Our History

Since 1981, Polk County Jail Ministries (a 501(c)(3) not for profit) has brought the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those incarcerated at the Polk County Jail, along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office staff of approximately 600. We serve the Jail, Administrative Office, Courthouse, Justice Center, 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 clothing closet and a 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.

Jerry Van Cleave

Polk County Jail Chaplain

God placed a call upon Jerry’s life in June of 2005 to be the chaplain of the Polk County Jail and he celebrated 20 years as Chaplain on June 2, 2025. He has been uniquely prepared to be a missionary in this ministry.

Previously, 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 skills as he now serves at the Polk County Jail. Before answering the call to serve in prison ministry, Jerry was involved in men’s ministry, teaching, and was a pastor in training at a large church in Des Moines.

Discipleship Outreach Center

The goal of the Discipleship Outreach Center is to mentor individuals in their walk with Jesus. While many programs involve steps toward behavioral change, we believe that lasting change comes from the power of God through obedience to His Word and His Spirit.

When people call us they will not just receive a mentor, but a personal teacher to help them understand and follow Christ. DOC enables individuals to experience the hope available to all who build their lives on the Rock of Jesus Christ.