Prisons ministry

Our prisons ministry aims to reach the 88,000 men, women and teenagers serving prison sentences across the UK. Many of them will be at the lowest point in their lives and they need to hear about the hope that only Jesus offers them.

Message in Prisons teams provide prisons chaplaincy and fellowship, sharing the good news of Jesus in word and deed. Today we’re among the biggest providers of prisons ministry, meeting around 10% of the UK’s prison population.

‘I’m unrecognisable from the guy I was, Jesus’ love has transformed my life.’ – Dennis

What we do

First contact
We might meet someone before they’re sentenced or once they’ve arrived in prison. Our prisons fellowship builds genuine relationships, investing in each conversation and even offering music lessons to help break the ice.

Exploring faith
We invite everyone we meet in prison to explore the Christian faith as part of our prison chaplaincy. We run tailored versions of the Alpha course, Bible studies, worship sessions and courses including Faith and Self-Esteem and Faith and Recovery.

Discipleship
Many of the people we work with choose to give their lives to Jesus. Once someone has made a decision, we support them in the early stages of their faith. We run regular Bible studies and host Sunday chapel services.

Resettlement
We help people make a fresh start and avoid returning to old patterns. We connect each prison leaver we’ve discipled with a local church. Our Community Groceries offer practical support and our cafés and Grocery warehouse offer training and work.

‘I can’t wait to see where this new faith in Jesus will take me’. – Paula

Join us in prayer this Prisons Week

Illustration of a table with a lot of chairs.

Prisons Week prayer resource (English)

Download

Illustration of a table with lots of chairs.

Prisons Week prayer resource (Welsh)

Download

How you and your church can help

Outreach worker meeting someone on the wing during prisons ministry

Equip your church to welcome prison leavers

Have you ever wondered how your church can best support those leaving prison? Tim Mycock, Head of Prisons at The Message, has worked with prison leavers for over 20 years.

Read Tim’s advice

Outreach worker in a one to one during prisons ministry

What does it take to be a prison volunteer?

Volunteering in a prison is both challenging and rewarding. This kind of role won’t suit everyone but if you’re the right fit, you might find it’s a truly impactful way for Jesus to work through you.

Find out about prison volunteering

Prisons stories

Choirs, community and building confidence

Our prisons teams have been busy sharing the love of Jesus with those they’re working with. Read what’s been happening.

‘Jesus is changing me’

Every week, our prisons team across the country journey with men and women as they find out more about faith, and they’re seeing God move in amazing ways.

See more Prisons Stories

Can you stand with us?

Help us reach more people in prison with the hope of Jesus and change lives forever.