Rev. Randy Jackson, Part 2: Prison Ministry
November 29, 2019
You’re probably familiar with churches that offer several worship times or have multiple campuses, but what about a church that holds services in a prison? In this episode, Randy and Adam wrap up their discussion about diversity, and Randy talks about Grace PCA’s prison ministry.
As explained in the last episode, Grace’s congregants come from different backgrounds, and that includes incarcerated persons. Randy oversees a weekly church service at Walker State Prison and has helped several prisoners become members of Grace. Although prison ministry isn’t easy, Randy stresses its importance in light of Jesus’ admonishments to care for those who are incarcerated.
Listen in to this episode to find out the differences between jails and prisons and to hear more about PCA’s prison ministry.
Jump Through the Conversation
[0:50] Why understanding other cultures is emotionally and spiritually demanding
[3:48] How the diversity at Grace affects opinions on immigration
[6:55] Incarcerated members of Grace
[7:35] The challenge of ministering to incarcerated persons
Cultural pervasiveness of Christianity has changed
PCA’s Metanoia Prison Ministry
[9:49] The important differences between jails and prisons
[13:17] Advice to a church wanting to minister in a county jail
[13:57] Church services at Walker State Prison
[14:58] Membership and prison ministry
Denominational issues
How prisoners play an active role in ministry
[19:34] Awareness about prisoners in the church body
A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer