August 2 2012

One on One Discipleship

OATC Churches, Discipleship prison resources

OATC believes one on one discipleship is the best method to help ex-offenders. Our model incorporates the resources and gifts within the local church to meet the needs of ex-offenders who have identified a church home whose doors and hearts are open to them. As children of God, the Bible teaches us that we have all things in common (Acts 2) thereby making the local church a resource center for all who gather there. Through meaningful and transparent relationship, every member is able to discern where there is a need to be met or where he or she has a need that must be made known. In that environment, ex-offenders can find safety, love and practical help in their season of transition and readjustment to civilian life.

One can expect the following steps in establishing discipleship in an OATC partnering church:

Upon release from jail/prison, we recognize that every inmate requires intensive ministry according to each individual’s needs and level of maturity. The following is an outline that defines the various areas of ministry required to help each person come to wholeness in body, soul and spirit. Our goal is to minister to each of these areas so as to connect the individual to the Person of Jesus Christ and His Body intimately, bring the Word to life through practical application and enable each one to enter a healing process that will bring success in relationships in the family, church, the workplace and in society in general…in that order.

Personal interview and assessment via required application

Assignment to personal counselor/discipler who determines areas of need regarding healing/deliverance, family issues, practical needs (i.e. food, shelter clothing etc.)

Research and referral to resources at discipler’s disposal in and out of the church….housing, personal needs, finances, freedom prayer, bible study, etc.

Coordinate with in-house ministries to identify individuals willing to work with the prison ministry in ex-offender’s areas of need.

Weekly accountability and prayer.

In addition, we are designing care groups to reach out to families affected by the challenges of incarceration providing assistance and support to better understand how to relate to their loved ones who are or have been incarcerated.