Our Mission
To evangelize and disciple men who happen to be prisoners and former inmates
We Are Not a “Large” Prison Ministry
Alpha Prison Ministries does not have thousands of supporters, we are much smaller than we appear. One reason you may get the impression this is a large ministry is that we adhere to a standard of excellence in everything we do. We represent Jesus Christ, and he is worthy of nothing less than our best. Some very committed and talented people make this ministry operate efficiently and professionally, giving it the appearance of being larger than it is.
We do however serve a big God and would be glad to have you join us.
Nearly 40 Years of Prison Ministry
Alpha Prison Ministries began in November, 1983 with only three volunteers and a vision to provide Bible studies and one-on-one mentoring of prison inmates. From the beginning, our success, and the difference we have made, has been measured one life at a time. Each prisoner we reach usually translates into that prisoner reaching others, so the results are multiplied many times over.
Our vision is to expand beyond the seven correctional facilities now being served. The state of Michigan has over 40 state prisons and 14 work camps. Alpha Prison Ministries seeks to serve more of these facilities through the prayers, financial support, and volunteers who choose to join us in this endeavor. If God has prompted you to help in some way, feel free to call (616) 538-4090, email us, or fill out our contact form.
Our Three Areas of Ministry
- In prison Bible study and discipleship training
- Alpha House transitional housing for parolees
- Christian Mentoring for Alpha House residents
Your Partnership Makes a Huge Impact
In Michigan, it costs taxpayers well over $30,000 per year, per prisoner. Nationally, there are over two million people in prison. Aside from the waste of human potential, these numbers are a problem for all of us. It would be easy to get discouraged, but our God is bigger than the problem. Every life we impact matters.
The transition back into society for ex-offenders is challenging to say the least. The percentage that end up back in prison, and the fact that it usually only takes a few months, is sad. Alpha Prison Ministries has been successful in helping men break this cycle.
This success happens because we have people who will give them a chance and hire them. It happens because we receive generous support from people like you. It happens because people pray and volunteer, and we serve a God who changes hearts and transforms the one who committed a crime into a completely different person, a person who becomes an asset to our society.
Take time though to reflect briefly on the number of people in prison. Two million! That is the population of a very large city. Why so many? The mistakes that get them there are not hard to make. It could be one desperate and wrong choice, or a more minor choice that easily takes them down a path they never intended to go. It could be any number of reasons.
In any case, if you are not already involved in our ministry, your life and someone else’s will be enriched if you can join us in some way.
