Temple Baptist Church > Broken Chains

What is the "Broken Chains" Ministry?

For a convict, it is a second chance to do something for God! Through a wide variety of prison ministries, many inmates are able to get saved and begin a wonderful journey of discovering God's will for their lives. But due to their incarceration, they are severely limited in being able to see beyond their bars. "Broken Chains" is a local church ministry that is able to screen inmates and help local churches prepare these people for eventually serving the Lord as He sees fit. Some will be able to complete a four year Bible college program through "Broken Chains" and be prepared for serving the Lord in some capacity upon their release. Some may one day be found on a mission field, others in the pastorate and a large number serving the Lord in their own local church.

For a local church, "Broken Chains" is a missionary opportunity to sponsor an inmate, thus allowing him to pursue Biblical studies and to make a difference in a life that is scarred, but still usable to God!

For an inmate's family, "Broken Chains" represents hope for a loved one. A second chance is simply that, an opportunity to do right, be right and live right if given another chance to do so. Imagine what it could mean to the children if Daddy were to be released from prison, but instead of beating his children or being involved in illegal dealings, Daddy shows them how to have family altar and takes them to church where they can see him teaching a Sunday school class and living for God!

Frequently Asked Questions

How are inmates selected to be in the "Broken Chains" Ministry?

Inmates are categorized according to their qualifications for the ministry. Level I represents those who are currently serving less than a 10 year sentence for non-violent crimes. Level 2 represents those who are serving more than a 10 year term for a non-violent crime. Level 3 represents all other inmates. Churches are given the opportunity to sponsor an inmate from any of these categories or they may choose a specific inmate.

What kind of Bible curriculum is used?

"Broken Chains" offers a college degree through Baptist College of America. Diplomas and credits are transferable to other similar Bible colleges.

How much does it cost a church to sponsor an inmate?

A church can be a Direct Sponsor for $100 per month if choosing a particular inmate. This will provided them with all textbooks necessary and pay their tuition, one month at a time. A church can also elect to be a Co-Sponsor for $25, $50, or $75 per month which will be used to sponsor a Level I inmate.

How can a church become a sponsor?

A church need only contact Antioch Baptist Missions (765) 868-4058 and speak with one of our representatives. We will collect all pertinent information and enroll the inmate immediately!

Why is the "Broken Chains" Ministry supported as a missionary endeavor?

Antioch Baptist Missions (ABM) is a local church agency that secures help from local churches for a variety of needs. One of the most neglected fields of ministry is in our prison system. Thousands of prisoners are being won to Christ, but there is not an acceptable way of training them to do the work of the ministry. ABM does not attempt to solicit funds or support from individuals, but rather through the local church. As such, a church is then able to sponsor an inmate through their missions program instead of having church members sponsoring inmates on an individual basis.

Can women be sponsored?

Yes, they can! We are excited about the flexibility of this program and how it can be used to help prepare anyone without regard to race, gender or past. If a church would like to sponsor a woman, they may do so as a Direct Sponsor and can choose a woman of their preference or can be directed to one through our screening process.

How long will it take an inmate to complete a one year program?

Because of the excessive amount of study time that an inmate would have, the course requirements are greater than for a normal correspondent student. Instead of completing a one year program in 12 months, the program will take 16 months to complete, thus allowing more study time and a greater spiritual impact from the Biblical studies.

Steps to a Second Chance

Step #1- ABM screens all inmate applicants to help churches determine which inmate they would like to support.

Step #2 - A church must decide whether to be a Direct Sponsor ($100/mo.) or a Co-Sponsor ($25, 50, or $75/mo.), and decide who whey would like to sponsor. Once a monthly support check is received, the inmate will be contacted by ABM notifying them that they have been accepted into the "Broken Chains" Ministry.

Step #3 - The inmate must fill out and submit an application for enrollment into the program.

Step #4 - ABM will begin shipping courses and textbooks to the inmate with complete instructions. The inmate will then complete the course and return it to be graded.

Step #5 - The inmate will then receive one course per month, thus enabling them to complete a one year study program in 16 months. Completion of each course will result in 2 college credits which will be applied toward a degree from Baptist College of America.

Step #6 - Each sponsoring church will receive a monthly statement which will provide them with news concerning the "Broken Chains" Ministry and the inmate's academic progress.

Step #7 - A church may wish to continue sponsoring an inmate for as long as they desire (through an entire curriculum leading to a Ph.D.) or they can terminate their support at any time.