Since 1981, Polk County Jail Ministries has brought the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those incarcerated at Polk County Jail and the Polk County Sheriff's Office staff of over 600.
Since 1981, Polk County Jail Ministries has brought the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those incarcerated at Polk County Jail, along with the Polk County Sheriff's Office staff of approximately 600. We serve the Jail, Administrative Office, Courthouse, Justice Center, and Patrol and Dispatch offices. Polk County Jail Ministries has one full-time chaplain and is governed by a board of directors.
Upon request, our chaplain and volunteers counsel people one-on-one and host Bible studies for men and women. We also have a volunteer-run book cart ministry featuring Christian fiction and non-fiction that is very popular with the inmates. Most importantly, we encourage people to read their Bibles and to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word.
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. Meet some of those who met Jesus in jail by clicking here.
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 in east Des Moines provides opportunities for personal discipleship for those getting out of jail. We want to make disciples who make disciples.
Psalm 118:5
God placed a call upon Jerry's life in June of 2005 to be the chaplain of the Polk County Jail. He has been uniquely prepared to be a missionary in this ministry. Most recently, Jerry was on the staff of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative, a faith-based ministry to the incarcerated started by Chuck Colson and served the incarcerated at the Newton Correctional Facility. This experience gave Jerry invaluable experience as he serves at Polk County Jail. Before answering the call to serve in prison ministry, Jerry was involved in men's ministry, teaching, and pastoring at a large church in Des Moines.
After an accident caused her to become addicted to pain medication, Jolynn’s life spiraled out of control. While incarcerated at Polk County Jail, she came to know Jesus.
Geoff praises God that he was arrested. During a church service at jail, God convicted him of his sin and Geoff came to know Christ as Savior. Now he has a life full of peace and hope.
Isaiah 61:1
Our volunteer ministry is looking for those equipped and called to serve as.:
Help us bring the transforming power of the gospel to those in need!
You can also mail a check to:
Polk County Jail Ministries
1985 NE 51st Pl, Des Moines, IA 50313
Your prayers mean everything to our ministry! Please join us by praying for our ministry needs. Sign up for our monthly newsletter below to see a list of our prayers and praises.
It would be our honor to share how God is working through Polk County Jail Ministries with your church, civic group, or organization. Please email Chaplain Jerry to make arrangements.
Contact us for an up-to-date
list of our most needed items.
1985 Northeast 51st Place, Des Moines, Iowa 50313, United States
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