For Churches

To Pastors and Church staff:

The chances are quite high that one or more folks at your church has been impacted by the reality of incarceration, either directly or indirectly. We are anxious to let you know that our Thursday evening gathering, A Bible study and support group we call “Radical Time Out”, could be an exceptional resource for those individuals. We would like to share with you some “feedback” from key friends who can help explain the benefit of this weekly event.  Each person on this page is speaking from personal and direct connection with Radical Time Out.  RTO can be explained in 4 simple sentences – see the graph at the bottom of this page.

Tom Jensen
Former Care Pastor, Highpoint Church   (Former Director of Local Extension, Willow Creek Community Church)

“I have personally known Koinonia House and their ministry of the Gospel for a couple of decades. Their heart for Christ and for the incarcerated has always been infectious, their commitment to equip the church for prison ministry, compelling, and their quality of care for anyone affected, healing. Connecting with Koinonia will take you to people and to places where Jesus is, and more of His disciples need to be.”

Bob Thomas
Illinois Supreme Court Jusice

“The Radical in Radical Time Out stands for an uncompromising belief in the transformative work of Jesus Christ in the lives of prisoners and their families

Although the focus of the ministry is on the incarcerated, all who witness this work of the Holy Spirit are likewise transformed into more passionate followers of Christ.”

 

Dr. Corey Dion Bush
Psy. D. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

“RTO provides a radical opportunity for true transformation. As a former resident and now mental health professional, the belief in the process of change and the necessity of second chances makes what RTO has to offer to individuals, families, churches, and communities a beacon of hope, light, and direction from God’s word, through the plain spoken preaching of Manny Mill and others who participate regularly on the Thursday night meetings. It is truly a blessing!!”

Harold Smith
former CEO / President Christianity Today, Inc.

“For me, Radical Time Out is a non-negotiable. It’s my weekly “Red Sea” experience. I mean, every Thursday night I have a front-row seat to the miracle of changed lives wrought by the wonder-working power of God unleashed through his Word and in the bold, persistent, and radical prayers of his people.”

Dr. David R. Mains
author, teacher, mentor for pastors

“For me personally, Radical Time Out has truly been a chance to witness the New Testament Church in action.  And what an incredible resource RTO is for ministers who congregations include families in which someone is incarcerated.”

Anne Rand
Director of Long-term Solutions (Willow Creek  Care Center)

“Finding community upon re-entry is so critical in helping people continue their spiritual walk beyond the walls of prison and jail.  RTO offers that perfect mix of welcome, fellowship, resources and spiritual challenge to help people assimilate and find hope as they begin their journey”.

Kelly Brady
Senior Pastor, Glen Ellyn Bible Church

“The leaders of RTO are passionate about God’s work of redemption in the lives of broken people, and for that reason it has been our pleasure to “host” RTO at Glen Ellyn Bible Church. RTO has been a tremendous blessing to our congregation! It has been a resource for those facing acute brokenness, as well as providing an opportunity for our congregants to serve in ministry.”

Dr. David Roth
former Chief Education Officer, Christian Heritage Academy
Prayer Intercessor

“RTO gives the long time church member unusual insight into God’s mercy and grace especially to families with relatives inside and outside the prison walls.  I recommend RTO without reservation.”

Pastor Marco David
Sr. Pastor, Midwest Bible Church, Chicago

“No matter where you are today, whether you are facing prison time or just tired of wasting your life, RTO is a place to encounter the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

A ministry that is fully open to the Spirit’s transforming work must be fully open to all people. RTO is authentically such a place. Come and experience for yourself the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.”

Rich Rosales
Ex-Offender

“My incarceration gave me idle time to see there is hope and that hope is in Jesus…..RTO has given me the opportunity to share that hope.”

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What is Radical Time Out, the weekly gathering at 5:15 each Thursday at the Glen Ellyn Bible Church?  In 4 simple sentences, this is what it is: