Apply and prepare
Complete your application, receive Crossroads training, and learn how to encourage with wisdom, compassion, and consistency.
How it works
Serve from home. Encourage with faithfulness. Experience God at work.
With Crossroads, prison ministry is practical and personal. Through Bible lessons, feedback and encouragement, mentors can disciple men and women in prison without ever leaving home.
Thank you for the detailed explanation of Jesus. I think that has made things a lot clearer for me. I really appreciate your letters, they have helped me understand and grow my faith.
Crossroad's student
Step by step
A simple process built around faithfulness and encouragement.
This simple process brings light into the darkness of prison, and hope where it is most needed.
Receive and review
A student works through their Bible lesson and sends it to the Crossroads Office. When it is sent to you, you review it, respond, and prepare an encouraging letter.
Write and grow
As you respond to the lessons and letters from students, you will grow in your own faith and ability to share from the Bible and your own testimony.
How It Works
How the ministry cycle works
A simple, repeatable rhythm that helps students grow through Scripture, encouragement, and faithful mentoring.
1
The student receives a Bible study lesson.
Lessons are sent from Crossroads or through a starter pack from their chaplain.
2
The student completes the lesson.
They work through the study and return it to the Crossroads office.
3
Crossroads forwards it to a mentor.
The next lesson is sent to the student while the completed lesson goes to a volunteer mentor.
4
The mentor responds with encouragement.
The mentor reviews the lesson and sends it back with a thoughtful, hope-filled letter.
✓
All resources are provided free of charge to every student.
Mentor Story
God replaced fear with love.
When Vicki first felt called to become a Crossroads mentor, she admits she was afraid of people in prison and almost walked away from the opportunity.
More than fifteen years later, God has transformed that fear into genuine compassion. Her letters consistently remind students that they are forgiven, chosen, and deeply loved by God.
“Before I write every letter, I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide my words. Time and again, students tell me it was exactly what they needed to hear.”▶ Watch Vicki's Story
Questions people ask
A few common questions about the process.
Do I need prison ministry experience? +
No. Crossroads provides guidance and structure so that ordinary Christians can serve faithfully and wisely.
How does communication with students work? +
All communication happens through the exchanges of Bible lessons and their associate letters.
How much time does mentoring take? +
The rhythm is designed to be manageable. What matters most is consistency, prayerfulness, and the willingness to respond with care.
What if I feel unsure? +
That is normal. Many mentors begin with uncertainty. Crossroads exists to equip and support you as you grow in confidence.
Ready to begin?
Start serving today.
If you are willing to serve faithfully, write thoughtfully, and trust God with the outcome, Crossroads can help you begin.