Not every prison in the United States offers access to religious services or even televised services. Schedule conflicts and sheer logistics can be too much. There may too many interested prisoners or not enough. Other faiths and denominations may demand equal rights. This can be very stressful for people of faith, especially since they feel they need the community of Christ more than ever before.
What can you do if you can’t attend worship in prison? Here is what you need to do. First of all, figure out how you feel about that. You shouldn’t stress too much about missing services at first. Our God is an understanding God. He doesn’t expect you to escape on Sunday mornings or to build a chapel in the cafeteria. God still loves you.
Then scout out the situation. Is there a service that you aren’t allowed to attend? Find out what the requirements are. Do have to register or join a group of followers? Do you have to be transferred to another block to go to their service? If there is something you can do, respectfully ask how you can make those arrangements.
The facility probably won’t respond right away to your concern. Whether you can or can’t attend worship in prison isn’t high on their priority list. While you wait, or if there is no worship to attend, you just need to schedule your own worship. As you become familiar with other inmates, ask about religious preferences and options. You might find Christians willing to have faith-based discussions when you are allowed to congregate.
Remember that there is no Biblical direction for particular styles or agendas for a service. It merely states that we should gather and encourage each other in our faith. (Hebrews 10:25) By encouraging each other, we mean to learn, teach, and support others. You only need one other (Matt 18:20) to be a congregation.
The Bible can be your pastor. After all, it is the Word of God. That’s a pretty impressive pastor to work with. Take a passage and discuss it. If you can obtain a study Bible, all the better. Read what the study portion says and discuss what you believe or have trouble believing about their translation. Then discuss how you can work that lesson into your life. Pray together. Be sure to praise God, ask Him to grow your group, and make you stronger in faith.
There is a chance no one will want to meet with you. Then you really can’t attend worship in prison. Here’s what you can do… worship alone for a while. It’s okay! Read a Bible verse for your sermon or use an article or sermon you find during the week. Talk to Jesus about it. Tell Him what you think and listen for a response. Take time to pray.
Even if your facility does not have a Christian program or support group, almost all of them have a chaplain. Seek him out and ask for help in identifying others who might be open to Christian interaction. A chaplain can help facilitate a lot of things at most prisons.
Meanwhile, enroll in a Christian Bible college like International Christian College and Seminary (ICCS). They can provide lessons and classes in the Bible, Theology, Pastoring, and more. This can help you organize Christian programs and activities while you are in the facility while satisfying your need to learn more and discuss your faith.