Classroom Instruction

As a volunteer chaplain in the Illinois Department of Corrections, SOCPM conducts Biblical discipleship and Christian Living classes. Since August 2009, SOCPM has had a presence in Sheridan Correctional Center and, since November 2011, in Dixon Correctional Center.

As of November 2022, SOCPM teaches two Discipleship classes, one in Dixon C. C. on Wednesdays and one in Sheridan on Fridays. SOCPM teaches three Christian Living classes, one in Dixon C. C. on Wednesdays and two in Sheridan on Fridays. 

All Students who successfully complete a classroom instruction course receive an 8.5" x 11" certificate made of 25% Cotton, 65 lb, with a white linen finish.

Church Connection

SOCPM sees the greatest need for a paroling SOCPM student is ongoing discipleship. Sadly, many parolees won’t continue pursuing discipleship on their own. There are many reasons; one major reason is not being intentional in connecting to a sound Bible-teaching church. SOCPM encourages students to get connected to a church and a church family before parole. SOCPM helps them by searching the area they will parole to for solid Bible teaching churches that are willing to welcome the student into their church family despite their past. SOCPM has partnered with churches throughout the state of Illinois and sometimes other states through Church Connection. Church Connection is one of the most vital programs SOCPM can offer our students. It can often be the difference between returning to prison or living a vibrant life for God’s glory.

Prayer Requests

SOCPM takes student prayer requests from the classroom and online Bible study students and posts them to SOCPM’s Student Prayer Request page.

Bibles

A good study Bible is a must for all Christians, and through Ministry Connection, SOCPM acquires good Study Bibles free or at a greatly reduced cost to give the student. Despite the generosity of Ministry Connect partners, our supply is very limited, and we often have more students than Bibles. Consider supporting Soldiers of Christ by going to DONATE.

Books

SOCPM, through Ministry Connection's Christian publishers, distributes books to Discipleship students at the conclusion of a typical 14-week class. We work with Christian publishers to choose a book that complements the course topic. Often the Christian Publisher will donate the books or offer them at a substantial discount. Sometimes they may limit the number of books due to the high count of SOCPM students, which on average exceeds 75 students. Please consider supporting Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries by going to DONATE to assist with the costs.

Literature

SOCPM, through our Ministry Connection Literature partners, is a resource for students when they have questions on ‘What does the Bible say…’, ‘I want to know more about…’. SOCPM Christian Living courses often have students wanting additional teachings on marriage, parenting, etc. SOCPM has a vast library of essays and articles on most topics and will give the students multiple articles on the topic. Some of this literature is beyond an essay or article and is over 25 pages. One example is through an agreement with Crossway, SOCPM will provide copies of Crossway’s introductions to their ESV study Bible books. If SOCPM doesn’t have an article for a question or topic, we will search for one.