Cross And Key Prison Ministries

 

“Reconciled through the cross of Christ and set free by the truth of God’s Word.”

Cross And Key Prison Ministries
“Reconciled through the cross of Christ and set free by the truth of God’s Word.”

Restoring Lives Together

Equipping churches for prison ministry.
Education on criminal justice issues.
Advocacy for reform.

DISCIPLE prison groups return to service following COVID pandemic.

Following a long suspension of prison volunteering due to the COVID19 pandemic, Disciple Bible study groups are beginning to return to prison for service.  Here are three examples…

Forsyth Correctional Center

Joeff Williams of First United Methodist Church in Mocksville helps to lead our study at Forsyth Correctional Center in Winston-Salem.  Forsyth Correctional Center was the first prison in NC to offer Disciple in 1995 under the direction of Darrell Sayles and Darrell Hayden.  This first study helped give rise to the program throughout NC and the establishment of our ministry.  Along with Joeff, leaders include Cindy Booth and Abraham Grant of Clemmons UMC.  Chaplain Roy Izzard is the supporting chaplain.  Joeff says: “We were so fortunate to work alongside an organization like Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministry.  They were adamant that one of the first programs to get back going during COVID was the Disciple Bible Study program.  We were thankful to be able to do a virtual program so early and even more excited when we came back in the Spring of 2022 to finish in person.  We all agreed that the heart and soul of Disciple Bible Study is that personal interaction each week that creates an environment for personal spiritual transformation.”

Lumberton Correctional Institution

Eddie Smith and Jon Everson are back in action at Lumberton Correctional Institution in Lumberton.  Eddie and Jon first started leading Disciple at Lumberton CI the founding year of our organization in 1999.  Since beginning, more than 200 men have been involved in their study.  They are members of Chestnut Street Methodist Church in Lumberton which has been supportive of their ministry throughout the years.  This year they started with 16 men with the support of Chaplain Sam Smith.  Jon and Eddie say they are happy to be back!

Alexander Correctional Institution

Rev. Josh Sherfey and his team have returned to leading Disciple Bible Study at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville.  Josh continued the ministry at Taylorville UMC first started by Pastor Lori Beth Huffman.  Josh has since moved to First UMC Newton where he now serves as lead pastor.  Volunteers include Kellie Chapman of Taylorville UMC and Mary Yoder and Mike Jenkins of First UMC, Newton.  There are currently 40 inmates enrolled in their study.  Chaplain Michael Ramsey is the supporting chaplain.  Of the study Josh says, “The Word of God is powerful.” That phrase uttered in Hebrews 4:12 could not be more true when unleashed in the context of a prison. With the scripture as a guide, those inmates who covenant to study together enter a journey of vulnerability and intimacy that transforms their lives and hearts.  I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this ministry.” 

All across the state there are signs of new life as volunteers return to prison for service.  We thank Almighty God for God’s continued provision for this ministry.  If you are interested in getting involved in DISCIPLE Bible study in prison, give us a call.  We would love to speak with you!

Mark Hicks

Cross and Key Prison Ministries Presents:

 

Toolkit for Prison Ministry

Everything you need to know about starting a prison ministry is in the Toolkit.
 
For information on how to access the Toolkit via the website, contact Reverend Dr. Mark Hicks.
 

Support Cross and Key Prison Ministries

Your participation helps us provide materials to minister and share the Word of God.

Equipping, Education and Advocacy

Cross and Key Prison Ministries is a collaborative ministry of the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church.  Our Mission:  “Equipping churches for prison ministry, Education on criminal justice issues and Advocacy for reform.”  

Equipping Churches For Prison Ministry
Advocacy For Reform
Education On Criminal Justice Issues
Equipping Churches For Prison Ministry
Advocacy For Reform
Education On Criminal Justice Issues
Your participation helps us provide materials to minister and share the Word of God.

Cross and Key Prison
Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 358
Oak Island, NC 28465
Toll-free (855) 980-7400

The lives of both inmates and volunteers are being transformed.

“The need is so great and the work is so hard but doing this ministry gives me the greatest joy.” ~ A Volunteer

Please Join Us

Micah 6:8

“Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.”