Inmate Restoration Ministry

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Reconciling Men to God, Family, and Community

New Man Ministries is an outreach to men and families effected by crime and incarceration. We bring the gospel right into the local county jail and then help men transition into new lives as followers of Jesus when they are released from jail or prison. These are some of the most forgotten and neglected men in our community, yet when they are reconciled to God, their families, and our communities, countless lost and hurting people are effected. God is calling us to make disciples among the most needy where transformation will have it’s greatest impact.

 

Jail Ministry

God has opened an amazing door of opportunity for us
to lead evangelistic Bible studies for the men in Hennepin County Jail.

I (Joe Nordstrom) lead two weekly classes, each with an average of eight to twelve men. We meet for about an hour in a small classroom like this one. I don’t lecture to them. I sit face to face with them in a small group discussion. 

The jailer brings the group into and out of the room single file in strict order. God (and the sheriff’) gather together men who are at a unique place of searching and openness to the gospel.

There is a rare window in the back of the room and inevitably, one or two of the men will stare out the window while they listen.

Several new men are hearing the gospel every week. Since there is great turnover in the jail, there are always about 50% new men in each class. Most of these men know very little of the Bible. They are confused about the message of Jesus, but many of them want to get right with God.

It is such a thrill to be able to share my faith with these men. I quickly gain their trust. I tell them why I am there, that I am just a very gratefully forgiven man. I gain their ears by sharing my own story of sin and self-righteousness. In the process of sharing my journey of faith, I explain the gospel in clear and straight forward terms. Then I give them all an opportunity to confess their sin and surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord. The sincere responses of these men is nothing short of overwhelming. Each week I hear men pray to repent of their sin trust in Jesus. This is such an amazing mission field.

 

Restoration Ministry

I immediately saw the need to help these men when they got out of jail and attempt to make a clean break from old lifestyles into new lives as Christian men. They usually have no church connection and no real Christian friends. So, I learned from others with experience ministering to men coming out of incarceration and the Lord led me to start New Man Ministries. We welcome these men into our fellowship. We offer help with mentors and coaches who are willing to help men achieve their new goals as godly men. We work toward goals such as:

We are committed to helping these men become fully devoted followers of Jesus. In the process, God spreads the blessings of new life into the lives of their families and all those around them.

You Can Help

I know I am only scratching the surface of the needs and potential ministry.

I want to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. God has given me favor with the county jail officials. I could expand to more classes each week and I have opportunities to do the same outreach in other county jail systems.

I am ready and willing to do much more but I need partners to help me get there. You could get involved and make a truly significant impact on one of these men by by supporting these efforts financially and with prayer, or serving as a mentor friend.

Two Ways to Help us:

Become a monthly Ministry Partner

You can make this ministry possible now and into the future by supporting Joe financially each month at whatever level the Lord leads you to give. Your monthly participation is what will allow Joe to go serve these men each week and to expand to more classes and other county jails.

Make a Special Donation Today

Your special donation at this time will send Joe into the jail with Bibles for men in jail.
To learn more, visit our Bible for Inmates page and get involved that way.

See our Ministry Partner and Donate pages to learn more about how to get involved or contact me directly.

To read more about how God has been reaching men in the county jail,
please visit the New Man Jail Ministry Stories page.