College at Southeastern launches women's prison program in Florida

The College at Southeastern's Field Minister Program is designed to train and disciple incarcerated men and women to become ambassadors for Christ and fulfill the Great Commission in their communities. Upon completion of the program, these Southeastern graduates, who have theological training, are sent in teams to serve as field ministers in their state's correctional facilities.

At the Marion County Extension Center at Lowell Correctional, students in the Field Minister Program have the opportunity to earn a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Psychology, Women's Ministry, or Law and Social Ethics. These women are taught primarily by Southeastern faculty members from the Ocala area.

Nick Colton, a two-time Southeastern graduate, is the assistant director of prison programs at the Florida Extension Center and is excited about the launch of the new program. As Colton reflected on the fall semester and the beginning of these students' journey, he was struck by God's goodness.

“As I look to the future, what I'm most excited about is seeing chaplains being sent out to serve as preachers in other state prisons. When I imagine the moment when the graduates are sent out, it seems like a beautiful redemption story,” he said.

In the months leading up to the fall semester, he experienced God's provision through local churches who enthusiastically stepped forward to support the program and its students.

During a meeting with the Marion County Baptist Association, Colton had the opportunity to speak with local pastors and church leaders about God's work through the Field Minister Program. Many of those present that day have since offered their time and experience to serve as tutors and mentors to students in the MCEC program.

As we open the new expansion center, Southeastern is grateful for the partnerships with Lowell Correctional, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Prison Seminaries Foundation. Thanks to the diligent collaboration of these organizations, participants in the MCEC program not only have the opportunity to pursue a higher education, but are also trained as disciple makers and evangelizers.

Despite the difficult circumstances of many of these women, God has called them to a mission area that is often overlooked and neglected. Southeastern is excited to be a part of this work and to train these new students for the ministry to which God has called them.

For more information about Southeastern's Field Minister Program and ways to get involved, visit the college's website here.