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Prison Ministry

Prison Ministry

Overview

Overview Volunteer Calendar

Prison Ministry

The Prison Ministry provides biblical instruction to prison inmates through a partnership with Crossroads Prison Ministries. Individuals correspond with inmates who complete Bible courses and send in the mail for feedback. Learn more about Crossroads at https://cpministries.org

Become an Instructor

If you are interested in becoming a Crossroads Instructor, complete the volunteer form. You will receive a formal application, which you will complete, along with a recommendation from the Parkside pastoral staff.  You'll receive detailed instructional materials to familiarize yourself with the Crossroads program, its goals, and procedures. As an instructor, you always remain anonymous.

The Process

Many instructors at Parkside Church have found this is a rewarding way to be involved in sharing the Gospel with seekers and discipling young believers, in a non-threatening and effective way. Once your application has been approved, you'll be able to enter the rotation to review inmates' lessons:

1) Pick up one or more lessons each Sunday.
2) Grade and correct these using the answer sheets you will receive from Crossroads.
3) Write a one-page letter of encouragement to the student.
4) Mail the corrected lesson and letter directly to the student.
4) Report the student's score to Crossroads by e-mail, phone, or mail.

Recent Blog Posts More

  • Special Message from the President of Crossroads

    The coronavirus has interrupted the lives of many people and many organizations, including Crossroads Prison Ministries. President & CEO Lisa Blystra offers an update on the ministry and a word of encouragement for these turbulent times.

    Watch her video update here.

  • Crossroads Prison Ministries Workshop Now Available!

    We hosted a volunteer training workshop for all current Crossroads Prison Ministries mentors and for anyone who is considering becoming a mentor. The training featured Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads' headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

    The training session was recorded and the audio is now available to stream:

    https://pkschurch.com/PrisonMinTraining-2019

     The purpose of the workshop was to hear how God is using Parkside mentors to affect the lives of prisoners, to provide training for mentors, to connect more experienced mentors with newer mentors, and to develop a network of fellowship among Parkside Crossroads mentors. 

  • May
    11

    Crossroads Prison Ministries Workshop 2019

    We will host a volunteer training workshop on Saturday, May 11 for all current Crossroads Prison Ministries mentors and for anyone who is considering becoming a mentor. The training will be held in the Venue from 9:00 am-noon with Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads' headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    The purpose of the workshop is to hear how God is using Parkside mentors to affect the lives of prisoners, to provide training for mentors, to connect more experienced mentors with newer mentors, and to develop a network of fellowship among Parkside Crossroads mentors. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

    If you are a Crossroads mentor or have any interest in becoming a mentor, please join us on May 11!

    There is no cost for the workshop but, please register so that we can have enough materials and food prepared.

    Register

Coordinators

Jacque Platek