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Dimensions of Correctional Ministry

The goal of this course is to inform students about the various ministry opportunities present throughout each phase of the criminal justice system.

Course
Objectives
Reviews

This course will provide an overview of ministry to offenders and their families and the Biblically-based role of the Church in that effort. In addition, the course will examine the basic structure and functions of the criminal justice system and the cultural distinctives that govern it. The primary focus will be on the multiple ministry opportunities present in each of the various phases of the criminal justice system– presentencing, long-term incarceration, and reentry.

  1. Exhibit a passion for those who are spiritually lost and for discipleship.
  2. Identify personal spiritual gifts and strengths.
  3. Describe the biblical basis for ministry within the justice system and the historic roots of the Church’s efforts in American corrections.
  4. Define the mission and goals of the various correctional agencies and identify ways to effectively engage in ministry efforts within those settings.
  5. Identify evidence-based practices used in corrections and criminogenic factors.
  6. Summarize restorative justice principles and contrast them with current processes within the criminal justice system.
  7. Identify the crucial junctures at which inmates and their families are most open to ministry and understand which specific ministry strategies are most appropriate for those points of contact.
  • It is hard to say I love or enjoyed this course. It was very informative but I shed a few tears at some of the facts presented. I found me asking the Lord to forgive society and me.

    — Kurt, United States (US)
  • Content was excellent, very enlightening!

    — Dennis, United States (US)
  • While I am in Australia the overall picture of the work and conditions found in correctional facilities was helpful. I am looking forward to others parts of this area of study.

    — Chuck, Australia
  • Excellent course and wonderful instruction. Very well done!

    — Jerry, United States (US)
  • The course was well designed and Dr. Swanson did a great job in explaining all aspects of Correctional Ministry.

    — John, United States (US)
  • Loved to content, it was excellent!

    — William, United States (US)
  • Insightful, educating, and provided food for thought.

    — Anyawa, United States (US)
  • The course material is not just effective for correctional ministry, but for discipleship and ministering to people in general. My relationship with God became stronger and closer. I am a better servant of Christ because I applied the material in this course to my life. All Christians could benefit and find the material in this course useful.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • The lectures are given by extremely knowledgeable instructors.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • Provided useful and practical applications that are needed in correctional ministry. I know I am more Christ-like and a better servant and disciple. This course has profoundly benefited me when ministering to others.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • I like that the course was in-depth with informative and relevant information that could be applied immediately in my ministry work. I became a better me, a better listener, and more understanding on how to deal with others.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • The material is very comprehensive and very useful. There were a lot of really practical ideas given and the lectures are well structured and easily absorbed.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • I liked the lectures and all the information and insight packed into them.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • The content was excellent in the ministry in which I serve.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • This course did a great job of covering all aspects of correctional ministry while also describing the criminal justice system. Not an easy feat. Also, we were given quite a few great resources, one of which I will be putting into practice in juvenile hall here in San Diego.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • Dr. Swanson designed and taught a very comprehensive introduction to correctional ministries.

    — Anonymous, United States (US)
  • I have taken online courses through Liberty University, Antioch University Heritage Institute, and University of Phoenix and so far I have liked the format of this course the best. Content was different in each case so hard to compare but this online format was easy to figure out and more comprehensive than the others.

    — Shirley, United States (US)
  • I am getting the information that I need to help me improve in my ministry as chaplain in a local jail, and am getting a very good scope of the correction process in general.

    — John, United States (US)
  • It was very informative covering topics that I have needed both in my chaplaincy ministry and with my local church.

    — John, United States (US)
  • I did not know what to expect from this course. I greatly appreciated the relevant material to help enhance my knowledge. EBP's, criminogenic factors etc. are things the secular world knows about and a Christian navigating their way through the re-entry field must know the lingo. I feel more confident on the job now as I can participate in more meaningful conversations with secular re-entry navigators.

    — Adam, United States (US)
  • The educational content was well-thought out, from the course objectives, to the lectures and quizzes, to the readings, the discussion questions, and reflective blogs.

    — Cynthia, United States (US)
  • They [Correctional Ministries courses] are all very good. I have learned so much in the few months that I have been taking the courses. I can see that each one builds off of this first course.

    — Nikki, United States (US)

Course Content

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Advanced Level
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Course Details

  • 24 Lessons
  • 87 Activities
  • 26 Assessments
  • 22 Min Average
  • 24 Hrs Minimum
  • Course Award

Course Resources

Videos Audios Transcripts Outlines Discussion Questions
Lecturer

Karen Swanson, EdD

Lecturer

Anna DeHaan White, JD