Kairos Prison Ministry celebrates 30 years

Kairos Prison Ministry celebrates 30 years

Chair of Kairos Prison Ministry Australia, Colin Stiller

Thirty years ago, something was missing in Australia’s prisons. Inmates were serving time but starved of hope. What they needed wasn’t just rehabilitation, but grace.

A small group of volunteers believed something powerful could happen when people behind bars were met with the unconditional love of Jesus. That was the beginning of a ministry that, over the next three decades, would reach thousands and transform lives from the inside out.

This year marks 30 years of Kairos Prison Ministry Australia—three decades of bringing hope, healing, and the gospel to people affected by incarceration.

Kairos Chair Colin Stiller has been a committed volunteer with Kairos since 1997. ‘In the late 90s, my friend Geoff Radke chose to be involved in the Kairos movement in Queensland. He invited me to get involved by observing the program in operation in Grafton, New South Wales. From there, I was co-opted into the very first program at Borallon Correctional Centre in Queensland. Since then, I’ve served in numerous Kairos courses and leadership roles over the years.’

The term ‘Kairos’, adopted by the ecumenical organisation which now spans 13 countries, is a Greek word meaning time—but not conventional time as in days or hours, or even the idea of ‘doing time’. Rather, its meaning is closer to at the right and critical moment. Colin, who attends Our Saviour Lutheran Church at Rochedale, explains, ‘It’s used in the sense that the Holy Spirit will do His work in and among us when He is ready.’

Since its beginnings, more than 720 Kairos programs have been delivered at 50 correctional and community locations across Australia, reaching more than 10,000 men, women, and youth through its core ministries: Kairos Inside, Kairos Outside, and Kairos Torch.

Each program is grounded in the belief that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Whether inside a prison or in the wider community, Kairos creates safe spaces where people can hear the gospel, encounter forgiveness, and begin new journeys of faith and healing.

‘We don’t advocate for prisoners; we advocate for Christ,’ Colin explains. ‘Our goal is not to form close relationships with program participants, but to create and sustain Christian communities within prisons and, in our Kairos Outside program, among families with loved ones in prison. They’re ‘doing time’ as well and can often feel quite ostracised by the broader community.’

The history of the Kairos program in Australia is rich with stories and testimonies that bear witness to its life-changing impact (read more here). Colin shares one such memory: ‘On the first program I participated in, I met a 23-year-old who had murdered his wife at 18 or 19 years of age. He had been disowned by his family and was very angry, with a ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude. After he did the course, his relationship with his father was repaired, and he accepted Christ. The power of God’s love, demonstrated through connecting with the participants and sharing what Christ has done, can’t be beaten.’

The program has faced its share of challenges. ‘The biggest challenge since Covid-19 has been getting our volunteer base back together, so we are continually seeking Christians who have a heart for ministry and for seeing lives changed.’ Getting Correctional Services to see the worth of the program has also been a challenge. ‘But the death and resurrection of Christ is central to the Kairos program—it’s why I am there,’ Colin says.

To celebrate 30 years of ministry in Australia, Kairos is hosting events in Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide, inviting past and present volunteers, supporters, and anyone curious about the work to come and give thanks.

Each anniversary event will include music, testimonies, afternoon tea, and powerful stories from people whose lives have been changed by the ministry. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream option will be available, making it possible to join from anywhere in Australia.

The 30th celebrations will also feature a visit from Evelyn Lemly, CEO of Kairos Prison Ministry International, who will speak at the Brisbane and Sydney events.

Attendees will hear first-hand from participants and volunteers whose lives have been transformed by the ministry. These stories reflect the power of consistent, Christ-centred love and the unique role Kairos plays in changing lives from the inside out for those impacted by incarceration. You can register for the events by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.kairos.org.au/30-years (those who register but cannot attend in person will be sent a livestream link.)

Colin Stiller is excited to celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit through Kairos Prison Ministry Australia. ‘We’ve seen thousands of lives changed. Men, women, and young people have experienced God’s love—many for the first time. Now we’re looking back at that legacy and celebrating God at work over 30 years of Kairos in Australia—and we’re looking ahead, praying and hoping that many more will join us in this life-transforming journey.’