PRISON CHAPLAIN MINISTRY

Bringing hope and the presence of Christ
behind the walls.

Ordained chaplain serving both TJJD juvenile justice facilities and TDCJ adult correctional institutions with compassion, presence, and the transforming hope of the Gospel.

Explore the Ministry Contact Chaplain Kris
BASED IN
The DFW Area in Texas
ORDINATION
Christian Chaplains & Coaching
Kris Cruz, ordained Texas prison chaplain serving both TJJD juvenile facilities and TDCJ adult correctional institutions
Ordained 2026
MEET THE CHAPLAIN

Kris Cruz

I am an ordained chaplain called to serve those in the most difficult and often forgotten places — juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities.

My ministry is rooted in the conviction that every person, regardless of their past, carries the image of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and hope. Through incarnational presence, I walk alongside individuals as they navigate pain, loss, identity, and the possibility of new life in Christ.

Ordained
Christian Chaplains & Coaching
Training
Basics of Chaplaincy • Grief Care & Counseling
CURRENT FOCUS
  • TJJD Juvenile Justice & TDCJ Adult Corrections
  • Grief Care & Trauma-Informed Support
  • Spiritual Care for Incarcerated Youth & Adults
  • Family & Reentry Support
Serving with the heart of Christ to bring light into dark places.
THE WORK

Ministry Focus

I serve at the intersection of faith and justice — where hope is often hardest to find.

Juvenile & Adult Facilities

Serving youth in TJJD facilities and adults in TDCJ correctional institutions, offering spiritual guidance, hope, and consistent presence in some of the most challenging environments.

Grief & Trauma Care

Certified training in Christian counseling and grief care. Providing compassionate support to those processing loss, trauma, family separation, and the weight of incarceration.

Spiritual Care

One-on-one pastoral care, small group discipleship, crisis response, and leading worship and Bible study within correctional settings.

Reentry & Family

Supporting healthy transitions, family reconnection, and long-term spiritual formation for those returning to their communities.

HOW I SERVE

Incarnational Presence

Ministry behind the walls is not primarily about programs — it is about presence.
I believe the most powerful witness is simply showing up consistently with the love of Christ, listening without agenda, and reminding those society has cast aside that they are not forgotten by God.
Presence First

Showing up regularly and consistently. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply being present in the pain.

Deep Listening

Creating safe space for honest stories. Ministry begins when people feel truly heard.

Dignity & Hope

Every person bears the image of God. I speak identity and hope over those who have been told they are worthless.

Scripture & Prayer

Grounding all care in the Word of God and the power of prayer, while meeting people where they are.

“I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
— MATTHEW 25:36
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from facilities, families, and fellow chaplains.

How can a facility request a visit from Chaplain Kris?

Facilities can contact me directly through the form on this site or by emailing chaplain@kriscruz.com. I’m happy to discuss availability, specific needs, and how I can best serve your population.

Do you serve both juvenile and adult facilities?

Yes, I serve both TJJD juvenile justice facilities and TDCJ adult correctional institutions, as well as providing reentry support.

Is there a cost for facilities or families to receive services?

There is no cost for individuals or facilities to receive spiritual care, crisis response, or pastoral visits. My ministry is supported through churches, individuals, and organizations who believe in this work.

How do you work alongside existing programs like Kairos or facility staff?

I come alongside existing volunteers and staff as a partner. My role is to provide consistent, one-on-one spiritual care and to support the overall mission of the facility without duplicating programs.

Can family members request prayer or support for someone who is incarcerated?

Yes. Families are welcome to reach out through the contact form. While I cannot always deliver messages directly, I can pray specifically and, when appropriate, seek to make contact with the individual inside the facility.

What training and credentials do you bring as a chaplain?

I am ordained through Christian Chaplains & Coaching and hold a certification in Christian Ministry to the Incarcerated. I have also completed training in the Basics of Chaplaincy as well as Christian Counseling and Grief Care.

What is your involvement with Kairos Prison Ministry?

I am partnered with Kairos Prison Ministry, an international Christian organization that conducts short, intensive weekends inside prisons and jails. These weekends are led by teams of volunteers who share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ through talks, small group discussions, and prayer.

How are you connected with Torch Ministry?

I partner with Torch, the ongoing small group ministry that follows the Kairos weekend. Torch provides weekly Bible studies, accountability, and spiritual support inside facilities for those who want to continue growing in their faith after the initial Kairos experience.

EQUIPPING OTHERS

Resources

Free materials, teachings, and tools developed for those serving in TJJD juvenile justice and TDCJ adult correctional ministry.

Ministry Handouts

Printable resources for grief, identity in Christ, and spiritual formation in difficult seasons.

Coming soon

Teachings & Messages

Recorded messages and Bible studies delivered inside facilities.

Coming soon

For Other Chaplains

Reflections and practical tools for those called to correctional and trauma-informed ministry.

Coming soon
LET’S CONNECT

How can I serve you or your facility?

EMAIL / IMESSAGE
chaplain@kriscruz.com
Reach me directly by email or iMessage at chaplain@kriscruz.com. Available for facility visits, crisis response, family support, speaking, and training for staff and volunteers.

This form sends directly to Chaplain Kris. You will receive a personal reply.