Onesimus Workbook

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

5. Start a SIAFU chapter

6. Offer an internship

7. Connect with local resources (see Appendix 8)

8. Plant a church designed to welcome former prisoners

B. As the Spirit leads, choose among the eight options initially, and possibly pursue others at a later time

V. Orient the Entire Congregation

A. Repeat from the pulpit that welcoming former prisoners is part of the vision of this church.

B. Involve people based on their gifting, or area of interest.

C. Give the former prisoner several names of people they can phone or text at any time, day or night.

D. Do things together.

E. Remember that prisoners have families and friends who need to be welcomed to the church.

VI. Summary

A. The background and vision of the Onesimus Workshop

B. An understanding of what prison culture is like

C. How to help former prisoners make the transition from prison to civilian life

D. Provide tools and options for taking the next steps