Yokefellows is looking to partner with churches in Pennsylvania:
- To help returning citizens,
- As a source of new volunteers, and
- To raise awareness of what God is doing in the lives of inmates and returning citizens.
Help Returning Citizens
Many men and women come to faith in Jesus while in prison. In some cases, they might have come to faith prior to committing their crime and were not fully living their faith or had not overcome addictions that still controlled their life. Occasionally there are those who are wrongly convicted. These believers often grow dramatically while in prison as they have plenty of time to read the Bible and connect with Christian groups in the prison, one of which is Yokefellowship. Upon release, many of these believers struggle fitting back into society. And more importantly, they struggle finding the fellowship they experienced while incarcerated and a church family that will welcome and help them continue their walk with Christ. The Body of Christ is alive and well in many institutions across the state.
Working Together (Partnering) – Yokefellowship is committed to cultivating a transitional environment where these believers can connect with churches on the outside who will help them to continue to grow in their faith and put their spiritual gifts to use in the body of Christ. YPM brings to the table more than 60 years of experience in prison ministry and working with returning citizens. Local churches bring to the table the fellowship and nurturing that is needed at the local level. They play a pivotal role in the daunting task of successfully transitioning back into society. See more.
“…the Church can manifest the love of Christ to these ex-prisoners and help them become ambassadors for Christ who are grounded in God’s Word, dependent on prayer, anchored in the local church, experiencing freedom from destructive habits, and living out the calling to be salt and light in their families and communities.”
Pat Nolan, Prison Fellowship
YPM would love to partner with churches who agree with our Statement of Faith and are willing to receive returning citizens. We welcome the opportunity to meet in person to discuss any concerns and how we can work together. Please contact us.
See list of current Partnering Churches.
Source of Volunteers
Yokefellowship is looking for new volunteers to: minister inside correctional facilities, to help returning citizens, and to help with organizational tasks. All volunteers, with the exception of administrative volunteers, are required to attend training sessions at least once every two years. New volunteers are considered Volunteers-in Training for a period of time depending upon a number of factors and are assigned a coach during that time. Training is offered locally, regionally, and at our annual conference.
See more about volunteering.
Increasing Awareness
Whenever possible, Yokefellowship staff and volunteers are available for presentations to congregations, ministry groups, and others wishing to help. The goal is to raise awareness of what God is doing in the lives of inmates and returning citizens and the importance of connecting them with other believers and loving congregations. Testimonies of returning citizens are shared when possible.