Materials

Here you will find useful references & materials related to prison ministry.

Use the links below to navigate to the area of your interest.

American Bible Society
Free Bibles for Correctional Chaplains. ABS does not send Bibles directly to inmates. Available versions include English: KJV, NKJV, Contemporary English Version, Good News Translation, Catholic Version.
Spanish: Version Popular & Version Reina-Valera 1960.
1865 Broadway
New York, NY 10023-7505
212-408-1310
http://www.americanbible.org/
caring@americanbible.org

Gideons International
A local Gideon will distribute Bibles/New Testaments (NKJV) in jails and prisons. Contact your local Gideon office.
http://www.gideons.org/

International Prison Ministries
An inmate can request a Bible or other Christian literature by writing to:
International Prison Ministries
P.O Box 2868
Costa Mesa, CA
92628-2868
1-800-527-1212
http://www.chaplainray.com

Check website for instructions on how to register an inmate or write to the address(es) provided below:
BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
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American Bible Academy
P. O. Box 1490
Joplin, MO 64802-1490
http://www.arm.org/

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
P. O. Box 62876
Colorado Springs, CO 80962

Christ Trust Ministries
1233 W. 9th Ave.
Upland, CA 91786
Provides free Bible correspondence studies to inmates as well as used Christian literature to chaplains.

Crossroad Bible Institute
P.O. Box 900
Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0900
www.crossroadbibleinstitute.org
mail@crossroadbible.org
Offers free Bible correspondence course to inmates.

Emmaus Correspondence School
P. O. Box 1028
Dubuque, IA 52004-1028
http://www.emmaus.name/
Offers free Bible correspondence courses to inmates.

Exodus Prison Ministry
P. O. Box 6363
Lubbock, TX 79493-6363
1-806-791-3673
http://www.exodusprisonministry.org/
Bible correspondence courses and Christian reading material provided free of charge to inmates. Inmates who enroll and do not have a Bible are provided one by Exodus.

Global University Prison Ministry
1211 South Glenstone Ave
Springfield, MO 65804
1-800-443-1083
http://www.globaluniversity.edu/
English, Spanish, French and Chinese correspondence courses available.

Gospel Echoes Team
P. O. Box 555
Goshen, IN 46527-555
http://www.gospelechoes.com/
Discipleship and Bible correspondence materials for inmates; personalized award Bibles.

Lamp & Light Publications, Inc.
26 Road 5517
Farmington, NM 87401
505-632-3521
Provides free Bible correspondence studies free of charge in French, English and Spanish.

Little Lambs, Inc.
710 S. Eucalyptus St.
Sebring, FL 33870
http://www.littlelambsinc.org/
Discipleship and Bible studies; leather study Bible awarded upon completion; available in Spanish.

Love Bible Study
P. O. Box 299
Madison, TN 37116
http://www.biblestudybymail.com
Free Bible correspondence courses by mail for inmates.

Mt. Nebo Prison Ministry
P.O.Box 1848
Gilbert, AZ 85299
Mt. Nebo provides a 13 chapter workbook called "Fundamentals of the Faith" to State and Federal inmates. Once the
workbook is completed and mailed back for grading, it is returned with a MacArthur Study Bible.
http://www.mnpm.org/

Set Free Prison Ministries, Inc.
P. O. Box 5440
Riverside, CA 92517-9961
http://www.spiritualfreedom-setfree.org
Over 40 difference courses offered free of charge to inmates.

Source of Light Schools
1011 Mission Road
Madison, GA 30650
706-342-0397
http://www.sourcelight.org
Provides Bible/discipleship courses to approved churches, ministries or individuals for distribution to inmates.

BOOKS, BOOKLETS & VIDEOS
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Address Booklets for Prisoners
These pocket-size address booklets provide space for inmates to keep address and phone numbers for family and friends. Contact Gospel Echoes Team, Inc. at www.gospelechoes.com

Christian Video for Prisons
Nonprofit, nondenominational, evangelical ministry designed to help chaplains, prison ministries and wardens evangelize and disciple prisoners through showings of carefully selected, high-quality Christian videos (mainly in English and Spanish). Our mission is to provide assistance to financially-needy prison chaplains who need to use these important materials but lack funds. For those who can afford to pay something, we offer special prison discounts. For those who have no money to work with, we provide videos free (as the Lord supplies funds).
1-800-332-2261
http://christiananswers.net/prisons
P.O. box 200
Gilbert, AZ 85299

IPM Library

Help! My Loved One Is in Jail. What Do I Do Now?"
by Lennie Spitale

Written by a former inmate, this practical booklet is for those who are experiencing the oncarceration of a loved one. It walks individuals and families through the typical experience associated with this traumatic event. Many family members and friends are often unfamiliar with the turbulent sea into which they suddenly find themselves plunged--and panic can quickly follow. This booklet serves as a guide to highlight the various emotional responses, legal proceedings and actions needed for thoughtful consideration as one embarks upon this painful journey.

