Everything a man needs after release is technically available. The job board, the meetings, the halfway house. What isn’t available is somebody who wants him around on a Thursday.
Add one chair. Then keep inviting him after the novelty wears off.
Save a Seat in the Men's Study
Welcome one returning citizen into the group you already have, with a standing dinner invitation. Reentry fails from loneliness long before it fails from anything else.
What you'll need
- The group you already meet with, and one honest conversation with them first
- A ride to the first few meetings
- A standing seat at your table on Sunday
What to say
There's a guy just out who needs somewhere to land. I'd like to bring him. Are we the kind of group that can do that well?
Pitfalls
- Talk to the group before he shows up, so nobody's face does the talking.
- Don't make him the testimony. He's a guy in the group, not the lesson.
- Feed him at your house. A church room is not the same as a kitchen table.
Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. — Romans 15:7