Eligibility to Serve on Inside and Outside Support Teams

Policy Limiting Volunteer Service Opportunities for People with Certain Prior Criminal Convictions or Pending Charges

 Policy on Serving with Past Offenses or Substance Use

At Jubilee Prison Ministry (JPM), our goal is to provide a safe, Christ-centered environment for everyone involved—inside the prison units, with our outside team, and through our partnerships with churches. As we serve those impacted by incarceration, we must also remain mindful of the responsibilities we carry to protect participants, volunteers, and host church communities.

No one who is, or appears to be, impaired and / or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol may serve in any role during a Jubilee Prison Ministry activity or program.

Serving Inside Prison Units

JPM follows the volunteer policies of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and similar agencies in other states. If TDCJ or another governing body approves a volunteer to enter the unit, JPM welcomes them to serve on the Inside Team, so long as they are a volunteer in good standing with the ministry.

Serving on the Outside Team

Our Outside Team partners with local churches to prepare meals, create agape, and lift up the weekend in prayer. Out of respect for church policies and insurance requirements—and to honor the trust of our ministry partners—we’ve set the following boundaries:

  • Individuals with a prior conviction of a sexual offense or crimes against children (including child pornography) may not serve in any role on the Outside Team.

  • Individuals with a current pending charge alleging violence against another person, a sexual offense, or crimes against children (including child pornography) may not serve in any role on the Outside Team until the charges have been finally adjudicated. 

Inside Leadership Positions

Individuals in the categories above may not serve in any of the following weekend leadership roles: Inside Weekend Leader, Advising Leader, Assistant Leader, Steward Leader.

These boundaries are intended to help protect the integrity of the ministry and provide a secure space for all involved.

Path to Reconnection

If someone has pending charges and is later cleared or declared innocent, they are welcome to reach out to the Executive Director for reconsideration. We believe in grace and restoration, but we also believe in wisdom and accountability as we serve together.

Other Ways to Serve

Even if someone is not able to join the team during a JPM weekend, there are still meaningful ways to be involved:

  • Sign or help create agape items such as placemats, prayer chains, and posters.

  • Invite others to pray for the weekend and those attending.

  • Pray personally for those serving and participating.

If you fall into one of the categories above and would like the JPM prayer team to lift you up specifically, please contact the Executive Director. We would be honored to pray for you.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about this policy or would like to speak with someone confidentially, please reach out to the JPM Executive Director or a member of the Board. We’re here to walk alongside you with grace, truth, and love.