Behind and Beyond the Bars - A Correctional Ministry Podcast from CMCA

Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association
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  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    How Prison Ministry Changes Lives - On Both Sides of the Bars | Ping Lieu | Behind & Beyond the Bars

    Jeff Shafer is joined by Ping Lieu, a former inmate whose life was radically transformed through faith, second chances, and the power of simply being seen. Ping shares his journey from incarceration and isolation to becoming a husband, father, and operations leader at a major tech company. Together, Jeff and Ping explore the deep challenges incarcerated men and women face, the importance of human connection and belonging, and how prison ministry transforms not only those behind bars—but the volunteers who walk alongside them. WATCH: https://youtu.be/NV_bbLz4Ylo #prisonministry #christianpodcast #redemptionstory #secondchances #lifeafterprison #faithjourney #prisonreform #forgiveness TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introducing Pingloo and Key Themes 01:13 How Pingloo and Jeff Met in Prison 03:59 Pingloo's Turning Point and the Defy Ventures Program 08:54 The Impact of Small Actions and Connection 12:14 Transformation Through Belief and Faith 17:45 Building a New Life: Career and Family 22:32 Advice for Success After Incarceration 24:31 The Power of Belonging and Forgiveness 27:40 Practical & Spiritual Challenges in Prison 30:45 Isolation, Solitary, and Surviving the Emotional Toll 36:19 Faith Journeys and Spiritual Resilience 39:16 A Father's Sacrifice: Parallels with the Gospel 41:01 The Importance of Seeing Humanity in Each Other 42:27 Lessons on Grace: What the Incarcerated Teach Us 47:38 The Mutual Blessing of Prison Ministry & Next Episodes --- Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. --- FOLLOW ➡️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmcaintl ➡️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CMCAInternational ➡️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association-565777125 --- Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

    51 min

  2. May 1

    The Forgotten Mission Field: Inside Correctional Ministry | Evelyn Lemly

    This week we are joined by Evelyn Lemly, former president of CMCA and longtime leader of Kairos Prison Ministry, to share how she was called into correctional ministry and what she’s learned leading it for over a decade. She unpacks the far-reaching impact of incarceration on individuals and families, the role of forgiveness and belonging in true transformation, and why this often-overlooked mission field matters more than most realize. WATCH: https://youtu.be/Kdjxy68vgYM Learn More: https://kairosprisonministry.org TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and Evelyn's Background 03:04 Journey to Correctional Ministry 06:16 What Is Kairos Prison Ministry? 10:00 Defining and Measuring Success 13:07 Family Reconciliation and Impact 18:26 Forgiveness and Theory of Change 23:02 Can People Really Change? 28:12 Transformation Stories & Community Impact 32:30 Volunteers and Their Transformation 35:46 Expanding Ministry with Resources 41:00 Raising Awareness and Breaking Stereotypes 46:02 How to Get Involved in Prison Ministry 47:14 The Power of Simply Showing Up 48:08 Closing Reflections and Gratitude #correctionalministry #prisonministry #chaplaincy #faithinpractice #criminaljustice #reentry #secondchances #churchleadership #christianpodcast #ministrylife #socialimpact --- Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. --- FOLLOW ➡️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmcaintl ➡️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CMCAInternational ➡️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association-565777125 --- Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

    48 min

  3. Mar 27

    From Prison to Purpose: Nobody is Beyond God’s Reach | Karen Swanson

    Jeff Shafer is joined by Karen Swanson, co-founder of CMCA and leader of Wheaton’s Correctional Ministries Institute, shares her journey into correctional ministry and why it matters more than most people realize. She unpacks the full scope of the work—from prevention to re-entry—while challenging the church to move past stigma and step into meaningful engagement. WATCH: https://youtu.be/SfRoALpYbyE Learn More: https://wheatonbillygraham.com/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & Origins of CMCA Podcast 01:13 Meet Karen Swanson: Background & Journey 02:52 Correctional Ministry: Broader Than Prison Ministry 05:09 Purpose of the Podcast & CMCA's Mission 07:13 Karen's First Steps into Correctional Ministry 09:41 Starting and Shaping CMCA 12:08 The Church & Correctional Ministry: Current Challenges 13:48 Humanizing Incarceration: Stories and Impact 16:34 Addressing Stigma, Shame, and Restoration 18:41 Why Correctional Ministry Matters for the Church 21:18 Biblical Foundations for Prison Ministry 24:41 How Individuals and Churches Can Get Involved 27:39 Understanding The Role of Prison Chaplains 32:16 Motivation and the Draw to Correctional Ministry 34:53 Increasing Awareness and Church Involvement 36:56 Statistics and Realities of Incarceration 39:14 Envisioning a Better Future for Correctional Ministry 41:08 Encouragement for Correctional Ministry Workers 45:39 Challenges, Outcomes, and the Long Road of Transformation 48:30 Karen on Retirement & Remaining Involved #correctionalministry #prisonministry #chaplaincy #faithinpractice #criminaljustice #reentry #secondchances #churchleadership #christianpodcast #ministrylife #socialimpact --- Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. --- FOLLOW ➡️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmcaintl➡️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CMCAInternational➡️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association-565777125 --- Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

    41 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

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