The American Psychological Association defines exhibitionism, in part, as the disposition or tendency to draw attention to one’s self, particularly through conspicuous or attention-seeking behavior. It’s one thing when this kind of behavior is used to bring attention to one’s self. But what happens when we take this same kind of exhibitionist mindset and apply it to others, especially those who are already made distant from society as a result of incarceration and perhaps even before that things like socio-economic or even racial disparities?

Join Ruth Jefferson and Pastor Mark Wenzel as they have a conversation about exhibitionism and sensationalism as it relates to prison ministry and walking with returning citizens and their families. Along the way, you'll also get to hear about how Star Wars and Star Trek help us to better understand these concepts (There may or may not be a conversation point about the Borg), how the language we use and the lies we believe contribute to the placement of returning citizens and their families into an outcast group that further feeds into the cycle of incarceration, and more. 

Come hang out with us for this conversation as we work together toward the goal of strengthening communities, fostering resilience, and challenging common narratives that contribute to breakdowns in communication and in our ability to walk with each other and to see each other as people Jesus died for, equally in need of God's grace. 

Has the age of Google and ever-evolving technology done more to contribute to the struggles of returning citizens? Tune in with Ruth Jefferson, Phil Merten, Diamond Faucha, and Mark Wenzel as they talk about this and more in this episode of "Stronger: Learning to Live Free".

Are you a returning citizen looking to start up a business or to get assistance with credit repair, reach out to us at admin@voiceofthemiddleground.com.

Join Diamond Faucha, Pastor Phil Merten, Pastor Mark Wenzel, and Ruth Jefferson as they talk about gossip, the harms that it can do in terms of ministry, and how the Church can work together to create environments conducive to an ecosystem of love.