"Sentenced--Now What?: Relationships During Incarceration"
by Lennie Spitale

This second booklet in the Institute for Prison Ministries Library is designed to help individuals and families with the second phase of the incarceration journey--sentencing and what follows. It acts as a roadmap to answer questions such as:

-Where will your loved one go after being sentenced?
-What should you expect after he or she is behind bars?
How do you communicate with your loved one who is now in jail?

"Staying Well: Strategies for Corrections Staff"
by Caterina Spinaris Tudor

Corrections staff operate in an environment of chronic stress, continual alertness, and the ever-present possibility of violence. Gradually, this exposure breeds symptoms of distress. These staff members need both permission to safely acknowledge their struggles and effective practical tools for dealing with the impact of their jobs. This fourth booklet in the Institute for Prison Ministries Library provides you with information to increase your awareness of how your job may be changing you and ways to deal with those changes.

Library of Hope
Produces a library for youth facilities and adult prisons. Each library contains about 100 Christian books, Bibles, CDs, DVD's, and videos. About 120 of these libraries are sent to prisons each month. Chaplains are encouraged to give the resources away, so that prisoners can study them, share them with others, and even send them home to their families.
1-719-632-3880
http://www.libraryofhope.org/
info@libraryofhope.org
1107 Garden of the Gods Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907

"Purpose Driven Life" books for chaplains
Saddleback Church will provide free paperback copies of Rick Warren's best-selling book free to chaplains for use with inmates. Contact them at:
Saddleback Church
1 Saddleback Parkway
Lake Forest, CA 92630
800-633-8876
FAX 949-756-2885

Reaching Staff Brochure
To download this brochure, click here.

RBC Ministries
Offers the daily devotional Our Daily Bread and other discipleship booklets such as the Discovery Series, 10 Reasons to Believe, and Answers to Tough Questions that can be given to inmates.
http://www.rbc.org/

Riven by Jerry Jenkins
Tyndale House Publishers, 2008

This riveting novel by well-known writer, Jerry Jenkins, focuses on the lives of individuals who are impacted by crime and punishment. Jenkins is able to graphically portray life within a correctional institution and the way it is experienced by those who work there, those who volunteer and by those who live there. You will not want to put this book down.

Jenkins notes that "This is the novel I have always wanted to write. I determine whether a novel idea has merit by how long it stays with me. do I find myself telling the story to my wife and other confidants? Is it the type of tale that will draw me back to the keyboard every day? Two-thirds of my published books have been novels and only three have had that effect on me. Oh, I give my all to every one, but special joy and anticipation attend those that genuinely feel like the best ideas. . . If a novelist has a life's work, this is mine." Jerry B. Jenkins

To preview the first two chapters click here. For more information: www.tyndale.com or available at your local bookstore.

Learning to Sing in a Strange Land: When a Loved One Goes to Prison
Wipf & Stock, 2009

What does a family member feel when the phone rings in the middle of the night and they learn a loved one has been incarcerated? How do they navigate the uncharted waters of the criminal justice system? How do they survive and even thrive throughout the process? Author Wesley Stevens draws from his personal experience as well as offering the insights of numerous others in this excellent book. His work provides both an introduction to the correctional system and to ministry within it as well as personal insight into the experience from a family member and inmate's perspective. Like Paul and Silas who sang during their time in chains, Rev. Stevens found that hymns and psalms became very meaningful to he and his family during the time their daughter was incarcerated. Even though they became residents of a "strange land," they were able to stay moored to their faith by learning to sing. Although he has retired from active ministry as a United Methodist pastor, he and his wife have become involved in a hospitality ministry to family members who are visiting their loved ones in prison. This book may be ordered from www.amazon.com

"He Loves Me! Learning to Live in the Father's Affection"
by Wayne Jacobsen

Wayne Jacobsen has captured a vital truth in this small, easy-to-read book. Our Father passionately loves us and yearns for relationship with us. Too often, however, our view of God is skewed by a lack of,poor or abusive parenting, inaccurate religious teaching, legitimate and illegitimate shame and fear of rejection or judgment. This book is an excellent resource for those working with offenders, both inside and outside the walls. It would serve well as a small group study, supplement to a Bible study on the nature of God's love or as a resource to give to those who are struggling. It is a "must-read" for every Christian and may be ordered from www.amazon.com

CORRECTIONAL MINISTRY
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Healing Communities Churches have the opportunity to provide a healing community to those within the congregation who are impacted by crime. This "Healing Community" model is more than a "prison ministry." It is a holistic approach to ministry to offenders, ex-offenders, victims, correctional officers, children and families impacted by crime and incarceration. Click here for a one-page description of what a Healing Community is.

