Onesimus Workbook

16 • T HE O NESIMUS W ORKSHOP : W ELCOMING F ORMER P RISONERS INTO THE L IFE OF THE C HURCH

See full chart in Appendix 11: Authentic Freedom in Jesus Christ.

B. The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI)

C. TUMI in prisons

II. Background of the OnesimusWorkshop

A. The purpose of the Onesimus Workshop is to orient churches to the process of welcoming former prisoners into the life of their church for building up the body of Christ. B. The name “Onesimus” comes from the book of Philemon: “formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me” (Philem. 11, NIV).

III. Two Approaches to Reentry

A. Therapeutic Approach

B. Identity Approach

C. What former prisoners need more than anything is a group of friends