The following studies are from the Bread of Life Bible Studies series, which was created by WELS Prison Ministries. More studies from the Bread of Life series, along with background information, are available. Learn more.
Resources for chaplains include:
Also view the booklet A Pastor Looks at PTSD under “Ministry to the Military resources.
Martin Luther College offers courses for Chaplain Certification. Find course information and forms on the MLC website.
A complete list of Prison Ministry Self-Study Bible Correspondence Course descriptions can be found in the document list below. All of the Bible courses were designed for use in jails and prisons. They require no instructor; a student can complete a course working independently. At the end of each Bible course is a test that can be mailed to WELS Prison Ministry. Volunteers will go over the test and give the prisoner feedback on his answers, and WELS Prison Ministry will send the next course in the series.
The Bible courses are published in two levels: Level 1 Bible course booklets will be mailed for at no charge to any prisoner or inmate and are available without charge to prison chaplains. Level 2 books are only distributed directly to inmates, though chaplains and others may order single copies for review and personal ministry uses. Order copies of the Bible course booklets or books. Find the order form here.
Sample portions of Level 1 courses—Dealing with Depression and Anxiety, The Death and Rising of Jesus Christ, Overcoming the Guilt of Sin, and Jesus is Lord, Addiction is Not—can be downloaded to give you an idea of the format of these books. We have included a sample portion of the Level 2 course The Lord Cares for Me—a study of Psalm 23 taught in narrative style. All samples are copyright by WELS Special Ministries and may not be published or sold without the expressed, written permission of WELS Special Ministries.
The Self-Study Bible Correspondence Courses were designed for use in jails and prisons; however, you will discover that with a few adaptations, they may also be used in other situations. Churches or individuals interested in purchasing Level 1 or Level 2 booklets for use outside of correctional facilities may purchase them from Northwestern Publishing House’s Bible Teaching Series.
Looking for more Bible study options with inmates? Try the downloadable Bread of Life Bible Studies.
For more information, contact Prison Ministries.
WELS PRISON MINISTRY
PO Box 452
New Ulm, MN 56073
[email protected]
Telephone: 507-354-3130
When someone who was incarcerated returns to the community, it’s hard to overcome the many challenges of starting over. Prison Ministry has created a training course, “Mentoring a Returning Citizen” which provides excellent information and guidance for church members who have a desire to help someone rebuild their life after they’ve been set free.
Below are resources to assist in ministering to those released from prison. More resources, including Recovery Bible studies and a life skills course called “Facing Freedom,” can be found on the Institutional Ministries (IM) website.
Guidelines for Dealing with Sexual Offenders – These guidelines give thoughtful guidance for congregations who want to keep members safe, obey the laws and rules that govern probation, and minister with Word and Sacrament to people convicted of sexual offenses.
Water of Life – View the list of modules and lessons, as well as two sample teacher guides and student lessons from the Water of Life Bible study.
An Introduction to the Military Ministry Prayers and Liturgies
Busy pastors have sometimes asked WELS Military Services if some ready resources of prayers and orders of service related to our nation and our Armed Forces could be prepared. In this folder you find our answer to that request.
What you find offered here are our suggestions and ideas. You can improve on them. Perhaps in these files you may find some idea starters. On other occasions, when you look at your schedule, you may decide to use some of this work just the way it is. If you have suggestions on how we might improve a work—or a suggestion for another topic, please let us know.
If you have prepared something that you think others may benefit from using, please submit it to us.
May the Lord richly bless your efforts to serve him by serving his people!
Rev. Paul Horn
National Civilian Chaplain to the Military
Armed Forces Liaison of WELS Military Services
[email protected]