Prison Ministry as Essential Discipleship Opportunity

As the Church, we are called to make disciples and to remember and care for those in prison. Crossroads Prison Ministries embodies the powerful convergence of these two biblical mandates, forming the very foundation and heart of its unique Bible study correspondence ministry. For over 40 years, Crossroads has been the bridge that allows Christian volunteers to mentor and encourage those in prison, building Christ-centered relationships and sharing the hope of the Gospel.

Crossroads has also been a longtime partner of the CRC. There are currently 224 CRC congregations across the U.S and Canada that have at least one volunteer mentor actively involved in the Bible study correspondence ministry. This is not surprising. Crossroads’ mission and vision has resonance with the CRC’s historical synodical mandate on restorative justice and its originating report from the Committee to Study Restorative Justice.

Another point of resonance that has birthed a renewed collaboration and partnership between Crossroads and the CRC is Thrive’s ongoing approach to justice work within CRC congregations. Thrive has been committed to helping our churches engage justice as an integral part of faith formation and discipleship. When we welcome the stranger (Matt. 25:35), defend the sanctity of human life (Deut. 5:17), care for creation (Gen. 2:15) and remember those in prison (Heb. 13:3), we are engaging in faith practices that integrate our capacity to experience and respond to God’s love by moving us to love our neighbors, which in turn deepens and expands our love for God. Essentially, we are creating discipleship opportunities each time we engage in justice work.

Thrive is partnering with Crossroads to encourage more CRC support and involvement in this very unique and missional work. We have discipleship and faith formation resources available to deepen your understanding of sharing the hope of the Gospel, so you too can become a mentor to Crossroads Students.

To truly understand the power of this ministry, we invite you to hear from CRC members whose lives have been transformed by Crossroads’ mentorship program. Their stories speak to the profound impact of sharing hope and encouragement with those in prison.

CRC Crossroads Mentors Testimonials

Why should CRC members get involved in Crossroads Prison Ministries?

I believe Crossroads Prison Ministries are a great “fit” in our CRC community to become involved with. Lessons completed by incarcerated students are sent to your home so they can be graded and a personal letter of care and encouragement to your student included and returned to them by mail, at their institution. I’ve witnessed lives being quite literally transformed by the message of the Gospel and am always awed and amazed by the power of God’s Spirit at work in the hearts and minds of men and women who have experienced hitting rock-bottom and finding God waiting for them there! - Jannette, from Fleetwood CRC, Surrey, B.C

Because Jesus asked us to. Simple as that. Jesus commanded us to remember the prisoners and to visit them, which can be done by way of a physical visit or by sending an encouraging note or by getting involved in correspondence Bible Studies. “If you care for the prisoner” Jesus said, “then you have done it unto Me”. See Matthew 25:39 & 40. After being involved as a mentor for almost 3 years, I have learned many new things and to dig into the Scriptures with the prisoners has been an incredible blessing! I spend time in prayer for each incarcerated person as I return the lesson to them. - Marianne, from Compass Community Church CRC, Strathroy, Ontario

There is nothing better than to know God and His truths. Being a Crossroads mentor is a wonderful way to share who God is and what He has done for us. - Norma, from Escalon Christian Reformed Church, Escalon, California

Ways to Get Involved in Crossroads Prison Ministries

• Become a Mentor: Join the over 570 active CRC volunteer mentors who are, on average, discipling over 2200 students each month. Show your compassion, use your gifts, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives without ever having to leave your home. Learn more on how to become a mentor today!
• Give: It takes only about $115 to provide a year’s worth of curriculum for one Student. Your generosity can bring hope to a waiting soul.
• Become a Volunteer: Join the critical mission support volunteer team who do the vital administration and production work that enables Crossroads to reach thousands of people in prison each week. Learn more on how to become a volunteer today!

Thrive Resources on Faith Formation & Justice as Discipleship

As the congregational support agency of the CRCNA and a renewed collaborator with Crossroads, Thrive is uniquely positioned to guide CRC churches and members as they step into this justice discipleship opportunity with Crossroads. We encourage you to explore the resources below to deepen your understanding as you consider this opportunity:

• Faith Practices on Justice & Mercy: Begin the journey of understanding the connection between justice as an integral part of faith formation by diving into this resource. You will begin to see how every justice opportunity is a discipleship opportunity.
• The Building Blocks of Faith Toolkit: Enrich and strengthen your own personal faith formation so you can competently disciple and share the Good News with Crossroads students with our popular toolkit.
• Faith Storytelling Toolkit: The encouraging notes and letters Crossroads’ Students receive are shaped by faith storytelling. Use our faith storytelling toolkit to develop a storytelling culture in which sharing faith stories becomes a deep, rich and natural pathway to growing together in Christ.

Finally, if you would like more information on the Crossroads Bible study correspondence ministry, resources on approaching justice work as discipleship opportunities, or engagement in transformational advocacy opportunities around restorative justice issues, reach out to Andrew Oppong at [email protected]