That's a fair question, and one that should be answered with data. My initial thought is "Jesus clearly makes the difference, and I get to watch." But I can understand the need for data and will provide it here. The data is not always easy to find because the reason for change is not always clear and quantifiable as there are many internal and external factors that are hard to isolate, but here are some who have tried.
The honest answer is: the data is mixed, but the better faith-based work programs often show noticeably lower recidivism rates — especially when they combine faith + structure + work + mentoring + post-release support. Just “religious exposure” by itself usually does not move the needle much.
Here’s the rough picture from major studies:
One of the most cited studies is the Prison Fellowship Inner Change Freedom Initiative in Texas.
Researchers found:
A later Minnesota study also found participants in the same style of faith-based reentry program had significantly lower:
But here’s the important caveat:
Some researchers argue the results are overstated because:
Still, one thing keeps showing up across studies:
Programs that include these elements tend to outperform prison-only approaches:
A big distinction:
Our local work/faith based programs boast a 40% success rate. "Success" is defined as not coming back to jail within a year of graduation. It may not sound like much, but it is much better than the non-work/faith based organizations that have a much lower success rate - we think it may be around 5%. Most inmates know this too, and it comes down to being willing to pay the price for freedom.
People usually don’t stay changed because of one emotional moment. They stay changed when their entire environment changes. And it is the faith community that has ALWAYS been on the forefront of this assault on crime and the human condition modeled by our Lord Jesus himself. Many inmates are deciding what to do when they are released, and that's where we come in. We give out this form and suggest local work/faith based reentry programs. Here is our Inmate Resource form for inmates. We do make a difference. Will you be a part?
Here's another great resource that provides many statistics surrounding faith based incarceration intervention.
More God, Less Crime by Byron Johnson
The honest answer is: the data is mixed, but the better faith-based work programs often show noticeably lower recidivism rates — especially when they combine faith + structure + work + mentoring + post-release support. Just “religious exposure” by itself usually does not move the needle much.
Here’s the rough picture from major studies:
- Faith-based programs with weak guidance or follow-up - Weak and inconsistent improvement
- Faith-based work/reentry programs with mentoring/accountability - Often 15–35% lower recidivism than comparison groups
- Strong long-term residential/work discipleship models - Sometimes dramatically lower, though methods vary.
One of the most cited studies is the Prison Fellowship Inner Change Freedom Initiative in Texas.
Researchers found:
- IFI graduates had a 17.3% re-arrest rate
- Comparable nonparticipants had about a 35% re-arrest rate
- Reincarceration was 8% for graduates vs. 20.3% for controls over two years (Office of Justice Programs)
A later Minnesota study also found participants in the same style of faith-based reentry program had significantly lower:
- re-arrest rates
- reconviction rates
- reincarceration rates
But here’s the important caveat:
Some researchers argue the results are overstated because:
- motivated inmates are more likely to complete the programs,
- some participants “play the game” for parole advantages,
- and many studies are not randomized. (Office of Justice Programs)
Still, one thing keeps showing up across studies:
Programs that include these elements tend to outperform prison-only approaches:
- meaningful work
- daily structure
- sober living environment
- community accountability
- mentoring
- spiritual transformation
- post-release relationships
- job assistance
- long-term support
- Delancey Street Foundation (not faith based)
- Teen Challenge
- Prison Fellowship
A big distinction:
- “Bible study in prison” alone = modest evidence.
- “Faith-based work-centered community with long-term accountability” = much stronger outcomes.
- identity,
- discipline,
- employability,
- peer group,
- and purpose.
Our local work/faith based programs boast a 40% success rate. "Success" is defined as not coming back to jail within a year of graduation. It may not sound like much, but it is much better than the non-work/faith based organizations that have a much lower success rate - we think it may be around 5%. Most inmates know this too, and it comes down to being willing to pay the price for freedom.
People usually don’t stay changed because of one emotional moment. They stay changed when their entire environment changes. And it is the faith community that has ALWAYS been on the forefront of this assault on crime and the human condition modeled by our Lord Jesus himself. Many inmates are deciding what to do when they are released, and that's where we come in. We give out this form and suggest local work/faith based reentry programs. Here is our Inmate Resource form for inmates. We do make a difference. Will you be a part?
Here's another great resource that provides many statistics surrounding faith based incarceration intervention.
More God, Less Crime by Byron Johnson