Church or jail? This is a decision that some people from a town in South Alabama may be facing. Last month, the city of Bay Minette passed a resolution to explore the possibility of a program they call “Restore Our Community.” This program would give first time offenders convicted of non-violent crimes the option of jail or a year in church. If a defendant opted for this program, they would be allowed to choose which church to attend, but they would have to check in regularly with the preacher and the police department. Once the defendant completes a year of going to church the charges would be dropped. Almost immediately, the ACLU sent a letter to the city saying this program violated the separation of church and state. The city is now awaiting word from the attorney general before moving forward with the plan.

 Call it unconventional, but it just might be effective. Since it costs the city $75 per day to house one inmate, this plan would save money. Another purpose is to provide a new and effective form of correction and rehabilitation. Police Chief Michael Rowland stated, “It’s an easy choice for me. If I was given the choice to go to jail and paying a heavy fine or going to church. I’d certainly select church… Longevity is the key. A 30-day drug-alcohol program does not work, but long-term programs do work and we believe that is what will happen here” (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/03/aclu-threatens-to-sue-alabama-community-over-jail-or-church-program/).   Robert Gates, from the Christian Life church, commented on it, “You show me somebody who falls in love with Jesus, and I’ll show you a person who won’t be a problem to society but that will be an influence and a help to those around them” (ibid.). At least 56 churches have expressed their interest in participating in this program.

 Lawsuits aside, the very existence of such a plan testifies to the good influence that being a part of a local church can have on a person.   Paul’s words certainly ring true when we think about local churches. He said, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” (Romans 11:33). God knew the difficulty His people would face in living righteously in an unrighteous world. He knew the fierce nature of the spiritual war in which they would be engaged. He knew that His people would not only excel when surrounded by those of “like precious faith” but that such relationships would be vital for their salvation. A defendant might choose church over jail just because it seems easier, but such a choice creates a unique opportunity to be influenced to be transformed into a different person.

 As part of a local church, a person would regularly be exposed to the gospel of Christ that not holds the power to save man and transform his life. The church at Corinth was comprised of people who had made great changes to their life. Notice how Paul describes them: “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (I Cor. 6:9-11). They had put a very dark past behind them!

Being part of a local church means being part of a family that holds one another accountable for how they live. Paul wrote, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). Being part of a local church means being part of a family who watches out for your spiritual well being. It is a family who will correct when you are wrong and encourage you in what is right.

 Also, being actively involved in a local church fills time that otherwise might be spent on sinful and wrong things with activities that are good and righteous. Romans 6:13 says, “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” When a person chooses to change their life, a great void is created. Sinful activities and thoughts held a place in their life and heart. Something good has to fill that void. Being active in the life of a local church will fill that void with things that are good, moral, and righteous.

 Finally, when a people involve themselves in a local church they surround themselves with positive influences and examples. Emphasizing the importance of faithfully attending the assemblies, the Hebrew writes says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). When a person is making changes to their life they need good examples to follow and draw strength from… a local church provides many such examples.

The government of Bay Minette might be concerned with defendants becoming better citizens of their “kingdom,” but in the end these individuals might be influenced to become a citizen of a far greater kingdom, the kingdom of Heaven.   If passed, some may choose the “Restore Our Community” program because it’s the easy way out and not because they have real spiritual interest. At the same time, there will be some whose heart will be changed because of his experience with a local church that is truly seeking to follow Jesus and His word.