An Open Door

Many churches in our nation have an unrecognized, unused opportunity for evangelism not far from their front door. There is a place where the gospel can be preached regularly to a captive audience. That place is the prisons and jails of our nation. There are more people in prison in our nation than ever before. Church leaders who follow Jesus’ instructions will see the fields white unto harvest and pray for workers for the harvest (Matt. 9:35-38). Souls are being won behind bars. Lives and families are being changed. That should be motivation enough for our churches to walk through the open doors God is providing for us.

But there is another motivation. Jesus included visiting those in prison in his list of “judgment criteria” (Matthew 25). I realize that not every Christian can visit those in prison; I know from personal experience that some prisons have complex requirements for visitors. Nevertheless, there are some things that we can do in every local congregation. Every Christian can pray for those in prison. Every congregation can provide financial support for prison ministry. Every Christian can pray for the harvest and for workers.

I hear the public prayers of our assemblies every week—opening prayers, closing prayers, shepherds’ prayers. I very seldom (almost never) hear prayers for the harvest, for more workers, or for those in prison. Shame on us!