Policies for Groups and Worship Services

Area Prison or Jail Ministry Groups

Message to Leaders | Getting Started

To provide stake and ward leaders with more support, an Area Presidency may organize an area prison ministry group. The purpose of this group is to support local leaders as they fulfill their responsibility to minister to those affected by incarceration. Area Presidencies may establish appropriate objectives for the group based on the needs of their area. The group responds to complex issues that overlap multiple stake boundaries. It should promote safety and other effective patterns of prison ministry and post-release care.

Prison or Jail Ministry Callings and Worship Services

The stake president ensures capable leaders are called to stake prison ministry callings. Generally, couples or individuals called to the stake prison ministry group are not to be designated as service missionaries, nor should they wear missionary name tags. Various callings may be established within a stake prison ministry group or branch to meet the needs of those the group serves. Relief Society leadership callings should be included when ministering to women who are incarcerated.

Worship services for members in prisons or other institutions may be simplified as needed to meet their needs. These services usually follow the same format as a sacrament meeting except that the sacrament is not administered to incarcerated individuals. Incarcerated individuals may participate by offering prayers, giving talks, sharing testimonies, or fulfilling other appropriate assignments, regardless of religious affiliation or Church standing. Singing hymns can invite the Spirit and give individuals a chance to participate and worship.

Members who are called to help provide prison worship services may administer the sacrament to one another in a separate meeting under the direction of the stake president.