About Us | Cross and Key Prison Ministries

Our Mission

“Equipping churches for prison ministry, Education on criminal justice issues and Advocacy for reform.”

Our Vision

“Ministry to the incarcerated, working toward a more just society.”

Scriptural Affirmation

“Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Solidarity with people in prison is at the heart of Christian discipleship and ministry. Jesus claimed “release to prisoners” as central to his mission (Luke 4:18); and he declared that visiting those in prison is a means of visiting him (Matthew 25:36 ). And, let us remember that Jesus himself was a convicted felon and was executed by the Roman government. What better way to grow in discipleship than sharing in Bible study with people who live behind prison walls? There we will meet the Crucified and Risen Christ!

Kenneth Carder

Bishop (Retired), United Methodist Church

Staff

Rev. Dr. Mark Hicks, Executive Director, Cross and Key Prison Ministries, Inc.

The Rev. Dr. Mark Hicks was first appointed founding director of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries by Bishop Charlene Kammerer in June of 1999. A pioneer and architect of the DISCIPLE Prison Ministry Initiative, Hicks first served as chairperson of the DISCIPLE Prison Ministry Task Force in 1998. While serving in this capacity, he drafted a proposal for a new comprehensive ministry of DISCIPLE Bible Study in North Carolina. Once accepted by the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church, this proposal provided the pattern for the new ministry. He holds an AB Degree in History from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Faith-Based and Government Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He is a General Editor of the publication: “I was in Prison: United Methodist Perspectives on Prison Ministry” and is the creator and author of the RINGS OF FELLOWSHIP Bible Study curriculum for youth. Hicks is an ordained Elder in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and prior to his appointment, he held pastorates in Asheboro, Charlotte and Greensboro North Carolina. Hicks has provided numerous DISCIPLE training events both nationally and abroad. He and his wife, Laura have two daughters and one granddaughter. Dr. Hicks brings more than two decades of prison ministry leadership to Cross and Key Prison Ministries.

Reverend Dr. H. William Green

William is retired after 41 years of pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church. He has been involved with the Ministries since its beginning and has served on the Board of Directors, led several fundraising campaigns, and received the Cross and Key Award in 2002 for meritorious service. He led Disciple Bible Study for 12 years at the North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women in Raleigh, NC. He received the Community Volunteer of the Year Award in 2003. William and his wife, Polly Jo, live in Cary, NC. William enjoys biblical storytelling and is a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers. Polly Jo enjoys art and is the founder of Heart’s Desire Art Journey. They both enjoy taking long walks together with their rescue dog, Gracie Jo. William and Polly Jo attend Southeast Raleigh Table. Education: Catawba College, BA 1974, Duke Divinity School, M.Div. 1977, Emory University, Doctor of Ministry 1993.

Darlene Phillips, Administrator

Darlene Phillips serves as the Administrator. She studied accounting at Northern Virginia Community College. Her work experience includes retail management, office manager for a marble and granite company, a kindergarten teacher and nanny for several years. She is currently also a teacher at A Nesting Place Preschool.

Nothing is more important today than Prison ministry. We have so many men and women behind bars. I am so proud of Disciple Bible Outreach Prison Ministry. Taking the small group Bible study lead by laypersons into the men and women prisons is powerful. It is helping inmates change their lives. Laymen week by week go into the prison and build meaning Christ centered relationships. Mark Hicks has built the program prison by prisons and state by state, I am so proud of his leadership. Jesus said “I was in prison and you came to me – that is what Disciple is doing. God Bless, Disciple Bible Outreach Prison Ministry.

Richard B. WIlke

Bishop (Retired) & Author of The Disciple Bible Study Series, United Methodist Church

Some Of Our Generous Organizational Supporters

A special thank you to each and every one of our organizational supporters. Your gifts have enabled a new purpose within hearts and changed eternity. We are blessed to bless others. Thank you!