By Jim Swartzentruber – InsideOut Dad Facilitator
We have recently completed the 8th InsideOut Dad class in prison, where sixteen prisoners graduated after twelve weeks of class. We had a wide range of social and spiritual backgrounds, from committed believers to proclaimed atheists. From a monogamous marriage of twenty-two years to “I have six children with five women.” And “I talk to my children daily” to “I am in court trying to get visitation rights.”
A significant focus of the class is sharing and reflecting on our childhood experiences and how they shape our parenting today. This process includes recognizing and addressing generational cycles—not only those related to incarceration but also cycles of abuse and neglect. The stories that are told over and over are: “My dad was never there.” or “When he was there, he was drunk and abusive.” As well as “I became a father when I was 15.” Many of their mentors were gang leaders.
A key theme emphasized throughout the class is that, as men, we are created to be leaders—providers and protectors. The men learn that, whether intentional or not, we are always teaching something through our actions and words. A “light bulb” moment often happens when we explore the word discipline and discover its root: disciple. This realization reframes our role as fathers, showing that our primary responsibility is to disciple and guide our children.
As the class progresses, it’s exciting to see the shift from a “poor me” mindset to “it’s not about me” and a genuine desire to provide the best for their children. Also, when they come to understand that without Christ, breaking the cycle of incarceration is incredibly challenging, and without intentionality, destructive patterns are likely to repeat. As the group gets vulnerable, I can see a bond growing between them. They often say, “For a couple of hours, I almost forget I’m in prison.”
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support in allowing us to continue this opportunity to share the gospel in this way.
