This edited volume considers the impact of incarceration on the African American community and the biblical mandate for an intentional response from the church. The book features model ministries that address: IncarcerationPrisoner reentryCare of familiesPolitical advocacy around issues in criminal justice reformContributors include scholars, ministry practitioners, pastors, and formerly incarcerated individuals who offer a paradigm for "prisoner ministry" that goes beyond traditional worship and Bible study programs. They provide insight and practical strategies for developing an authentic relational encounter--not only with prisoners but with their families, from the time of incarceration to the transition back into home, church, and society.Contributors include: Karen Swanson, director, Institute for Prison Ministries Deborah Jackson-Meyers, founder and executive director, Breaking the Chain FoundationMichael Smith, founder, Cross of Christ MinistriesAlfreda Robinson-Dawkins, founder, National Women's Prison Project, Inc.Madeline McClenney-Sadler, founder, Exodus Foundation.orgElwood Gray, president, National Coalition of Prison Ministries