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Philosophy of Ministry updated 1-1-2010
All people are sinners ever since Adam disobeyed his Creator, Romans 5:12; the fallout of this one man’s sin has affected all mankind negatively. The outcome of living a life separated from God is spiritual death, Romans 6:23. Man must turn from his sinful life and receive Christ the Savior for a new life. The good news announces that there is a ray of hope for any of mankind, Mark 1:15 and John 1:12. Each person in this ministry seeks to introduce this Bible truth clearly in our ministry. Mankind must come under conviction of sin to get on the road to new life in Christ. Salvation requires turning from sin and receive Jesus Christ. These people must be biblically convinced of the consequences of their sin and its wretchedness in God’s sight. It is not a pleasant subject but like a doctor telling a patient that he has cancer, we must be bearers of truth about spiritual cancer.
Jesus commanded Christians (people who have a relationship with Christ) to go and make disciples of all nations. Discipleship engages the believer with the Lord in real life, Matthew 28:18-20. Our belief is that we evangelize and disciple to fulfill God’s Will. This will help a person beyond prison doors. Discipleship takes time. Paul told Timothy to look for faithful men who will be faithful and teach others, this is discipleship, 2 Tim. 2:2.
Every HDPM team member as a Christian is encouraged to live up to New Testament standards. Every Christian is vulnerable to sin and must wage spiritual war and live obediently to God’s Word. Church attendance is vital, Hebrews 10:25. Personal prayer, worship, fellowship and learning more of God’s Word are an integral part to the Christian life. We encourage sound marital relationships and that each member be faithfully involved with a Bible/Christ centered church. Ugly and ungodly characteristics found in the unregenerate are out of place for HDPM members. Purity in life is becoming to all those sanctified. Immorality, drunkenness, use of narcotics, violence, and pornography is not a prudent or godly lifestyle.
HDPM members promote basic biblical truths in and outside prison facilities. Those who come to know Christ as Savior through our ministry we engage in follow up efforts on as we can. The High Desert Prison Team makes it their business to be faithful to those that seek and desire spiritual help beyond prison walls. As Jesus lived so should we; He gave His life for the sheep and found the one wandering on a rocky crag stranded and in danger. Not all men released on parole desire services that HDPM provide; however we want all inmates in our Bible classes to know that we are available for advice and ongoing help spiritually and physically after they leave prison. Faithful Christian living is part of the faithful Christian’s life; we encourage each member to call on the Lord so that we/they might live and promote the Christian life.
We believe as God’s Word says; that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth. We believe in a supernatural rebirth, John 3. People who are truly born again have divine power that enables spiritual life and godliness. People who are truly born again have a divine nature that enables them to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust, 2 Peter 1:3 and 4. Redeemed people do not continue in habitual sin. Romans 6:14 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. New and old Christians must live obediently to the Word of God, doing the will of God empowered by Spirit of God, Romans 8:1-17. Every believer is sealed with the Spirit; He is the guarantee of every true conversion Eph. 1:13 and 14.
HDPM encourages a life plan for parolees. A blueprint is used as a master plan for a Life Plan for inmates. This plan will take a minimum of 2 hours to go through. It addresses spiritual and physical life issues. Pointed suggestions are made and it should be presented with passion for inmates so they can properly reflect on the serious needs of their lives. We encourage a total overhaul of life style, Romans 12: 1 and 2. The change should begin now and progress continues in this path till one arrives in eternity. Get the study guide, My Plan.
We also believe that incarcerated people who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will tend to be better and be successful citizens in society. These will seek under God to avoid future crimes against the government and humanity. Though Federal and local governments do not recognize these biblical and godly truths, HDPM seeks under God to promote the claims of Christ as God’s truth anyway.
(This statement of philosophy prepared and updated by Doug Crabb director of HDPM, July 2011.)
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