In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Pastor Rusty Griffin, lead pastor of Christian City Fellowship, to discuss his remarkable prison ministry. For over 18 years, Pastor Rusty has worked with some of the most notorious prisons in Louisiana and Mississippi, overseeing inmate pastors and guiding rehabilitation efforts from within. His story is one of faith, transformation, and the power of second chances.
Pastor Rusty shares how his journey into prison ministry began unexpectedly after a prophetic message in England foretold that he would find “spiritual sons in dark places.” What started as a single visit to the infamous Angola Prison led to a lifelong mission of bringing faith-based transformation to incarcerated individuals. From reluctant beginnings to overseeing pastoral leadership in multiple states, Rusty’s role evolved into one of mentorship, guidance, and systemic change within the prison system.
While many see prison ministry as simply sharing the gospel with inmates, Pastor Rusty’s work goes far beyond that. His efforts involve training inmate pastors, fostering unity among prisoners, and implementing Commissioner Burl Cain’s philosophy of “moral rehabilitation.” Rather than just maintaining order with guards and punishment, Rusty helps empower trusted inmates to run prisons from the inside out, leading to safer environments and genuine transformation.
Pastor Rusty recounts stories of notorious gang members, hitmen, and murderers who found faith and purpose behind bars. He describes moments where former white supremacists and gang enforcers—men who once thrived on violence—are now leading prison churches, fostering peace, and mentoring others. The impact of his ministry is evident in stories like Reggie Watts, a former inmate with a life sentence who is now a free man serving as a prison chaplain, proving that rehabilitation and redemption are real.
Pastor Rusty works closely with wardens and prison officials to implement faith-driven rehabilitation programs. He highlights how prisons like Angola and Mississippi State Penitentiary have drastically reduced violence through inmate-led programs, vocational training, and spiritual leadership. His involvement has led to unprecedented changes, including former inmates becoming prison wardens, chaplains, and even missionaries within the system.
Rusty’s ministry has recently expanded to women’s prisons, with his wife joining the effort. Their initiative includes theological education and leadership training for female inmates, with the goal of preparing them for successful reintegration into society. The first class of 17 women has already graduated with a bachelor’s degree in ministry, a milestone in faith-based rehabilitation.
Though Pastor Rusty emphasizes that his work is not about raising funds, there are tangible ways to help. Prayers are the most requested support, as spiritual encouragement is crucial. Donations help provide meals, educational materials, and resources for inmates. Funds are needed to build chapels in more prisons, providing dedicated spaces for worship and rehabilitation.
Pastor Rusty’s story is proof that even in the darkest places, transformation is possible. His work has touched thousands of lives, not only rehabilitating inmates but also reshaping the prison system itself. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and offering genuine opportunities for change, his ministry is helping to break cycles of violence and incarceration.
If you’d like to learn more or support Pastor Rusty Griffin’s prison ministry, visit Christian City Fellowship. Together, we can help bring hope and change to those who need it most.
Video Chapters:
00:44 – Instroduction and Background: Meet Pastor Rusty Griffin and learn about his current role with Christian City Fellowship.
00:41 – How Prison Ministry Started: A breakdown of how the prison ministry was started.
01:46 – First Experience in Angola Prison: Hear about Pastor Rusty’s first experiences in one of the most notorious prisons in the U.S.
3:40 – The Growth of the Ministry: Hear how the ministry has grown from its humble beginnings.
5:52 – Challenges & Public Perception of Prison Ministry: Find out how prison ministry faces misconceptions, societal skepticism, and financial challenges.
7:04 – Transformation & Impact of Minstry: Find out how the ministry transforms lives, fosters reconciliation, and creates lasting change inside prisons.
10:07 – Stories of Changed Lives in Prison: Hear powerful testimonies of transformation from former gang members, inmates, and even ex-hitmen who found redemption through faith.
14:00 – How the Ministry Operates Inside Prisons: Discover how the ministry trains inmate pastors, builds leadership, and fosters a safer, faith-driven prison community.
18:24 – Challenges Inside the Prison System: Explore the obstacles faced in prison ministry, from gang influence to systemic issues, and how faith-based programs work to create lasting change.
20:56 – Future Plans & Expanding the Ministry: Discover the ministry’s vision for growth, including new programs, outreach efforts, and plans to expand its impact in more prisons.
23:00 – How to Support the Ministry: Learn how you can contribute through donations, volunteering, or prayer to help sustain and expand the ministry’s mission.
25:52 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Info: Final reflections on the ministry’s impact and how to get in touch for more information or support.
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