Southside Alliance Church
530 Pennsylvania Ave
Elmira, NY 14904
607-732-6580
Pastor John McConnell
Vision: Mission: Ministry Goals: · Proclaiming the gospel. Declaring the good news of Jesus Christ to those impacted by crime. · Making Disciples Enabling believers impacted by crime to become consecrated followers of Jesus Christ. · Doing Justice Bringing biblical standards to the criminal justice system. · Loving Mercy Providing practical assistance, in Christ’s name, to those impacted by crime. · Speaking Truth in Love Communicating and demonstrating biblical truth in all of life.
That God’s kingdom will be manifested as the redemptive grace and peace of Jesus Christ are experienced by those impacted by a crime.
To exhort, equip, and assist the Church in its ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims, and their families and to promote biblical standards of justice in the criminal justice system.
Golden Keys of Prison Ministry
The Key of Mercy-
After declaring us “dead” in our sins, the Apostle Paul encourages us to know that God is “rich in mercy” Ephesians 2:4. God sees us absolutely mired in sin (Isaiah 1:5-6 and Romans 3:9-18) but also wants to embrace us with his mercy.
The Key of “Agape” love-
Divine love is expressed in John 3:16, I Corinthians 13:4-8 and elsewhere in the Bible. It is the unconditional love of God expressed to humankind, not based on behavior, but because we are His creation and deemed worthy of redemption. God uses believers to express this love to others (Romans 5:5).
The Key of Redemption-
We have been purchased from the slave market of sin (1 Peter 1:18; I Corinthians 6:20) by the precious blood of Jesus. As believers, we are now given freedom to serve god with our body, soul, and spirit.
The Key of Reconciliation-
Once we were separated from God as his enemies (Romans 5:10-11) but through Christ’s sacrifice our relationship can be restored with God
(Hebrews 4:16).
The Key to Restoration-
God loves to restore the one whom He has saved by his Grace. He restores our souls (Psalm 23:3) and the years of life that were wasted (Joel 2:25) in disobedience. He wants us to become fruitful and godly men and women for his Kingdom.
The calling on my life is Matthew 25:34-36,
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.”
Credentials
· Since 1991, I have been involved in Golden Key Prison Ministry.
· Since 1993, I have been involved in:
~ Prison Fellowship Ministry as a volunteer.
~Chemung County Jail as a volunteer, preacher, teacher, mentor and counselor.
· Since 2000, I have taught mentor seminars at area churches & conventions.
· In 2006,
~I Founded and have taught classes for “ADAM” (Alcohol Drug Abuse Ministry)
~Was employed at St. Joseph's Hospital as a drug and alcohol counselor.
If you would like to be our partner in spreading the good news of the gospel to those behind bars, you can help in any or all of the ways listed below:
Prayer:
Using our quarterly newsletter, bring the various enclosed prayer requests to the Lord. (If you would like to be added to our mailing list, just call or write and we’d be glad to include you.)
Volunteer:
We continually need men and women who are willing to give 2 to 3 hours a week sharing the Gospel in jail or in homes, and then discipline those that accept the Lord. We will train you and see that you are completely prepared before you begin working in the ministry.
Support:
Terry has financial needs including salary, travel expenses, telephone, teaching materials, and Bibles. Donations are tax deductible and we furnish a receipt at the end of the year. Checks should be made out to: Southside Alliance Church
If you are interested, please contact us: Phone: (607)-732-6580 x3204
Or write:
Southside Alliance Church
Attn: Terry Batrony
530 Penn Ave
Elmira, NY 14904