Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association

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Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association

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CMCA is a professional association that unites Christians as they serve in correctional ministries fulfilling the Great Commission

10/29/2026

Recorded on August 3, 2026 - just weeks before Josh Smith stepped down as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, this was one of his final recorded conversations while in the role. His historic tenure brought significant changes to BOP leadership, policy, and reform.

In this episode, Josh joins Jeff Shafer to share his remarkable journey from incarceration to his time helping to lead the federal prison system. They discuss transforming prisons from places of confinement into places of change, the critical role of chaplains and volunteers, the importance of supporting correctional staff, and preparing incarcerated men and women to successfully return to their communities.

Learn More About Volunteering: https://www.bop.gov/jobs/volunteer.jsp

ALSO!
Save the Date, Plan to Join Us & Bring a Friend!
CMCA 2027 Correctional Ministries Summit
May 13-15, 2027
Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL

Don’t miss this unique gathering of Christians engaged in Correctional Ministry and Chaplaincy!

Registration opens December 2026

Questions?
The CMCA website has Summit information and much, much more!
www.cmcainternational.org
Email: [email protected]

07/02/2026

Know someone who could benefit from this opportunity?

The Charles W. Colson Scholarship provides full tuition, room, and board for qualified formerly incarcerated Christians pursuing an undergraduate degree at Wheaton College.

If someone comes to mind, would you take a moment to share this with them?
Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04nqzMR0

05/16/2026

A few hours left, but countless moments we’ll carry long after this week ends.
This summit has been filled with people faithfully pursuing hope, restoration, and the Gospel within correctional ministry. What a gift it is to gather together.
Drop a ❤️ if this week encouraged you.
Share a takeaway in the comments.
Tag someone you were grateful to connect with this week.

05/15/2026

Breakout sessions are in full swing at the CMCA Summit. 📚🤝
As we move from our first round of workshops into the next, we’re grateful for the many conversations, insights, and practical tools being shared across each focused area of ministry.
Our hope is that every attendee leaves not only better equipped for the work they’ve been called to, but also encouraged by meeting others pursuing the same mission. 🙏🏼

05/15/2026

📍 The CMCA Summit is underway!
Grateful to gather alongside correctional ministry leaders, chaplains, pastors, volunteers, and practitioners from across the country who are faithfully serving behind prison walls and beyond them. 🤝

Praying these days would strengthen, encourage, and equip all who are carrying this work forward. 🙏🏼

05/13/2026

Every year, God gathers people with a shared burden for those behind and beyond the walls.

Different stories. Different roles. One faithful God.

Tomorrow, we gather again.
God Our Provider.

05/08/2026

What if prison actually prepared people to come home?Full conversation on CMCA's very own 'Behind and Beyond the Bars' Podcast.
Check it out: https://hubs.li/Q04fG_Zy0

04/28/2026

Every day across the country…
Chaplains respond to crisis inside correctional facilities.
Volunteers share the gospel behind prison walls.
Ministries help men and women rebuild after incarceration.
Churches step in to support second chances.
But this work is not easy.
That’s why the CMCA Summit gathers leaders to learn together.
Workshops will cover topics like trauma care, prison discipleship, reentry support, youth ministry, and building sustainable organizations.
Because when ministries are equipped, lives are restored.

View the full workshop schedule here: https://hubs.li/Q04dLLgz0

04/09/2026

Hundreds of believers. Many callings. One mission in correctional ministry.
Still deciding on CMCA Summit? Hear it from those who’ve been.
https://hubs.li/Q04bhSDy0

04/01/2026

April is Second Chance Month, an initiative led by Prison Fellowship to raise awareness about the barriers faced by individuals with a criminal record and to promote pathways toward restoration and reintegration. https://hubs.li/Q049jP8q0

At CMCA, we stand alongside the broader correctional ministry community in recognizing the dignity and potential of every individual. With millions of Americans impacted by a criminal record, this month is a reminder of the importance of advocacy, relationships, and practical support in unlocking second chances.

We’re grateful for organizations like Prison Fellowship and their continued leadership in bringing awareness, mobilizing partners, and equipping the Church to engage in this space.

Join the movement by learning more, advocating for fair opportunities, supporting reentry efforts, and participating in Second Chance Month initiatives.

Address

501 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL
60187

Telephone

+16307527085

Website

http://www.CMCAinternational.org/

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