Issue 2 | 2023

Chuck had never considered
prison ministry, but God had
other plans. Today, discipling
incarcerated and formerly
incarcerated men and women
in their faith is a significant
part of Chuck’s ministry.
Pictured here with his
discipleship group.
PHOTO BY MARISSA PARKER
on the Kingdom Seekers Sunday School The irony in the way God works makes
class. I have to smile when I think back me chuckle.
to that first Sunday. I can still hear Glen’s Some people have difficulty believing
voice (one of those elders) calling me. there’s a church who will love them like a
“Chuck, come quick. You have to see family and help them reenter society. Many
what’s happened to our class!” At first, respond with, “Yeah, right. No church will
I didn’t know how to respond, but then want someone like me around.”
his face broke into a bright smile. “These But after they come, I usually hear, “I’ve
people have doubled our attendance and never felt loved and accepted like this.”
reduced our average age by one-third!” That makes my day like nothing else.
That day was a happy, pivotal moment, These folks don’t realize what it means
WHO KNEW GOD COULD USE TRANSFORMED
MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE INSIDE TO BRING
TRANSFORMATION TO PEOPLE ON THE OUTSIDE?
both in the life of First Christian Church to us to be loved and accepted by them.
and in those of the men and women who On any given Sunday, I can look into the
desperately needed to experience the love congregation and see the faces of people I
of a family. We’ve all been changed for have met in prison. It has been a privilege
the better.
to continue to teach and disciple them;
Austin soon persuaded me to accompany
him into the men’s prison in Florence, times, they teach me how to follow Jesus
many have become close friends. Some-
Arizona. I was apprehensive, but my fear and reflect Him in our broken world.
dissipated when those men welcomed me God is moving powerfully from the inside
out. Who knew He could use trans-
into their family. I have been a religious
volunteer for the Arizona Department of formed men and women from the inside
Corrections ever since. Now I do what I to bring transformation to people on the
used to watch my little brother do—teach outside? I’m glad to have a front-row seat.
men about Jesus and the Word of God in God refashioned what was once a very
prison. Talk about a foreign mission field! traditional, upper-middle-class church
into a diverse community where incredible
stories of redemption abound and
where people from every tribe, tongue,
and nation live in harmony, worshipping
their Savior together.
It’s a beautiful sight—and I imagine
heaven will be much like it.
You know, not everyone appreciated our
saying yes to God and welcoming these
folks. Love and grace are messy. Many
people left our church because they didn’t
want to sit next to an ex-con.
But that’s okay. Life isn’t about making
everyone comfortable; it’s about obeying
the Lord. It’s about loving others and welcoming
them into God’s family. It’s about
moving over and making room for people
who are different from us.
Making disciples is a journey of ongoing
healing and growth. It’s deliberate,
intentional, and often challenging.
Is it easy? No. It requires God’s wisdom
and strength and patience (Philippians
4:13). But it’s worth the effort.
And in the process, you’ll grow. You’ll
make new friends. And you’ll experience
God doing something incredible in and
through you.
Don’t miss it! Open the door. Scoot over
and make room for others today.
CHUCK FOREMAN and his wife, Kathy, have
established deep roots at First Christian Church
of Phoenix, Arizona, a church known for humbly
serving its community. In addition to being proud
parents and grandparents, Chuck and Kathy
consider dozens of men and women part of their
beloved family of disciples.
24 Issue 02 / 2023 VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM