What We Do
New Creation Jail Ministry serves those inside the Geauga County Jail and beyond through chaplaincy, volunteer ministry, and aftercare. Everything we do is centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the only source of true transformation.
Chaplain Services
Spiritual Care
Providing pastoral counseling and Gospel-centered guidance for inmates, officers, and staff.
Worship & Discipleship
Leading worship services, preaching the Word, and organizing Bible studies that point to lasting hope in Christ.
Equipping & Mobilizing
The chaplain distributes Bibles, Bible studies, and other religious materials, coordinates clergy visits, and engages local churches to join the mission.
Meet the Chaplain
Chaplain Ethan Maynard has served as full-time chaplain of the Geauga County Jail since January 2018. Born in Southern California, he trusted Christ as a child and sensed a call to ministry during a 2001 mission trip to Russia.
He earned his degree from Moody Bible Institute and later his Master of Divinity from Liberty Theological Seminary. Before Ohio, he served as a youth and outreach pastor in Washington State. He also served as an associate pastor in Kansas for 5 years.
Ethan has a passion to see lives transformed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Volunteers
Carefully screened volunteers facilitated by the chaplain extend the ministry both inside and outside the facility. Each volunteer is recommended by a local pastor and trained for security and spiritual readiness.
Inside the Jail: Lead Bible studies and church services, including Spanish-speaking groups.
Outside the Jail: Grade Bible studies completed by inmates.
Community Support: Assist with major fundraisers and awareness efforts.
"The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." -Luke 10:2
Reformers Unanimous
Launched inside the jail in January 2019, Reformers Unanimous (RU) is a Bible-based addiction recovery program offered within the jail. Its core tenet: true freedom comes through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Participants memorize Scripture, complete daily journals, and walk through discipleship challenges that strengthen faith. Graduates receive a study Bible in recognition of their growth and perseverance.
Aftercare
The ministry continues after release. Former inmates who commit to Christ are connected with local churches, discipleship programs, and Reformers Unanimous chapters.
We also connect individuals to Christian rehab centers, shelters, and mentorship opportunities that promote accountability and spiritual growth.
Transformation doesn’t stop at the jail door—it begins there.
Where we minister
Opened in 2005, the Geauga County Safety Center is located along Route 44 just south of Chardon. The facility houses up to 182 inmates in its regular housing units, with additional cells available in the intake area. Each year, more than 2,000 individuals are received and processed through the jail. A portion of the population includes ICE detainees as well as transfers from neighboring counties such as Cuyahoga and Ashtabula. Volunteers regularly lead church services and Bible studies in the multipurpose classrooms. The chaplain has been provided an office space conveniently located within the jail where he can study and extra books, curriculum, and other materials can be stored.
Statistics
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