Does this call still apply today?
What opportunites are available in your community to minister to those in prison?
If Jesus felt it was important then, it should be today as well, what do you think?
2006-10-17 13:44:52 · 6 answers · asked by inteleyes 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Funny you should ask. I do go to prison to minister. I find that the church within prison walls is often more genuine than the one outside. Since I have experienced both, I think I can say that with some authority.
The inmates who are the church in prison know for a fact that they are sinners. They have been judged by the world and were found lacking. Their sin is more real to them than most on the outside. But, the Christian on the inside often has made a full turnaround (not all, obviously) and are doing the best they can living a Christian life during their time there.
You see, a Christian on the outside can take off their "church mask" and go home, beat the kids, kick the dog, and cuss like a sailor, and only his family and God really know.
The Christian on the inside doesn't have that luxury. His/her walk with Christ must be lived out before everyone in the prison. Non-believing inmates (ironically) do not abide a hypocrite for long. If you want to be a Christian, you'd better live it out. Failure to do so could get you hurt.
I find the Christians on the inside have better evangelism programs, and are more energetic to reach the lost around them than most other Christians in America. I find it refreshing on one hand, and sad on the other, since these "criminals" do a better job than most "good guys."
Sorry, I didn't mean to preach. I'll get off of my soapbox now.
2006-10-17 13:56:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it applies today. Most of the preachers, priests and reverends I've met will visit people in prison (so will some of the Wiccan priests and priestesses, by the way). In my community, though, prison ministry seems to be more the domain of the Fundamentalist groups. Also, if the incarcerated person belongs to a less-common religious group, I think that the prison should allow visits from a clergy representative of the prisoner's choosing, because if one religion (such as Christianity) is tolerated, then they all should be. Anyhow, it's an important ministry. I've done it myself (but that was in my youth--I also used to play the piano sometimes for prison church services). But some people abuse it, and are doing too hard of a "selling" job, cramming their religion down people's throats, instead of allowing the prisoners ample opportunity to make up their own minds.
2006-10-17 20:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by thaliax 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the call is as strong today as it was when Jesus spoke about it.
I teach a Bible Study at the local county jail...I love the ministry! Sharing the Good News is awesome. We did an alter call at the end, last night...and 10+ came to Jesus. Praise the Lord!!! He's still healing the broken hearted!
2006-10-18 11:09:06 · answer #3 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, everything that Jesus said is applicable to today's world. I am part of the Kairos' Prison Ministry through our church. I invite everyone to go to the Texas Kairos' Site and read about the story of how this movement began back in Majorca, off the coast of Spain.....very touching
2006-10-17 21:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by Cassie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can't do it in my community.
The Christians have it locked up for them selves and no one else can even get in.
Love and blessings Don
2006-10-17 20:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think that's a low thing to do. You're preaching to people who have no hope and hate themselves and their lives and you wonder why they convert? It's not true belief, it's fear.
2006-10-17 20:49:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