Book recommendations, thoughts on jail ministry situation

[sparkmanrl]

Hi all,

I want to mention that it's been very helpful asking this forum questions regarding good materials for jail ministry. I have used some of the materials that were recommended.

Thursday evening, in a group discussion, one prisoner brought up his moral failures in despair. It was obvious to me that the guy was repentant and wanted to change.

He asked about the helpfulness of rededication or rebaptism, etcetera.

I discussed God's steadfast love with him, referring him to Psalm 136, and pointed him to the need to be involved in a solid fellowship when he is released. I mentioned that it might help him to study the doctrine of union with Christ.

Anyways, I am wondering if anyone else has any thoughts in terms of books or approaches. Obviously I know there are false conversions, but I sensed a broken spirit within this individual so I didn't address that approach. Equally, I know that real believers can fall into immorality, even repetitively, because I've done it myself.

Any thoughts, especially on books?

I operate in an environment where non-Reformed individuals are also chaplain aides, so I am sure he will get some heavy doses of guilt and warnings against losing salvation. I can never really know about someone's spiritual state, but I think his attitude is repentant.

Please let me know if this subject belongs on a different topic. I value the supplement opinions of other better trained brothers from a similar perspective as my own.

 

[sparkmanrl]

I'd also like to add...his brother is a Christian music professional of some sort...so my guess is that he may be comparing himself negatively to his brother.

 

[mgkortus]

While not a jail ministry, I have spoken several times at a Rescue Mission that provides a shelter for the homeless—many of whom are right out of jail.

I have tried different approaches when speaking to these individuals. However, at this point I believe it is important to set before them the sovereignty of God over everything. This is at the heart of Reformed theology.

Therefore in answer to your question, I recommend AW Pink's book, The Sovereignty of God. God has been pleased to use this book to bring many to the Reformed faith. Thus, when I go to the rescue mission, I bring extra copies of this book along and give them away to anyone who promises that he will read it.