Inspired Questions: A New Approach to Prison Ministry

By amazon Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Comment Edit

As we intentionally draw attention to the Scriptures, which reveal Jesus’s power, presence, ministry, words, deeds, miracles, and wisdom, we should also give concerted attention to the very questions the Holy Spirit inspired for us to read and consider.

As a full-time prison chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, I have searched the Scriptures to learn as much as possible about every person who spent time in prison, like Joseph, Daniel, John the Baptist, and Paul.

I have explored various prison ministries to discover the creative approaches others have taken to sustain faithful and fruitful ministries by God’s grace, like Prison Fellowship, The Institute for Prison Ministries, and The Heart of Texas Foundation.

But one thing I had not considered doing until somewhat recently—nor seen others do elsewhere—is engage inmates with inspired questions.

What Are Inspired Questions?

Inspired questions are the ones already asked in God’s inspired Word—the Bible. Do you remember all the questions God asked Job? Do you recall Queen Sheba traveling far to ask Solomon questions? Have you ever noticed how often Jesus asked and was asked questions?

Indeed, questions are numerically significant in Scripture, even if often overlooked. The New Testament alone contains approximately 980 questions.

For example, here are a few questions Paul asked or was asked in the Book of Acts while in custody:

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
“Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges?” (Acts 25:9)
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?” (Acts 26:27)
“In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28)

Using These Questions for Prison Ministry