FAIRFIELD COUNTY JAIL MINISTRY

Christian ministry at the Fairfield County Jail has been in continuous operation for over 30 years. Jail ministry includes Bible studies, distribution of Bibles, chaplain/inmate one-on-one visits and church groups from throughout Fairfield County are going to the Jail each week to make sure that the spiritual needs of inmates are addressed through Bible studies

Below you can learn more about the mission, how to get involved and resources for the Fairfield County Jail Ministry program.

+ MISSION

HISTORY & PURPOSE

The Jail Chaplain position was established in 2003 in an effort to organize and coordinate the many ministry volunteers that come to the jail to visit prisoners, to provide spiritual guidance, encouragement and personal counseling. This program is partially funded through the generous support of local churches and individuals. Pastor Jerry Eaton of The Church of the Risen Lord was the first Jail Chaplain. Pastor Eaton is also a retired Fairfield County Deputy Sheriff (1991). Pastor Tom Underwood of Cornerstone New Testament Church was appointed as Jail Chaplain in July 2013. In general, the Jail Ministry Chaplain organizes volunteers, holds Bible studies with inmates and does one-on-one spiritual counseling with inmates.

MISSION

  • Share the gospel of Jesus Christ through group Bible Studies
  • Visit one-on-one with inmates, providing spiritual guidance and support, encouraging them to grow in Christ
  • Distribute Bibles and Christian literature
  • Help the inmate to prepare for re-entry to the community by sharing social services information

+ PROGRAMS

MENS & WOMENS BIBLE STUDIES

We believe the One source of Truth is always Jesus Christ and the Bible, the Word of God. Bible studies are offered six days a week. The Bible studies are varied and geared towards current Christians and seekers alike. Bible studies generally have good attendance, participation and discussion.

ONE ON ONE SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

All male and female inmates may request to see the Chaplain. Generally a request is made to speak with the Chaplain and he will meet with them within the week. Often, follow-up visits are scheduled per the request of the inmate. The inmates are given prayer and spiritual counseling so they can learn how to find their help and comfort in Jesus Christ and the Bible, the Word of God. Conversations are geared towards overcoming the past and developing a plan for life. The Chaplain believes these visits are crucial to developing a hunger for change and a new path to walk down. Often the Chaplain provides the inmate with additional Biblical, Christ-centered reading material to further their knowledge and walk with Christ.

+ VOLUNTEER

PRAY

  • For open hearts to the Gospel Message
  • For inmates to have a strong commitment to repentance and change
  • For financial support for the Jail Ministry

+ PASTORAL VISITATION GUIDELINES

Pastoral visitation is non-contact only (behind a glass). All visits are conducted at the Jail located at 345 Lincoln Avenue in Lancaster. Visits are not time restricted, however, no visitation is allowed during meal service which is 10:30am-Noon and 5pm-6:00pm. These visits will not be deducted from the inmate’s normal 20 minute weekly visitation time.

Requirements | All visits MUST be scheduled; otherwise you could be turned away.

  1. Contact the Jail Receptionist PRIOR to traveling to the Jail to ensure that there are no issues that would prevent a visit – 740-652-7315.

  2. If the visit is approved by the attending supervisor, PLEASE BE PROMPT! Arrival at the agreed upon time for the visit will help to ensure that the visit will occur.

  3. Upon arrival at the Jail, go to the receptionist window and let her know you who you are and why you are there.

  4. Have proper pastoral credentials and ID on hand to present to the receptionist; i.e. Ordination Card, Pastoral Calling card, etc.

Please be aware that situations can arise at any time that may cause a delay in the scheduled time for the visit OR prevent you from seeing the inmate altogether.

The primary duty of the Jail is to secure inmates and ensure the safety of every person in the building.

+ CALENDAR

Calendar will be updated once Bible studies are reinstated after pandemic.

+ DONATE

If you would like to donate to the Jail Ministry click the link below.

DONATE!

*Please select the 'Jail Ministry' option from the drop down menu to ensure the donation gets allocated to the correct location. Thank you for your generosity.

+ CONTACT US

If you have questions regarding the Jail Ministry or how you can get involved please click the link below and submit your questions.

TAKE ME TO THE CONTACT FORM