I’ve asked my brother and co-laborer, Dr. Brent Sleasman, to guest blog one more time to share about the significant event that happened this past Saturday at the WTS – Marion Correctional Institute campus. I was unable to attend the commencement, but I’ve had several friends who did attend and they have shared that this was easily in the “top 10” significant spiritual experiences of their lives. |
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
Unless we have a family member who is in prison, there probably isn’t much thought given to those who are spend their lives (or a large portion of their lives) “behind bars.” Last Saturday (September 16, 2017), it was a privilege to watch as eight men incarcerated at the Marion Correctional Institute (MCI) graduated with a Diploma in Pastoral Training granted by Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Over the past four years, this cohort of students have grown in their faith and relationship with Jesus in ways few imagined when the first course was offered in the fall of 2013.
Too often in church settings we become consumed with the politics or economics of an issue and miss the grander view of God’s perspective. Perhaps even some of you are already thinking as you read this, “Why should prisoners be given an education?” Or, “Prison is punishment, why are we rewarding them with classes and this opportunity?” For those struggling to pay back your own student debt perhaps you are thinking, “Why should donors give money to support a program when I have to pay for my own education?”
Please understand, these are all important questions to discuss and consider. In fact, I will welcome the opportunity to talk with you personally about any of these. But, I believe the questions we ask must be placed within the larger context of the example provided for us by Jesus. And there is no way to avoid the fact that those in prison (along with their families) have equal worth in God’s eyes.
Dr. Dave Draper, President Emeritus of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, was originally invited to serve as the “Winebrenner Voice” during the ceremony. Unfortunately, due to some unexpected health concerns, Dave was unable to attend and I had the privilege of stepping in to share the following with family members and prison staff gathered at the event. The following is an excerpt of my comments:
“At Winebrenner Theological Seminary we frequently discuss what it means to ‘equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom.’ We are here today to celebrate what eight men have accomplished and the impact it has had and will have in the kingdom of God through their work in this prison. It is not just about books, papers, tests and presentations, although all of them are part of their journey. I believe it is about changed lives and becoming more fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Inspiration for this program came partly from the success at Louisiana State Prison (Angola), the largest prison in the USA and known at one time as the bloodiest. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary was asked to offer classes there and the results have been more than impressive. Hundreds educated. Violence down by 72%. At one point they had nearly 150 graduates and the warden began sending them two by two as missionaries to other prisons. When Dr. Murthy Kola and Dr. Draper dreamed of this program, Winebrenner Seminary had a policy that a student could not attend, if he or she had been incarcerated within the last five years. After much discussion and prayer this policy was eliminated which allowed these men and others to participate in various academic programs. For me, the Apostle Paul’s prison letters have taken on a new meaning as I hear testimonies of how to remain positive in such an environment. We at Winebrenner now think of you in prison as Paul thought of the Philippians from prison. ‘Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns’ (1:3-6 NLT). As we think of the future, we are so grateful that God promises you, our dear brothers, will hear these words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (Matthew 25:21 NLT).” |