Starting a Correctional Ministry at your Church

CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS
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Abuse

Mending the Soul Understanding and Healing Abuse by Steven R. Tracy

This is perhaps one of the finest sources on ministering to those who have been abused that is currently available. Dr. Tracy approaches this difficult subject from his background in theology and ethics and draws upon his personal experience counseling victims as well as that of his wife, Celestia (a therapist). A workbook is available to enhance study in a small group or personal setting. www.mendingthesoul.org For a review of this book click here

Addictions

The Journey (New Testament)
Helping people take the next step. A ministry of International Bible Society
http://www.journeyofrecovery.org

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch
Celebrate Recovery from Saddleback Church
The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Journey by RPI Publishing

Anger

Heart of the Problem by Henry Brandt & Kerry Skinner
The Anger Workbook by Les Carter & Frank Minirth

Cognitive Renewal

Changing Criminal Thinking: A Treatment Program (2nd ed.) by Boyd Sharp
Thinking for a Change: An Integrated Approach to Changing Offender Behavior www.nicic.org/Library/018311

Codependency

Codependency by Pat Springle & Dale McClerkey

Discipleship

After the Leap: Growing in Christ by Carol Vance
Discovery Series by Radio Bible Class (RBC) http://www.rbc.org/
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Walk of Repentance by S. Gallagher http://www.purelifeministries.org/

Emotional Health

Making Peace with Your Past by Tim Sledge
Recovering from the Losses of Life by H. Norman Wright
http://www.lifewaystores.com

Financial Management

National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). High School Financial Planning Program (free) http://www.nefe.org

Life Skills

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephan Covey

Marriage

Love and Respect by Dr. E. Eggerichs

Men

The Quest for Authentic Manhood http://www.mensfraternity.com/

Parenting

Boundaries by H. Cloud J. Townsend

The Blessing by G. Smalley & J. Trent

Sexual Abuse

Shelter From the Storm by Kubetin, Mallory, & Truitt

Sexual Addictions

At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by S. Gallagher

Shame

The Gospel . . . Breaking the Power of Shame by The Navigators

Spiritual Formation

Be Transformed . . . New LIfe Awaits by John Robin Murphy

An excellent resource for discipleship, addiction and recovery groups as well as for spiritual growth and inner healing. www.rockhouseway.com Rock House Way, LLC, P. O. Box 187, Brentwood, TN 37024-0187 615-370-4795

DISCIPLESHIP
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The Race Begins
A Discipleship Manual written especially for inmates who are new believers. (The Navigators)
http://www.navigators.org/

EDUCATION
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Correspondence Courses for college credit

Global University Prison Ministry
1211 South Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804
800-443-1083
www.berean.edu

Moody Bible Institute
Distance Learning
820 North LaSalle Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60610
800-356-6639
www.moody.edu

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR INCARCERATED STUDENTS
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College Guild
P. O. Box 6448
Brunswick, ME 04011
Free, but non-accredited correspondence courses

Distance Education & Training Council
1601 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-234-5100

Citizens United for Rehabilitation Of Errants (CURE)
P.O. Box 2310
Washington, DC 20013
202-789-2126
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for a copy of “Piecing Together a College Education Behind Bars”

Child Welfare League of America
440 First Street NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001-2085
202-638-2952

American Council on Education
One Dupont Circle NW
Washington, DC 20036-1193
202-939-9300

Boston University Metropolitan College
755 Commonwealth Ave. Room B5
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-6000

Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W. Clairmont Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-83-6200

College Board-CLEP Exams
45 Columbus Ave.
New York, NY 10023

Community College of Allegheny County
808 Ridge Ave. Jones Hall Rm. 107
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

General Education Testing Service
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington DC, 20036 202-939-9300

Prison Book Program c/o Lucy Parsons Bookstore
1306 Hancock Street, Suite 100
Quincy, MA 02169
617-423-3298

“Prisoners’ Guerrilla Handbook to Correspondence Programs in the United States & Canada” by Jon Marc Taylor, Published by Biddle Publishing
P. O. Box 1305
Brunswick, ME 04011
Also available on Amazon.com

Ohio University College Program for the Incarcerated
Haning Hall 222
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
1-800-444-2910
cpi@ohiou.edu

Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146
515-281-5294

Northampton Community College Distance Learning
407 College Center
3835 Green Pond Rd.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
610-861-4160
distancelearning@northampton.edu

University of Mississippi Outreach and Continuing Education
Ole Miss Online
The University of Mississippi
P.O. Box 729
University, MS 38677-0729

eTech College of Wisconsin
One Foundation Circle
Waunakee, WI 53597
1-866-383-2494
info@etechcollege.org

RISING HOPE, INC.
For inmates incarcerted in New York
www.risinghopeinc.org

EVANGELISM
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FREE FROM THE INSIDE
Free From the Inside (FFI) is a training program, created by the Institute for Prison Ministries at the Billy Graham Center, to stimulate and train inmates who are Christ-followers toward focused lives of witness and discipleship. Contact IPM at 630.752.5727 for training and student workbooks.

