Prison World

Prisoner Power
Prisoners Discipling Prisoners

This ministry brings prisoners to Christ and baptism, and then allows prisoners to start reproducing churches in their communities when released. I feel very strongly God is leading us along pathways not commonly traveled in which we outsiders are catalysts for prison ministries but in which the great prison awakening is seen primarily as the task and privilege of the prisoners themselves.

The Philippi Ministry concept is based on Paul’s experiences with the prisoners and the prison keeper in Philippi, the very place where the gospel first reached Europe. This is unique in that it is based on a systematic disciple-making of prisoners by prisoners, bringing lost prisoners to the Bible, then to Christ, and then training them to become disciple-makers in the prison and to create prison congregations. As they train and work in the prisons, they train to start New Testament congregations in their home communities when they are released. It envisions prisons as becoming the seed beds of churches in vast areas around each prison.

The Philippi International Missionary Institute is a unique and powerful instrument by which men and women under detention may train for Christian ministries—serving Christ immediately within the institution and preparing themselves for the day they will minister outside.

Missionary training institutes in jails and prisons are almost cost-free. The state provides housing, meals, medical attention, and gathering places for the prisoner teachers and students. Eventually, every village, town and city in the world will have men and women return to them from the prisons. When every prison in the world has missionary institutes, hopefully every community in the world will someday receive prison-trained missionaries!”

Philippi Bible Studies

These courses are required as a part of the 60 lessons required for the first certificate:
People Who Knew Jesus, Faith Power, First Steps of Christian Discipleship, The Faith That Saves
The following courses may be taken in any order, as the Director chooses:
Category – Course Name; Hours of Class
Personal Ministry – Prisoner Power; 6
Missions – The Great Commission Is Personal; 6
Disciple Making – Teaching to Save Lives; 8
Discipleship – First Steps in Christian Discipleship; 8
Church Planting, Growth – The Church on the March; 8
Spiritual Basis of Ministry – Spiritual Power; 6
Pastoral Leadership – The Pastor God Uses; 6
Pastoral Ministry – Pastoral Ministries in the Church; 6
Biblical Homiletics – Preach the Word; 12
Biblical Homiletics – Dramatic Preaching, Stories of the Bible; 12
Christian Doctrine – Christian Doctrines: What Christians Believe; 8
Family – Ministry to Families; 8
Principles of Christian Leadership – Dynamic Spiritual Leadership; 6
Christian Stewardship – Your Prosperity Pleases God; 6
Electives – Optional Courses; 14
Total Class Hours; 120

“Two men looked out through prison bars, One saw mud; the other, stars.”

Every prisoners’ head and heart can be lifted above his or her circumstances and have a peace that passes all understanding:
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (RSV)
Suggested reading: Prisoner Power, The Great Commission Is Personal