Welcome Ministry Leaders and Volunteers, The Correctional Ministries Institute provides training and resources to equip you to walk alongside and support people impacted by crime.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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The Correctional Ministry Certificate Program
Do you want to develop professionally and become more effective at fulfilling the Great Commission in your ministry? Are you interested in networking and collaborating with others in your field?
Our online program enables you to develop professionally and take your ministry to the next level. Each 8-week course is personally taught by a ministry expert, who provides feedback and guidance to enhance your ministry and learning experience.
Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA)
Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches; developing professionally through online resources, training, and certifications, and be inspired through networking, and conferences.
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
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Life Coach Training
Life Coach Training will equip you to work with justice-involved adults as they transition back into the community.
Answering the Call In-Person Training
Our 11 week, in-prison training for Christ-followers to live focused lives of witness and discipleship. If you are interested in delivering the Answering the Call training to the incarcerated, complete the online training to become a Certified Trainer.
Customized Training
customize your training needs by selecting the topics and amount of training you desire for your correctional ministry workers.
Charles W. Colson Scholarship
The Charles W. Colson Scholarship provides former prisoners with a Wheaton College education that develops them as Christian leaders. The Bachelor’s Degree Award assists with tuition and on-campus room and board. The graduate Degree Award assists with tuition for a Master’s degree only.
R. Steve Lowe Scholarship
Established in 2020, CMI awards two scholarships annually for students who have been accepted to the Correctional Ministries Certificate Program. Chaplain Steve has held a high level of commitment to education and training for the past 50 years for all who serve in correctional ministry.
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
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BOOKS
Prison Ministry: Understanding Jail and Prison Culture
By Lennie Spitale
Correctional Chaplains: Keeper of the Cloak
By W. Thomas Beckner
All Rise: Ministry With Justice-Involved Women
By Lynn O. Cooper and Karen K. Swanson
Building Bridges with Corrections Staff: Spiritually, Practically, Relationally
By Caterina Spinaris and Daria Mayotte
Staying Well: Strategies for Corrections Staff
By Caterina Spinaris, Ph.D.
Jail Ministry: Preparing Christians to Effectively Volunteer
By Karen K. Swanson
Leading Strategically: Planning for Success (Resources for Correctional Ministry Leaders and Chaplains
By Ed Stetzer and Karen K. Swanson
Pathway to Healing: A Guide to Helping Victims of Crime
By Jayne Crisp and Lisa Lampman
MINISTRY TO FAMILIES BOOKS
Arrested: Making Decisions for Yourself and Your Incarcerated Loved One
By Lennie Spitale
Sentenced: Maintaining Relationships During Incarceration
By Lennie Spitale
Released: Preparing for Your Loved One's Return Home
By Lennie Spitale and Karen Swanson
When Your Child is Arrested: A Parent's Guide to the Juvenile Justice System
By John Kinsley and Scott Larson
Pastor Views On Prison Ministry: A Survey of Protestant Pastors
The Pastor Views on Prison Ministry was conducted by LifeWay Research. Its objectives were to quantitatively measure current church involvement in correctional ministry and to measure Protestant pastors’ experience and attitude toward engaging in ministry among those affected by incarceration.
MASS INCARCERATION
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The U.S. is known as the land of the free, yet more people are locked up than any other country in the world. Representing less than 5% of the world’s population, we now hold almost 25% of the world’s total prison population.
Mass incarceration is a human rights and justice issue impacting over 2.3 million adults and youth, along with their families and victims.
While mass incarceration impacts individuals and communities, the impact is felt more deeply by those who are people of color and the poor. Mass incarceration is an issue that has been largely ignored by the Church. Now is the time for the Church to speak up about the injustices ad respond with justice, mercy, and compassion.
Check out the videos from the GC2 Summit on Mass Incarceration.
JAIL TOOLKIT
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Jail Ministry Opportunities
A Mission Field In Our Backyard
Guide for Starting a Jail Ministry
Jail Ministry Talking Points Presentation
Jail Ministry Power Points Presentation
JAIL TOOLKIT
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Juvenile Justice Ministry
Starting Effective Ministry
Juvenile Justice Infographic
Juvenile Justice Organizations
About Correctional Ministries Institute
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CMI Award
The Correctional Ministries Institute, Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, annually presents this award to individuals in recognition of years of faithful service to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the incarcerated.
Training
The Correctional Ministries Institute is a training and resource center for those who share the gospel within the correctional community.
CMI Leadership
Leaders pursue the goals of CMI through networks, collaboration, and strategic partnerships that provide leadership and training to those engaged in correctional ministries for the advancement of the gospel.
Charles W. Colson Scholarship
The Charles W. Colson Scholarship provides former prisoners with a college education and life formation program that develops them as Christian leaders.