ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Behind and Beyond the Bars, Jeff Shafer sits down with Don Harvey of Inspiration Ministries to share how a search for greater purpose led him from a successful business career into full-time re-entry ministry. Don discusses the realities facing men and women returning from incarceration, why stability, housing, employment, accountability, and community are so critical to lasting restoration, and how serving this population transformed his own perspective on grace and second chances. He also shares how Inspiration Ministries and Refuge Community Church have grown into a thriving community in Butler, Indiana, built around redemption, relationships, and helping people move beyond their past toward a new future.
Learn More: https://www.inspiration-ministries.org
WATCH: https://youtu.be/_8_lToGiQ_k
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Meeting Don 01:07 Don's Story Begins 02:46 From Business to Purpose 03:57 Finding a New Path 06:12 Inspiration Ministries' Vision 08:12 A Calling to Friendship 10:01 Full-Time Ministry Leap 14:19 Lessons in Humility 18:59 Defining Re-entry 22:25 Building a Restorative Community 30:55 The Refuge Church Impact 38:24 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
#PrisonMinistry #ReentryMinistry #PrisonReentry #SecondChances #LifeAfterPrison #ReentryProgram #CriminalJusticeReform #ReturningCitizens #FaithBasedMinistry #ChristianMinistry #PrisonReform #Incarceration #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryMinistry #RestorativeJustice #CommunityReentry #FaithAndRecovery #Redemption #InspirationMinistries #BehindAndBeyondTheBars --- Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start?
Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith.
Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. --- FOLLOW ➡️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cmcaintl ➡️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CMCAInternational ➡️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-association-565777125 --- Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches.
© 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.
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