Chapter 10

The following points should be considered in the actual conducting of the Bible study:

1. See that all inmates have their own Bibles and encourage them to lookup, read and follow the Scripture texts in giving their answers. This method helps the inmate to become more familiar with the Bible.
2. Do not become easily discouraged. Sometimes the most difficult inmate may in time become the most spiritual. They should be kept spiritually active. Many of these individuals are quite talented and their appropriate talents should be utilized for God's service.
3. At times baptized inmates and others contemplating baptism are released from the correctional institution during the course of the Bible study sessions. These individuals should be followed into the community and work with them should continue as the situation permits. Those that are reunited with their families may desire the families to begin studies. Many times Bible studies can be started with families and friends before inmates are released. Entire families have accepted the truth as taught while the inmates are still incarcerated.
4. Former inmates who have been baptized should be encouraged to visit, worship with and work with the church, as soon as they are released. Stressing the importance of regular Sabbath worship for released inmates should be the teacher's first priority. Ties should be made with other church workers to help follow through with these newly released individuals immediately.

The Florida Prison Ministries Bible study program has been developed using two sets of lesson studies as outlined below.

1. A six-set of lessons "Steps To Eternal Life" with "Happiness Digest" will be distributed to inmates. This lesson will have presented the Gospel to lead a person to Christ. The sixth lesson will ask if they want a second set of thirty-two lessons " What The Bible Say".
2. The thirty-two lesson studies are for the prisoners to study on their own in their own time. This will insure that what they discover, they can say that the Bible told them this truth. This will eliminate conflicts between you and the chaplains in charge, that will disagree with Bible truths.
3. Upon successfully completing the thirty-two lesson studies and enrolled three other inmates or family/friends in these lesson studies they will be presented with a certificate of completion. This should be presented to them in front of the class.
4. We only believe in studying "Bible Readings for the Home" with the inmates at these study lesson sessions.

Note: Florida State says, we cannot proselytize in prison, this means our goals cannot be to convert inmates to our denomination, but we can present the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to lead.

Christ is to be their text. They need not dwell upon doctrinal subjects; let them speak of the work and sacrifice of Christ. Let them hold up His righteousness, in their lives revealing His purity. The true missionary must be armed with the mind of Christ. His heart must be filled with Christ like love and he must be true and steadfast to principle. - 7T 228

Florida Prison Program

1. Prayer at the gate
2. Alleluia ( song )
3. Opening prayer
4. Praise the Lord ( Next page )
5. Responsive reading of the "ten commandments" *After prayer
6. (Point out Ex 31:18) "Written with the finger of God"
7. Jer 17:5 "Thus says the Lord: "cursed is the man who trusts in man..."
8. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
9. Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord."
10. Acts 5:29 " We ought to obey God rather than man"
11. Welcome new students and give out new lessons. Give out certificates in front of group.
12. Special music
13. Bible study classes, consisting of three or four students only if possible.* Prayer before and after class. * Study from "Bible readings for the home."
14. Fellowship time, time to get to know and share the inmates concerns.
15. Alleluia (song)
16. Closing prayer

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