes, prayer prompts, and spiritual journal pages as part of the study packets.

5. Inside-Out Book Club

Idea: Host a book club where free citizens and inmates read the same spiritual or personal development book and exchange letters or video messages discussing it.

6. Life Skills + Spiritual EQ Classes

Idea: Offer classes on goal setting, conflict resolution, parenting, or emotional intelligence from a spiritual lens.

Creative Element: Create a branded curriculum or workbook series (like “Behavior Changes for Successful Re-entry”) for our returning incarcerated populations.

7. Family Connection Events

Idea: Help facilitate family strengthening through virtual visitation days, letter-writing stations, or parent-child reading programs.

Creative Element: Record incarcerated parents reading children’s books, then send the recordings and books to their kids.

8. Prayer Walks Around the Facility

Idea: Organize prayer walks around the perimeter of the prison or jail with local law enforcement’s permission.

Creative Element: Use chalk art, worship music, or scripture banners as part of the prayer experience.

9. Re-entry Kits and Welcome Home Ministry

Idea: Prepare “welcome home” kits with hygiene items, devotionals, job leads, and gift cards for newly released individuals.

Creative Element: Include handwritten notes of encouragement and invitations to church events.

10. Pen Pal Ministry with a Twist

Idea: Launch a church-wide pen-pal initiative focusing on discipleship and mutual learning.

Creative Element: Each inmate-church member pair has a “spiritual challenge” they do together each month (e.g., memorize a Psalm, write a reflection on grace).

Pastor Alfred T. Long Sr. Is available to help your church start a robust and flourishing Prison Ministry. Contact him at:

along@jacobslm.com, 

jacobslm.com.

 (314) 283-9052