Just posted a photo @ Capitol Hill instagram.com/p/Ca3e-bCuME4/…

Join us for a twitter chat National Community Church on Wednesday at 1pm with @justicereform about how the Church plays a role in 2nd chances for returning citizens!

Excited to chat with this panel today at 1pm EST National Community Church Prison Fellowship Advocacy

A2 We believe that everyone is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) & has inherent value, worth & dignity. We should all be treated equally, considering the second chance that we believe we were all given through the self-emptying sacrifice of Jesus #SecondChanceMonth

Q2. It's imp't for churches to offer 2nd chances to returning citizens b/c otherwise we crush ppl beneath a debt and guilt already paid for w/ their sentence and we fail to extend the grace and mercy of the gospel. Churches ought to specialize in 2nd chances. #SecondChanceMonth

A3 Since there are over 40,000 laws in place erecting barriers for reintegration into society after prison, we believe the Church should stand in the gap, through job opportunities, advocacy and simply inviting them into our communities #SecondChanceMonth

A3 We partner with and support the DC Dream Center as they are embedded in the local community, providing job opportunities, mentoring, education & supportive services. #SecondChanceMonth

A4 We have been using the Outrageous Justice small group curriculum provided by @prisonfellowship to raise awareness. We also participate in the #AngelTree Christmas and Sports Camp to minister to the children of those that are incarcerated #SecondChanceMonth

A5 The Church can undo stigmas by providing a Biblical perspective in sermons and using language that is welcoming. We can also review our policies to make sure all of our ministries are making it easy for returning citizens to participate and find their place #SecondChanceMonth

A6 Our identity in Christ is so crucial to reaching our God-given potential. The faith community has an important role in countering the narrative that society is placing on them so that they are treated as equally invaluable as everyone else #SecondChanceMonth

A7 We can partner with the mission of Jesus by committing to the long work of walking alongside vulnerable and marginalized communities and standing in the gaps left by society. #SecondChanceMonth

A8 The Church can lean into the practical resources offered by Prison Fellowship, like Outrageous Justice, Angel Tree, Second Chance Sunday and Justice Reform and seek to form local partnerships that are serving & representing returning citizens #SecondChanceMonth

A9 The faith community can offer jobs, connections, opportunities - whatever open doors they have access 2, they can extend to those that need a lift up. They can also offer a seat at the table by inviting them into their home & their own community of belonging #SecondChanceMonth

A10 The reintegration of returning citizens into the Beloved Community should always be the goal. By taking the posture of Acts 2:44, we established NCC Commons 2 help with some of the challenges of #reentry, including emergency assistance & financial coaching #SecondChanceMonth

A11 We have found that it is a complex and challenging journey. There are ongoing barriers to employment and feeling welcomed at church or finding ways to serve. We are committed to creating a culture of welcome and engaging in practical resources. #SecondChanceMonth

A11 We try to support #secondchances, practically, by coming alongside those that are experiencing homelessness. We provide long term relational support, connection to services, & offering help when they move into their new home #SecondChanceMonth

Just posted a photo instagram.com/p/CdQqF6dOtCW/…

Just posted a photo instagram.com/p/CdRSbbaOrf1/…

30 years!! ❤️❤️❤️ I’d say yes 10,000 more times @markbatterson !! instagram.com/p/Cd69d2SD425/…

We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else doing anything else. These are our people!! Another Staff Play + Pray Retreat in the books! @nationalcommunitychurch instagram.com/p/Cf7Q6Axuez_/…