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Kairos Texas

Kairos of Texas Prison Ministry

“...I was in prison and you came to visit me.” — Matthew 25:36

Our Purpose & Mission

The purpose of Kairos of Texas is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with those impacted by incarceration. We believe that no matter what someone has done, they are worthy of God's grace and light.

By building strong Christian communities inside correctional institutions and offering support groups outside, we address the spiritual needs of incarcerated  women, youth, and their families. Our ultimate goal is to help them change their life choices, break the cycle of crime, and transition into becoming loving, productive citizens of their communities.

How It All Started: Our History

The roots of our ministry began in 1976 in Raiford, Florida, under a program originally called "Cursillo in Prison." Founded by Tom Johnson, it was designed as a "short course in Christianity."

By 1979, a dedicated group of nine volunteers (now affectionately known as the "Nine Old Men") adapted the program specifically for the unique environment of correctional facilities. They renamed the independent, ecumenical ministry "Kairos"—a New Testament Greek word meaning "God’s Special Time" or "in the Fullness of Time." Shortly after, Kairos of Texas was established as a state chapter, bringing this life-changing ministry to the extensive Texas correctional system.

Our Impact: Units We Serve

Texas has one of the largest prison systems in the United States, and Kairos of Texas is actively on the frontlines.

 

We serve 65 active Kairos Units across the Lone Star State. This extensive reach allows us to minister deeply through three specialized programs:

  • Kairos Inside: Operating within state and federal prisons to host 3.5-day spiritual retreats for inmate leaders, followed by weekly "Prayer and Share" accountability groups.
  • Kairos Outside:A supportive 2.5-day weekend retreat designed for the mothers, wives, daughters, and female relatives of the incarcerated who are "doing time" on the outside.
  • Kairos Torch: A structured mentorship program specifically tailored for incarcerated youth (ages 25 and under) to guide them toward better life choices.

Did You Know?

In each unit we serve, we host two major weekend retreats a year, welcoming 42 residents per weekend. By changing the hearts of influential inmate leaders, we see a tangible drop in prison violence and a massive reduction in recidivism rates.

Get Involved

Kairos of Texas is a 100% volunteer-led organization. We rely entirely on the body of Christ to bring light into the dark corners of our prison system. Here is how you can help:

  • Volunteer: Become a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Certified Volunteer and join an Inside or Outside team.
  • Bake Cookies: Homemade cookies are a primary expression of "Agape Love" during our weekends. We use thousands of dozens of cookies to show residents they are loved.
  • Pray: Join our 24/7 prayer chains during a Kairos weekend to lift up the participants and volunteers.
  • Give: Your financial support goes directly to funding individual units, purchasing meals for inmates, and providing retreat supplies.
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Let’s Make a Difference Together

Ready to impact lives at the Plane State Jail? At Kairos of Texas, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about our ministry, reach out! Your involvement can foster hope and transformation. Together, let’s create lasting change!

Statement of Faith

The people of Kairos are called by God to share the love of Christ with those impacted by incarceration. Kairos encourages believers from a variety of Christian traditions to be volunteers in this Christ-filled ministry.

Kairos programs offer to prison residents, their families, and those who work with them the opportunity to receive God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, and to grow in their faith and servant hood in Christian community. We stand on the common ground of the following elements of faith:

We in Kairos believe:

  •  The Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired word for our faith and our lives.
  •  In the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  •  In the deity, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  •  Friendship with God is a free gift, for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
  •  The love of Jesus Christ motivates His followers to provide food for the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothes for the naked and visits to the sick and those in prison.
  •  In sharing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with all incarcerated individuals, their families and to those who work with them inside and outside the correctional institution.

Agreement

By my signature, as a faithful member on a Kairos Inside team:

  1. I will obtain a current Kairos Inside manual. I will read the manual and I will follow the program as it is presented in the Kairos Inside manual with no unauthorized additions or deletions.
  2. I will make every effort to attend ALL team meetings. I understand that if I miss these team meetings, I could be dismissed from the team.
  3. After becoming familiar with the program, as a Christian I agree to support, in good faith, the Weekend activities, as well as the theological and scriptural content of the Talks/Meditations outlined in the Kairos Inside manual.
  4. I am a Christian and I have read and agree with the Mission Statement, the Vision Statement, the CORE Values, and the Statement of Faith of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.