Prison Ministry
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
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Mar25
Crossroads Prison Ministries Luncheon
We will hold a free luncheon on March 25 at 12:30 pm for anyone currently involved with Crossroads Prison Ministries or for those who would like to find out more about it. Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads Prison Ministries will be here from Grand Rapids, MI for the luncheon, which will be held in the Venue.
This event is also open to those outside of Parkside Church who are interested in attending.
Register -
Feb04
Prison Ministry Luncheon
We will hold a free luncheon on Sunday, February 4 for anyone with a heart to reach those in prison with the Gospel. It is for those who are involved with any type of prison ministry, as well as for those who want to learn more about the kinds of prison ministry happening in NE Ohio. The luncheon will be at 12:30 pm in the Venue.
Register -
Prison is a Lonely Place
Only 12% of prisoners in Michigan get regular visitors. The story is similar across the country.
When you consider this statistic, you begin to realize how life-giving a simple letter from the outside can be for a prisoner. Letters written by Crossroads mentors are read over and over by their students. The encouraging and guiding words have a deep impact, providing a vivid picture of the unconditional love of Jesus. The words of hope, prayers and scriptures scribbled on paper are written on prisoners' hearts.
This correspondence would not happen without the support of our dedicated mentors and office volunteers!
One student said:
"The letter and booklets couldn't have arrived at a more necessary time, as my faith has been tested and attacked as of late. I have been assailed by doubts, fears and feelings of loneliness and anger so strongly in past weeks that I was starting to lose faith. My faith is now being re-strengthened and my hope rekindled."
