A new Lifeway study gauges U.S. Protestants’ participation in and perceptions of prison ministry. Sponsored by several prison ministries, the survey also measures their actions and attitudes toward current inmates and those previously incarcerated in a jail, prison or juvenile facility.

A quarter of American churchgoers say they’ve participated in ministry with incarcerated people, those previously incarcerated and their families. This number includes 4% who are currently serving in prison ministry. An additional 10% say they’ve participated in related activities or training.

When survey participants were asked what hinders their participation in prison ministry, 26% said they don’t feel called to serve prisoners or are simply too busy with family, work and life (25%). Distance was a determinant for one in five respondents (20%); others were unaware of prison ministries in their area (18%).

Some respondents say they are participating in other ministries (18%), while others are fearful (16%) or just not aware of a need in their area (16%). A small minority expressed a lack of interest in ministering to incarcerated people (14%) and an even smaller percentage consider it part of the pastor’s or church leader’s responsibilities (7%). One percent of those surveyed believe “prisoners aren’t deserving of redemption.”

Still, churchgoers say they have participated in prison ministry by assisting the families of incarcerated persons (24%) and the children of incarcerated parents (21%). 

Almost half of churchgoers say they have a family member or friend who has been sent to jail, prison or a juvenile facility. More than one-third of those surveyed say they have an immediate family member who has been incarcerated (35%). The same applies to those who have visited a correctional facility (35%).

Some churchgoers have written letters or sent cards to people who are incarcerated (18%), visited (18%) or participated in in-person prison ministry (11%). The numbers dwindle when they are asked about in-person aftercare ministry with persons who were formerly incarcerated (9%) or if they have been foster parents for children with incarcerated parents (6%).

“Many churchgoers are largely unaware of specific opportunities to minister to the incarcerated, the formerly incarcerated and their families,” Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said. “Yet large majorities of churchgoers believe churches have a responsibility to care for them.”

You can read the full report