Customer Reviews

Prison Ministry: Understanding Prison Culture Inside and Out

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As someone involved in prison ministry for nearly 30 years, I have read a lot of books about prison and prison ministry. I have never seen any like this one! Many "prison books" sensationalize prisons and prisoners -- some even seem intent on glamorizing them, or at least on glamorizing the ministries that sponsor the books. Others focus on studies and analyses of data about prisons and prisoners. This one simply and eloquently tells you what prisoners think and feel and deal with, day by day, month by month, year by year, so that you can begin to understand a strange, alien culture that most of us can barely imagine, but which deeply affects millions of people in this country.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who deals with prisoners or ex-prisoners in any way -- while they are "in" and when they get out. If you ever hire an ex-prisoner, read this book. If you have an ex-prisoner in your church you would like to encourage and support, read this book. If someone in your family has been sent to prison, or is about to be released, read this book. It will help you understand his experiences and how they will continue to affect him for years after his release, and what kinds of things you can do to help heal the psychological and spiritual effects the prison experience inflicts on those who go through it.

A disclaimer: I know Lennie Spitale, and greatly respect his ministry. I heard that he was writing a book, but I never imagined anything like what it turned out to be. This book will change minds and I believe it will change lives. Which is, I am sure, exactly what Lennie intended it to do.

Prison Ministry could be called an "inside job" because the author is writing after serving six times in the brig in the Navy and three and a half years in a New Hampshire prison. But it is also an "outside job" because Lennie has gone from outside to the inside of prisons in California, Florida and all six New England states for 25 years. He entered prison a rebellious, anti-society, cocky young man. He now goes into prison as a humble, loving, caring prison minister--and supervises a staff of men and women that go into every penal institution in New England with a message that Jesus loves prison inmates and wants to give them a new life.

From that perspective, Prison Ministry is a book that will transform the reader's understanding of prison culture. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters--and the volunteers serving prisoners--will find this a well-written, even riveting behind-the-scenes look at how prisoners feel, what they long for, what will give volunteers and family members the greatest success in helping them. There will be tears of recognition as readers recognize their loved one in this book--not be name but by feelings. There will be a new understanding of what makes the prisoner "tick."

Anyone involved in any way with prisoners ought to read Prison Ministry, by Lennie Spitale. It will be a richly rewarding experience.

I bought three books on prison ministry, have experience with one on one prison ministry and mentoring, and have attended the Prison Fellowship VIP (Volunteer In Prison) Training.

Lennie Spitale's book is the best I've read yet. It gives virtually all you will need to know if you are considering prison ministry, already involved in and form of prison ministry, or just curious about what life behind bars is like. Spitale is probably one of the most authoritative writers on the topic, having plenty of experience of life from both sides of the fence.

He was a rebellious child, joined the military and was jailed a number of times before discharge. After discharge from the military, he served many years in prison on multiple incarcerations before turning his life around and going straight. Since his release, he has spent at least 25 years in prison ministry, and founded an organization dedicated to preparing others for prison ministry and chaplaincy.

This book has all the information and warnings any prospective prison ministry volunteer could need, as well as all the heart breaking and compelling motivations to become involved. It is easily readable, neither deep mind bending theory nor shallow boring fluff. Of all the books on the topic I have read this one is the most value for money.

If you only buy one book on the subject, this is the one that will give most value.

This book gives you incredible insight to the minds of men in prison. The book is written in such a way that those who are not involved in prison ministry can use it as an inspirational book. It reinforces in practical and understandable terms that we are all fallen from grace and we all require redemption.

The first time I read "Prison Ministry" resulted in it being a major part of planting a seed in my heart for what is now one of my biggest passions. I've since read it two more times and each time words of wisdom have taught me something new or reminded me of some old.

Lennie Spitale is not hype or as Duncan Miller says in his review does not sensationalize but is sincere in his sharing and giving truthful insight to the world of prison ministry. If you, your church or someone you know is thinking of or doing prison ministry inside the walls or outside (mentoring former inmates, consoling families of incarcerated loved ones) I strongly recommend this book.

I too have met Lennie and he is as real as his book reads and the book is a reflection of Lennie's heart.

It gives you a wide range focus on the mindset of inmates from why they turn to crime and for some why it is so difficult to leave, how prison life effects them in regards to family and other loved ones and much more.

If you have a passion to serve the lost you'll learn from Lennie's own words that this nations prison are one of the most if not most plentiful harvests.

To get a better perspective on the aspects of both the career I chose twenty-four years ago and the recent path towards religion that has given me an unquenchable thirst for more, I decided to converge the two. Lo and behold, out of the five books that I was informed to read, Mr. Spitale's linked the two fields in a truly insightful way. I believe that any reader should, could, would benefit from the first-hand portrayal that each page reveals. It not only gives you a mentally evoking "visual" of the thoughts and feelings of an "insider" and "outsider", it will answer any questions that a person wishing to follow this calling may have.

What an impressive, Christ-focused primer on prison ministry. The author is an ex-offender who knows how to bring the Gospel to the incarcerated. Great refresher for those who have been at it for awhile and an even better introduction for those who are beginning to hear the call to go inside the razor wire.

I conduct a weekly bible study in the local state prison and before I went in I ordered this book and it was so very practical and put me at ease right away with the experience. Highly recommend

Lennie pretty much nailed the culture behind prison walls. Good reading for those who bring God's love into prisons. I have been going in for about 4 years and concur with much that he has to say. CJY

For anyone involved in prison ministry or interested in doing so, this is an excellent resource. Lennie combines personal experiences with professional wisdom to give the reader a in-depth view of prison culture. Lennie makes it clear that God is the answer to truly set free the captives whether inside or outside jail. I would highly recommend this book!