Date

4-2018

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Michael C Whittington

Keywords

Disciple, Discipleship, Inmate, Prison, Prisoners, Transitioning

Disciplines

Christianity | Ethics in Religion | Practical Theology | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

The prison population in the United States surpasses all other countries on a per capita basis. The number of released inmates, who return to prison (recidivism) is staggering. In-prison Christian discipleship programs have successfully transitioned parolees into the free world, but little research has been done to confirm a standard practice for the transition process. Theories abound from clergy and laity alike; yet apathy and fear remain persistent deterrents. The church is confronted with a biblical mandate to assist the incarcerated (Matt. 25:36) and to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). By addressing the current concerns of church and prison ministry leaders, as well as, the concerns of incarcerated disciples, the implementation of a focused transition process can be achieved. Ultimately, discipled releasee’s will quickly become productive citizens and the Christian community will have proven methods to provide successful transitioning.

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