In this episode of Behind and Beyond the Bars, Jeff Shafer sits down with Don Harvey of Inspiration Ministries to share how a search for greater purpose led him from a successful business career into full-time re-entry ministry. Don discusses the realities facing men and women returning from incarceration, why stability, housing, employment, accountability, and community are so critical to lasting restoration, and how serving this population transformed his own perspective on grace and second chances. He also shares how Inspiration Ministries and Refuge Community Church have grown into a thriving community in Butler, Indiana, built around redemption, relationships, and helping people move beyond their past toward a new future.

Learn More: https://www.inspiration-ministries.org

WATCH: https://youtu.be/_8_lToGiQ_k

TIMESTAMPS

#PrisonMinistry #ReentryMinistry #PrisonReentry #SecondChances #LifeAfterPrison #ReentryProgram #CriminalJusticeReform #ReturningCitizens #FaithBasedMinistry #ChristianMinistry #PrisonReform #Incarceration #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryMinistry #RestorativeJustice #CommunityReentry #FaithAndRecovery #Redemption #InspirationMinistries #BehindAndBeyondTheBars

Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith.

Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances.

© 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

In this episode of Behind and Beyond the Bars, Jeff Shafer sits down with Joe Pryor, whose career has uniquely spanned both prison ministry and correctional leadership. Joe shares how an unexpected calling led him from the pulpit to more than two decades as a federal prison chaplain before serving in prison leadership, giving him a rare perspective on faith, rehabilitation, and redemption behind bars. Together, they discuss the power of the ministry of presence, the importance of building genuine relationships with incarcerated men and women, and how hope can transform lives on both sides of the prison walls.

Joe also shares how his calling continues today through his new ministry, which equips and encourages churches and prison ministries to more effectively serve those impacted by incarceration and bring the hope of Christ to people who need it most.

Learn More: https://cpministries.org

WATCH: https://youtu.be/ii0DFWwKZlE

TIMESTAMPS

In this episode of Behind and Beyond the Bars, Jeff Shafer sits down with Nick Robbins, CEO of Returning Home, to discuss his remarkable journey from incarcerated to prison reform innovator. Nick shares how faith, mentorship, and personal transformation shaped his life and how he is now helping incarcerated men break cycles of addiction, homelessness, and recidivism through a groundbreaking approach to rehabilitation, reentry, and restorative justice.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/4FshJcrL2VM

Jeff Shafer is joined by Ping Lieu, a former inmate whose life was radically transformed through faith, second chances, and the power of simply being seen. Ping shares his journey from incarceration and isolation to becoming a husband, father, and operations leader at a major tech company. Together, Jeff and Ping explore the deep challenges incarcerated men and women face, the importance of human connection and belonging, and how prison ministry transforms not only those behind bars—but the volunteers who walk alongside them.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/NV_bbLz4Ylo

#prisonministry #christianpodcast #redemptionstory #secondchances #lifeafterprison #faithjourney #prisonreform #forgiveness

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introducing Pingloo and Key Themes

01:13 How Pingloo and Jeff Met in Prison

03:59 Pingloo's Turning Point and the Defy Ventures Program

08:54 The Impact of Small Actions and Connection

12:14 Transformation Through Belief and Faith

17:45 Building a New Life: Career and Family

22:32 Advice for Success After Incarceration

24:31 The Power of Belonging and Forgiveness

27:40 Practical & Spiritual Challenges in Prison

30:45 Isolation, Solitary, and Surviving the Emotional Toll

36:19 Faith Journeys and Spiritual Resilience

39:16 A Father's Sacrifice: Parallels with the Gospel

41:01 The Importance of Seeing Humanity in Each Other

42:27 Lessons on Grace: What the Incarcerated Teach Us

47:38 The Mutual Blessing of Prison Ministry & Next Episodes

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Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start?

Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith.

Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances.

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➡️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association-565777125

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Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches.

© 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

Jeff Shafer is joined by Karen Swanson, co-founder of CMCA and leader of Wheaton’s Correctional Ministries Institute, shares her journey into correctional ministry and why it matters more than most people realize. She unpacks the full scope of the work—from prevention to re-entry—while challenging the church to move past stigma and step into meaningful engagement.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/SfRoALpYbyE

Learn More: https://wheatonbillygraham.com/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association

This week we are joined by Evelyn Lemly, former president of CMCA and longtime leader of Kairos Prison Ministry, to share how she was called into correctional ministry and what she’s learned leading it for over a decade. She unpacks the far-reaching impact of incarceration on individuals and families, the role of forgiveness and belonging in true transformation, and why this often-overlooked mission field matters more than most realize.

WATCH: https://youtu.be/Kdjxy68vgYM