community freedom

Starting churches in local prisons and jails to help people find their way back to God and transition from confinement to freedom.

our two-part vision

part 1: finding your way back to God

Community Christian Church, in partnership with Alpha and NewThing, has a 2-part vision for helping offenders. Part 1 is to help them find their way back to God. When we find our way back to God, we experience a freedom that can only be found in Jesus, and we are welcomed into a community of Christ-followers.

part 2: re-entry into the local community

Our second objective is to ensure that an offenders’ re-entry into a local community is one that helps them continue to experience the freedom they found in Christ while in prison. Best practices for re-entry indicate that programs must start prior to release and be connected to community resources. This will be accomplished through a coordinated effort that includes a vast network of churches connected to COMMUNITY NewThing. In addition, local churches will also use field-tested training and equipping resources including the Alpha Course and Finding Your Way Back to God.

join the team

We go inside local prisons to facilitate groups, services and support men and women upon their release. For team opportunities, click below and you will be contacted with more information.

join the team

the process

Selected messages and worship services from COMMUNITY and other selected ministries will be shown to the prison along with weekly Big Idea small group curriculum. Utilizing these resources, a local church will connect with the church inside a prison led by a trained pastor and key volunteers under the authority of the prison Chaplain.

The local church will provide all approved audio/visual equipment, curriculum and be responsible for any additional costs of the program. Weekly topics will concentrate on the immediate needs of offenders as well as themes essential for successful re-entry: Character Development, Anger Management, Addiction Prevention Family/Child Relationships Daily Living Skills.

learn more

Dupage County Correctional Facility

about this location

The DuPage County Correctional Facility, located in Wheaton, Illinois provides for the custody of individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences up to one year, or sentenced to periodic imprisonment. Community Freedom provides weekly services, small group opportunities and assistance for those returning home.

Joliet Treatment Center

about this location

The Joliet Treatment Center is a multi-security level treatment facility for men with serious mental illness and a small non-treatment minimum-security population located in Joliet, Illinois. Community Freedom provides supportive incentive services and periodic events for the residents.