text: I was interested in doing prison ministry at a church I attended. Pastor said, "Oh, we have a prison ministry writing letters to prisoners." I wrote letters to prisoners 20 years ago.  Total negativity from him for working outside the established parameters. Basically, I ignored his counsel, got a pass into the prison, and eventually baptized 8 inmates into the body of Christ.
  
  This particular pastor hated Dr.Ford but the prison chaplain, a Baptist loved him. He didn't like the Amazing Facts brand of Adventism. When he interviewed me, I said I was a vegeburger eating, Sabbath keeping legalist who had learned the gospel. "Come on, you are welcome, he said. He was a former JW.
  
  That church talked about gifts, small groups, etc. but bottom line was near absolute control by the pastoral staff. Church members wanted to have a meeting about prison ministry and hear my experience but the pastors wouldn't allow it. "My way or the highway" was their motto.