Our History
Geauga County has had a longstanding gospel ministry in the jail. It began with Chaplain Ralph Self volunteering in the mid-90s. In 1995, Good News was selected as the chaplaincy program when Sheriff Red Simmons and Chaplain Ralph Self found it to be the best program. In 1997, Harry Richardson took over as Chaplain and served till January 2018. The tradition here owes much to Chaplain Harry.
The baton of lead chaplain was passed to Chaplain Ethan Maynard in January 2018. Now, we embark on a fresh chapter, having launched a ministry that is based right here in Northeast Ohio, while continuing the tradition of offering a full-time chaplaincy program and dedicated volunteers to meet the spiritual needs of inmates and corrections officers.
Vision Statement
To see men and women inside the jail (and out) become a new creation in Christ, living for the Savior, trained up in truth, and walking in step with the Holy Spirit.
Our Mission
New Creation Jail Ministry is a gospel-centered, Christian ministry that provides spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support to incarcerated individuals and correction officers in Northeast Ohio through the service of a full-time chaplain, volunteers, and strategic aftercare.
1. Christ-Centered Ministry
“I was in prison and you came to me.” — Matthew 25:36
We minister to the spiritual needs of those in correctional facilities, pointing them to Jesus Christ—the only One who saves and transforms.
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2. Proclaiming the Gospel
John 14:6 • Romans 1:16 • Romans 10:17
Salvation is found in Christ alone. We are committed to planting Gospel seeds through preaching and discipleship.
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3. A Call to Repentance
Acts 3:19 • Romans 3:23 • Romans 5:8
We preach an honest message of repentance because all are sinners in need of the Savior.
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4. Living for His Glory
Galatians 2:20 • Colossians 2:8–10
Jesus Christ is the foundation of our lives and worldview, and His glory is our motivation in all things.
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5. Grounded in God’s Word
Psalm 119:11 • Isaiah 55:10–11 • 2 Timothy 3:16–17
We stand on the authority of Scripture. God’s Word is living, powerful, and sufficient for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.
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6. Bible-Based Discipleship
Romans 6:6 • Ephesians 4:22–24 • Galatians 5:16
True discipleship puts to death the old way of life and walks in step with the Holy Spirit.
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7. Hope of Eternal Glory
Titus 2:13–14 • 1 Peter 1:3 • 1 John 5:12
We point to the eternal hope found in Christ—the promise of new life now and forever.
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8. Fulfilling GOd's mandate
Mark 2:17 • Luke 19:10 • Isaiah 61:1
We recognize that jail ministry is a critical facet of ministry because God loves the lost and broken and desires transformation in men's and women's lives.
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Need Driven
According to the Bureau of Justice, the national three-year recidivism rate is close to 70%. That means many of the same men and women return to jail—still trapped by addiction and broken cycles that damage families and communities. We believe real transformation only comes through Jesus Christ. When hearts are changed, lives stabilize, families heal, and communities grow stronger.
