Perseverance and Redemption: What I Saw at a Prison Ministry Graduation

I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony for Along Side Ministries. And, just like my visit to their Beyond the Bars event, I didn’t know fully what to expect. I brought my wife along this time, hoping that she would experience the same feelings I had tried to describe to her before. And apparently, I explained it well enough because she wanted to come.

Where are Graduations Held?

Graduations take place at First Christian Church of Phoenix, lovingly referred to as FCC by those “in the know” at Along Side Ministries. The church itself was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and is a beautiful campus.

First Christian Church partners with Along Side Ministries as one of the local missions they support because they believe the mission aligns with what Jesus calls us to do. They also claim to get more out of their relationship with Along Side Ministries than Along Side Ministries gets from them, which seems to be a recurring theme. So yes, they provide the space for graduations, but they support Along Side Ministries beyond just the use of their building. And you don’t have to take my word for it, here’s a video that details their partnership.

What to Expect When You Attend a Prison Ministry Graduation

The ceremony began with a few words from church leadership, followed by worship music led by a praise team. In this way, it felt less like a ceremony and more like a time of Christian worship.

After the music, Along Side Ministries leadership shared a few words before inviting the first graduate and her mentor to the stage. The mentor talked about the graduate’s progress, her passion, the struggles she overcame, and her love of Jesus.

Then the graduate herself spoke about the journey she had undergone with Along Side Ministries. And she spoke about how God worked to bring her out. Out of prison, yes, but also out of darkness and into light.

When they finished, the graduate was presented with a sword. She raised it above her head, and the whole assembly stood and applauded. I’ll come back to the sword later.

This process repeated for all of the graduates there that evening. Each graduate had a unique perspective, but they were all part of a unified story of God’s accomplishments.

Why do We Cry?

This part was unexpected. When the graduates raised their swords, I was overcome with emotion. I noticed my wife wiping tears from her eyes too, so I know I wan’t alone. I didn’t quite understand it. I had never met these graduates. I had no personal stake in their success, even though I wanted them to be successful. But I had no reason for those emotions, at least that’s what I thought.

As I reflected about it later, I figured I wasn’t emotional because of personal connections. I was responding to what I had witnessed in the graduates. I witnessed their resilience, redemption, and transformation. I saw universal themes like overcoming hardship, being given a second chance, and the possibility of real change. Isn’t that what all of us are offered when we turn to Jesus?

Events like this elicit such responses from us because they symbolize what it means to persevere, and you don’t need to know someone personally to feel the weight of their accomplishment.

Raise a Sword

At Along Side Ministries, graduates don’t move tassels to the side or toss caps. They raise a sword.

In today’s world, a sword is not a practical weapon. But here, the sword is deeply symbolic. It symbolizes victory over past struggles and the personal battles each graduate has fought to reach this milestone. It serves as a reminder that they are equipped for the inevitable future battles that will come their way.

The sword also represents the Word of God. In Ephesians 6:17, the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Hebrews 4:12 tells us “…the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”. Psalm 149:6-7 says “Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands…”. Here, the sword is linked to victory, praise, and carrying God’s mission forward.

Raising a sword combines victory, spiritual readiness, moral strength, and transformation. When graduates raise their swords, they proudly proclaim “I fought my battles. I am transformed. And I carry God’s Word and strength forward.”

Closing Activities

After the graduates had their stories told and raised their swords, something powerful happened. They were surrounded by the body of Christ.

First their mentors, then fellow graduates, then those still in the program, followed by staff and volunteers. Each person placed their hands on the person in front of them. By the time all these people had gone up, I estimate about half the room or more were there with them, covering them in prayer and support, and the love of Jesus. It was a clear picture of unity within the body of Christ.

I have one final thought to add. As I left, I reflected on my own struggles, the hard-fought battles that I had overcome, and how God walked with me through all of them. Attending this prison ministry graduation reminded me once again that we are not saved by our own works, but by God’s grace alone, and sometimes despite ourselves.

If my story has touched you, I encourage you to plan a visit to one of Along Side Ministries’ many events that are open to the public, sign up to volunteer, or donate to the cause. See what God is doing through Along Side Ministries, and see the lives transformed.

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