FAMILY MINISTRY
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Families on the Gallows of Criminal Justice
(A Local Church Response to Families in the Crisis of Incarceration)

This is a complete manual for churches on doing ministry with at-risk families and children of inmates. It is the compilation of fifteen years experience. It includes Scriptural and social justification for such a ministry, step by step planning, organizational direction, enlistment advice, reporting and budgeting guidelines, supporting forms provided on CD, and a DVD testimonial presentation by volunteers and family members. $34.95 + $4.00 S&H

Mercy Heart Ministry Action Clinic
(An awareness and education presentation on DVD)

This fifty minute DVD presentation provides an overview of the Mercy Heart Chapel Program. It will develop an awareness of the at-risk nature of families and children of inmates, introduce the Mercy Heart model for ministry, and answer questions about this ministry. It includes a menu of frequently asked questions, a downloadable clinic manual (PDF), and additional Mercy Heart video presentations. $12.95 + $4.00 S&H

Purchase the manual and DVD together for $39.95 plus $5.00 S&H

Institute for Prison Ministries Library

Help! My Loved One is in Jail! Now What Do I Do?
Written for those who are experiencing the incarceration of a loved one for the first time, Help! My Loved One Is in Jail attempts to walk individuals and families through the typical experiences associated with this traumatic event. Many family members and friends are often unfamiliar with the turbulent sea into which they suddenly find themselves plunged—and panic can quickly follow. Oftentimes, those who want to support them through this ordeal are equally unprepared to help them properly handle the obstacles which will need to be overcome.

This booklet acts as a written guide to highlight the various emotional responses, legal proceedings and actions needed for thoughtful consideration as one embarks upon this painful journey.

Sentenced--Now What?
This second booklet in the IPM Library is designed to help individuals and families with the second phase of the incarceration journey--sentencing and what follows. It acts as a roadmap to answer questions such as" where will your loved one go after being sentenced? What should you expect after he or she is behind bars? How do you communicate with your loved one who is now in jail?

Help! My Child's Been Arrested! A Parent's Guide to Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
This booklet is designed to be a type of "first-aid" kit for parents who have experienced the arrest of a child. It will help you navigate through this difficult journey. In it you'll learn: what happens after your child has been arrested; how to understand the juvenile justice system; what happens after your child returns home; resources and testimonies of those who have been on this journey.

Click here for more information.

INMATE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
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American Bible Academy

"A.B.A. is dedicated to providing high quality, advanced Bible correspondence courses to the incarcerated, at no cost, through our Inmate Scholarship Program. All course material is written by respected Bible College Professors or leading Christian Educators. Professionally typeset, printed and bound courses have been specifically written for use in A.B.A.’s correspondence program."

Inmates may pre-enroll and request free courses by submitting this enrollment form or by writing to:
American Bible Academy
P.O. Box 1490
Joplin, MO 64802-1490
http://www.arm.org/aba.htm

Christ Truth Ministries

Christ Truth Ministries is committed to bringing the way of salvation, and to further prisoners' growth in the Word of God with Bibles, Bible studies and other spiritual helps. Christ gave his life so all should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.

Spiritual growth ministry provided without charge to inmates, through printed spiritual growth lessons, "My Brother's Keeper" newsletters, and personal correspondence. www.christian-ambassadors.org

Crossroad Bible Institute
            P.O. Box 900
            Grand Rapids, MI 49505-0900
            http://www.crossroadbible.org/

IPM Discovering God Bible Study Series:
            Discovering God, Walking with God, Putting God First, and Sharing God with Others
            IPM
            500 College Ave
            Wheaton, IL 60187

PEN PALS
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Guidelines for Letter Writing

             Christian Pen Pals
                         PO Box 2112
                         Statesville, NC 28687
                         http://Christian-Penpals.com

              Bro. Otto Ball
              c/o Crossroads Ministry
              P. O. Box 363
              Hyde, PA   16843

SUGGESTED READINGS
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Prison Ministry: Understanding Prison Culture Inside and Out
by Lennie Spitale
A Framework for Understanding Poverty
by Ruby Payne
Code of the Streets
by Elijah Anderson
When Prisoners Return
by Pat Nolan
Prison Fellowships Guide to Crime Prevention
by Beth Spring