Those in correctional facilities often feel shame and isolation so we reach out to deliver a message of hope and the good news of Jesus to men and women in county jails and to those reentering society.
Desperate, hurting, alone, and hopeless, anyone in a broken moment is just one or two bad decisions away from bumping into legal consequences. Through our correctional care ministry, known as Broken Chains Fellowship, we reach out to men and women using Bible-based programming, specifically designed to work cooperatively within secure facilities. We provide faith services, Bible studies, one-on-one pastoral visitation, and reentry support.
Shame and isolation are often a reality for inmates who are reentering society. Our ministers and volunteers work to provide a support network that fosters inclusion in a faith community, opportunity for vocational placement, and safe-sober-supportive housing alternatives. While national recidivism rates are 75% or higher, participants who combine their faith in Jesus with the full Broken Chains Fellowship process have a 17% recidivism rate.
We also have credentialed and trained ministers who can provide support to officers as well, through on-site chaplaincy, critical incident stress debriefings, and pastoral care.
Tyson Hennis
Broken Chains Fellowship Director
Tyson Hennis is a Minnesota-grown missionary whose passion revolves around reaching the broken and marginalized within our communities, particularly prisoners, convicts, and those battling addiction. He is committed to guiding them toward a deep understanding of Christ, with the goal of igniting a transformation through which they can authentically live out their faith.
Ken Bentson
In addition to an extensive medical career as a P.A., after graduating from Northwestern University with his MDiv. he has joined the B.C.F. Now the team lead at the Blue Earth County Jail, Ken serves as a bi-vocational minister blending the good news of Jesus with 25+ years of experience “meeting people where they are at.”
John Hall
From business owner to bi-vocational minister, John is coming on board with GSM as the Watonwan County Jail team lead. John’s niche’ is rolling up his sleeves and meeting people amidst the throes of life with the good news of Jesus; often astride his motorcycle.
Eli Powell
Eli comes with nearly a decade of experience serving with YWAM in both Hawaii and Brazil and is the leader of Minnesota’s Kairos Outreach Ministries. Eli joined BCF as the Nicollet County Jail team lead with a heart for sharing the good news of Jesus. We’re excited to see how God will use Eli’s experience and pastoral training to build the team and advance the kingdom of God.