“Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations” Workshop Coming January 17 in Phoenix

  • Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations

  • Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.–Noon | Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ

  • Free registration: Click here to register

Many pastors and ministry leaders in ordinary congregations are motivated to serve those leaving incarceration—but often don’t know where to begin. This free, interactive workshop, Effective Reentry Ministry for Ordinary Congregations, will help you take that first faithful step.

Hosted at Grace Lutheran Church (1124 N. Third Street, Phoenix), this half-day workshop provides a strong biblical foundation, explores current reentry research, and introduces a new paradigm for reentry ministry that fits local congregational contexts. Participants will learn about eight practical ministry models—from mentorship and small groups to whole-family and mission-focused approaches—each designed to help congregations walk alongside returning citizens with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Workshop participants will:

  • Learn about findings from a nationwide reentry survey.

  • Explore a biblical framework and reentry paradigm for congregations.

  • Be introduced to eight ministry models with unique strengths and challenges.

  • Brainstorm practical next steps for congregational engagement.

Presenter: Fred Nelson, founder and executive director of the Inside Out Network (ION), has been involved in prison ministry since 2005. A former Lutheran pastor, Fred now leads ION’s groundbreaking work connecting returning citizens with service providers through a secure, visibility-restoring online platform. ION currently serves over 12,000 returning citizens and 225 service providers across Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon.

The workshop includes free parking, coffee, juice, and breakfast snacks. Though the event is free, participants are asked to register in advance to help with materials and logistics.

For questions, contact Fred Nelson at 847-323-3774 or fred@insideoutnetwork.net.

Learn more about ION at insideoutnetwork.net/overview.

Brian FlatgardComment