THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP

“Prison does not fix anybody.” 

— Randy Walker, Correctional Ministry Pastor at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama

For most of his life, Pastor Kervin Jones had a rigid perspective on incarceration and punishment.

Then he started volunteering inside Alabama’s prisons.

“When I got there and saw men, saw people who made some poor choices, it changed my outlook … I would hate to be judged for the rest of my life on the worst day of my life.” 

— Kervin Jones, Pastor of Third Street Church of God in Greensboro, Ala

Volunteers, most of whom are affiliated with religious groups, provide much of the programming in Alabama’s prisons. They lead Bible studies and church services, as well as GED courses and classes about life skills.

Officials with the Alabama Department of Corrections say the programs represent their commitment to rehabilitate incarcerated people.

But inside state prisons, most men don’t spend their days attending classes.

Episode 4 of Deliberate Indifference details daily life behind bars, and how volunteers try to bring structure to some prison dormitories.

“As the warden will tell you … ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’ They’re staying busy. They’re staying proactive. ‘How can I get ready to go home?’”

— Mitch Haubert, Pastor of Brent Presbyterian Church