DBC has a Prison Chaplain named Mike Pennington. He regularly visits several inmates in Michigan prisons. Below is an interview with him that may shed some light on this ministry and other questions you may have.
Interviewer: Why should the church have a prison ministry?
MP: Why not? is my reflex response. But then after taking a deep breath and thinking about the question, a better answer surfaces: Rather than give you my opinion, what does the Bible say on the subject? Does it speak specifically or must we draw biblical principles on which to base our answer?
Out of many Bible verses I could cite, Matthew 25:35-40 seems to speak to the question. "For I was hungry and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'"
James 2;15, 16 speaks of providing clothing and food to those in need as a matter of a faith that works. In 2 Timothy 1:16 the Apostle Paul prays that God will be merciful to Onesiphorus' household since "... he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains." Hebrews 13:3 has this to say: "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them―those who are mistreated―since you yourselves are in the body also."
Some readers may be inclined to say: "Hey! Modern day prisoners messed up and they have nothing coming to them but punishment and incarceration." It may be instructive to remind all of us of what is written in Matthew 6:14, 15: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses." In addition, 2 Corinthians 2:18 informs us that we have the ministry of reconciliation, not the ministry of judgment or condemnation.
Interviewer: Who should be involved in a church-based prison ministry? And, if folks can, how can others get involved, even if they are not necessarily called to prison ministry?
MP: Again, my knee-jerk reaction is everybody. I believe Scripture supports that idea. Allow me to clarify my answer by stating that the better question is not who but how or to what extent an individual may be involved.
I got involved as the Lord allowed some very unique experiences in my life that have prepared me for the part I play in prison ministry. I go to several prison within the Michigan Dept. of Corrections System to do one-on-one evangelism and teaching, as well as encouraging inmates who have already accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and Lord.
One such experience―that I appreciate now, but not necessarily when it happened―was that of retiring from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prior to that I graduated from a Bible college and did a stint in the military in Viet Nam. Like Jonah, I actually ran from God's calling for a time. I thought that once I left the [Prison] System I would never be going back, especially on my own time and at my own expense. God does have an awesome sense of humor.
But even though your readers may not have the experiences I have had, they can still get involved. While it is not likely that any of them will actually enter a prison to do ministry, everyone can pray. Pray specifically for me in this ministry as well as the guys I go in to see. We maintain a prayer list. Also ask God how He would use you in this ministry.
Write a note of encouragement. These can be included with my own regular correspondence with inmates or I can provide addresses along with some dos and don'ts for writing. Regardless sign only your first name and use the return address of the church.
Provide either stamps or a roll of quarters, which I will put to good use in ministering to the inmates in a unique way. The quarters are used for the vending machines in the visiting room, which is a treat for the inmates, especially those who no longer receive visits from family or friends. Over half of those I visit fall into that category. The stamps I can use to provide a SASE in my correspondence. An inmate may only make $.11/hr. so an inmate may have to work half a day to buy one stamp. If you want more information on how any of this or anything else works, ask me. Also, I am grateful that our church has provided a way for people to support the ministry I have and the expenses I incur by going. Anyone can designate any amount of money for the prison ministry.
I know that prison ministry isn't for everyone, but everyone has a ministry nonetheless. Find yours and get going in it.
Now may the grace and blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you as you seek to discover and do ministry in His power.