Our Vision
Our Vision for this ministry is to see the witness of the Love of Christ as an extension of the ministries of Cornerstone Baptist Church provided to all those involved in our local Criminal Justice System, bringing and returning Souls to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
Our Mission
Our mission and purpose is to visit and minister to those involved in the Criminal Justice system. To visit the Accused, the Offender, the Prisoner, offering the comfort and the counsel of God’s Word. We must also be prepared to minister to the families; of the Accused and Offenders, to the  Victims of the Offenders crimes and their families, as well as the Corrections officers and Prison and Jail administrators, Judges, Lawyers, and all others involved in the Criminal Justice system. We seek to witness the hand of God as He transforms lives through salvation and sanctification, healing and building, bringing Honor and Glory to Himself.
We must understand whom we serve. We serve our Lord, Cornerstone Baptist Church, our Pastor, the Accused, Offenders, Victims, Victims’ Families, Accused/Offenders’ Families, the Criminal Justice System, Sheriff, Deputies, Police Officers, Jail Administrator, Jailers, Attorneys, Prosecutors, and Judges.
We must understand our responsibilities. We must provide a Biblical representation of Jesus Christ, sharing the object of our faith. We must explain the recovery process that occurs as we turn from being Lost and Christ accomplishes our being Saved. We must introduce our Savior to the Lost, explaining the need for Salvation. We must explain to the new convert what it means to be a Christian, explaining the ordinances and the next steps in the Christian life including Baptism and church membership.
What We Do
Functionally, we will be Witnessing, Preaching, and Counseling. Opportunities will exist for each of us to be used by God in each of those capacities. We need to use discernment in conversation, practicing listening skills and learning the present position of those whom we counsel. We counsel the individual, One (Won) by One, according to the individual’s real needs. This can range from explaining the Love of God and the reason Jesus had to come (to accomplish our redemption) to the process of sanctification. We will also explain how to deal with sin issues Biblically, and we must be prepared to counsel small groups corporately.
We will be serving the Laurens County Detention Center. Opportunities exist for us to minister (on the Men’s side) to the minimum security “A” and “B” pods with a group in the Interview room, as well as to hand out tracts and minister one-on-one in the “C MAX” maximum security pod. The ladies will serve in the ladies’ “pod.” The Detention Center is located on Templeton Road. (approximately five miles from the Sheriff’s Office) The Johnson Detention Center is capable of housing 200 adult inmates, and the Sheriff has appointed a Jail Administrator to oversee the operation of the facility. The Corrections Division Officers are detention deputies and wear the same uniform as law enforcement officers with equal status and benefits. They handle inmate transportation between the Detention Center and courts and the security of the detainees during court functions.
How Can I Get Involved?
We are scheduled to serve Monday evenings 7 PM to 8:30 PM. We will leave from Cornerstone Baptist Church in a carpool at 6 PM to travel down to the Detention Center (we’d like to arrive at or before 6:45 to enable time to prepare our hearts and present our petitions in prayer). A map is available if you prefer to travel on your own; for further information, please contact Bryan Sisler at 864-275-5668.
Important Reminders
  ·  You must have with you a picture ID, as well as your Bible and Tracts and/or witnessing materials without staples.
  ·  Carry nothing else with you into the Jail except your keys and your prayers for God’s glory.
  ·  Always follow immediately the commands/direction of the jailers. Be courteous and respectful of the Jailers, as their job is difficult and demanding, and we are their guests.
  ·  Be on time, and never go over time, when time is up it is up, God knows how close someone may be to salvation, or any life changing decision, and He is aware of the time.
  ·  Never give anything (except Tracts) to anyone in the Jail without direct permission from a Jailer.
  ·  Always use discernment and do nothing for any of the accused/offenders when asked without first speaking to your team leaders and/or Jailers.
  ·  Remember those to whom we minister have been accused of having a “control” problem of one type or another, we must be aware of the issues that could arise in these counseling situations.
  ·  Be ready for God to do wonderful, amazing things, while we are faithful and watching. Simply Trust and Obey!
 

GOD WORKS IN CORNERSTONE WOMEN’S JAIL MINISTRY
Since this ministry began two years ago at the Lauren’s County Detention Center, over twenty women have made a profession of faith in Christ, and others who are believers have been strengthened and comforted by God’s Word. The simple gospel remains the power of God unto salvation. Rom 1:16. Some women are inmates for minor offenses, others for serious crimes, but all are souls for whom Jesus died. He came to seek and to save those who are lost, and what a joy and privilege it is for ladies from Cornerstone to watch the Holy Spirit open the hearts of inmates to God’s truth. Each Monday night a group of ladies from our church join in prayer and purpose.
The program is simple, and focuses on God and His Word. Women at the Detention Center are informed of the one and a half hour Bible Study time and an average of twelve to fifteen ladies choose to attend. After a short greeting time, hymns are sung and an opening from Psalms is given. The old hymns are new to many ladies, and they enjoy learning them. One of our Cornerstone ladies then teaches from God’s Word for 30 minutes, followed by an additional 30 minutes of small group or one on one ministry. Every few months a Singspiration fills the time.
Since the Center is a place where inmates are usually kept less than 60 days, the discipleship time with new believers is short. Much prayer is needed for them as they leave for prison or go home.
The Cornerstone church family supports this ministry with much prayer. Each Wednesday in prayer meeting, a short report is given, and much rejoicing occurs when new names have been written down in glory. Several church members continue to pray faithfully for all those that have trusted Christ, as well as for those who go to minister. Others are very faithful in sending cookies.
Any Cornerstone lady or student is welcome to join this ministry on a one time or regular basis. Christ died while we were still sinners, and the inmates at the Detention Center need to see God’s love demonstrated to them by those who care for their souls. Christ, who promised never to leave or forsake believers, and give every needed grace, goes with those who minister. Great joy and comfort comes as they realize Christ’s Words, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matt.25:40.
Contact Kristen Moore or Fran Ludlum for details.