"BEHIND THE BARS" SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH REV. JEFF BLACK (PART I)
Part of our efforts here on the part of the Suite is to keep you abreast of certain things happening in our state's prison system. Such is the case with something that I recently found in Christianity Today about a prison program that started in England--but is now gaining a little bit of popularity here in the States.
The Prison Alpha program has both its enthusiastic supporters and its fervent critics. But whatever you might wish to say about it, there is one Texas women's prison that one can at least use as an example to judge whether Prison Alpha is effective or not. To some, Alpha is a constant source of controversy--especially in regards to certain doctrinal issues. To others, it's a liferaft from which their lives could not otherwise use to change.
To find out more about this, we have the privilege for the next two weeks to talk with Rev. Jeff Black, pastor of St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church in Austin, TX. He, along with his wife, Barbara, have started this congregation in service to those young adults who are otherwise unchurched in the Northwest Austin area. I'll let portions of their Web site speak for themselves:
"St. Barnabas is named after a man in scripture who was known for his encouraging spirit. Our ministry is dedicated to ministering to the needs of individuals and families through relevant Bible teachings, spirit-filled worship, small group meetings, an excellent children's ministry, and many other programs. A ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, St. Barnabas Church offers the best in traditional worship, combined with contemporary music and a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere..."
"...While we welcome all people to worship and to belong, our special focus is to proclaim the saving Gospel to the unchurched young adults (-35) of Northwest Austin. We intend to base our ministry on small, home-based groups. We seek to reach them with clear gospel preaching, and contemporary, Spirit-filled worship..."
"...At St. Barnabas, we realize that you have had a lifetime of meaningful experiences that have affected who you are, what you do, and what you think about God. With that in mind, we offer several programs that will help you grow in the faith and live out that faith in meaningful ministry."
With that said and without further adieu, we welcome Rev. Black to the Suite as a way to find out more about a program that has become one of the faith-based prison programs that Gov. Bush has been interested in developing here in Texas. We feel that his comments will prove to be both theologically challenging and enlightening. [I'd also like to give special thanks to our Natural Health CE, Traute Klein, for her assistance with this interview. You can check Traute out at the Suite at the following URL: http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/natu... !!]
