JAIL MINISTRIES

Jesus is alive and working in the lives of the people in the Polk County Jail, both the incarcerated and Sheriff’s Office employees.

CHRIST’S TRANSFORMING POWER CHANGES LIVES

A caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly. Rain turns into snow. A tadpole becomes a frog. God often uses creation to teach us lessons about His power in nature. Our theme for 2026 – Christ’s Transforming Power Changes Lives – comes from 2 Corinthians 3:18 where we read, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” God’s power is displayed as He changes the lives of men and women here at the Polk County Jail. We praise Him as we watch them go from ruin, devastation, grievous wounds and being at rock bottom to being transformed into new life in Him!

Iowa’s recidivism rate is over 37% within the first three years after release and up to 70% overall; however, among those who experience the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ, only 6% return to prison or jail.

Once out of jail, we encourage people to attend a Bible-teaching church and commit to finding a mentor to help keep them accountable. Our Discipleship Outreach Center (DOC) in east Des Moines provides opportunities for personal discipleship for those getting out of jail. We want to make disciples who make disciples.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives.”

Isaiah 61:11