Clergy Corner: Restoring Individuals like Jesus Did

Sometimes, people get into trouble. Sometimes they fall into sin. That is a consequence of being human. In society, people who get caught deal with the legal system. This can mean detention and prison time.

There is an ongoing discussion about the purpose of prison. Some say it is for punishment, others say it is for rehabilitation. Most people believe it should be a combination of both. I’m on the side of rehabilitation. I believe that God wants to redeem and restore lives that have gotten into trouble. Jesus didn’t come to condemn, but to save (John 3:17).

When sin happens in society, the courts deal with it. The American judicial and penal system isn’t perfect. Sometimes it gets things wrong. When sin happens to Christians, the church also deals with it. The church isn’t perfect either. The difference is that we follow a perfect Savior.

Many churches use Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 as a basis for dealing with sin. It has a nice progression, moving from personal to impersonal. Many people don’t like the way it ends up: “treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Mt. 18:17). I prefer to understand that the progression ends up with a personal treatment. After all, it is a former tax collector who wrote these words. Jesus taught us how we should treat pagans and tax collectors. We should love them and encourage their salvation.

This is why I appreciate NPM. It deals with individuals on a personal basis. It seeks to facilitate the rehabilitation and restoration process. I believe that is truly a ministry of Jesus.

Those who enter the NPM program are gently “obligated” to attend church for the first three months out of prison. I have come to see the NPM men as a blessing to the congregation I am serving. They continually help us to visualize how God works in a repentant life.

Some people stop too soon when applying Matthew 18. We need to read at least to verse 20 where Jesus reminds us, “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” As we live and serve in the presence of Jesus, we will show unconditional love and seek the best for others as we gather in His name.

Pastor Steve Crane, Interim Pastor, Zion Mennonite Church