Help People with Criminal Records Restore Their Connection to Society
Welcome to the New Life Card Website
The Bible has a lot to say about justice. Many faith heroes spent time in prison – Joseph, Samson, Jeremiah, Micaiah, Hanani, John the Baptist, Peter, John, Paul, and Silas. Jesus Christ was arrested, tried, convicted, beaten, whipped and crucified. While on the cross, He spoke these words of hope to a fellow prisoner who was crucified with Him – “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
With one sentence, Jesus Christ restored a convicted criminal and gave him hope.
Restoration is part of God’s approach to justice. Restoration is at the heart of the gospel – Jesus Christ coming to this earth as a man to restore relationship between a holy God and broken people.
Christian Leaders Ministries and its ministry partner, Peacefire, invite you to participate in an exciting restoration project called the New Life Card. People with a criminal record face many challenges, even after they have paid their debt to society. Those with felony convictions find it especially difficult to re-enter the workforce at a level commensurate with their skills and background.
The failure to provide a path of restoration to these millions contributes to high recidivism rates and an increase in the number of habitual criminals.
We can do better. We can provide paths to restoration. Paths to restore relationships with those impacted by criminal offenses. Paths to restore educational and training opportunities. Paths to restore employment opportunities. Paths that can restore people to productive and meaningful lives.
The New Life Card program provides three opportunities for every participant:
Educational Opportunities
Every candidate enrolled in this program takes a brief online orientation class to become a student at Christian Leaders Institute (CLI).
The orientation course is followed by the New Life Card Class: Restoring Relationships, Restoring Justice. This online class encourages students to re-engage with society by restoring damaged relationships.
Practical steps like making amends and seeking forgiveness are explored. After successful completion of the New Life Card Class, students can pursue additional free academic training at CLI, including the opportunity to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry or Christian enterprise.
Employment Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the New Life Card Class, students submit three written recommendations that attest to their efforts at restoration. If the recommendations are accepted, the student receives a New Life Card.
The New Life Card represents the student’s efforts toward restoration with society. The New Life Card is recognized by employers in the New Life Card Employer Network. The New Life Card connects students with employers willing to help them restore their standing as a citizen.
The New Life Card does not guarantee anyone a job, but it can open doors that lead to employment. There are currently 69 employers in the New Life Card Employer Network.
Mentor/Life-Coaching Opportunities
CLI has a network of mentors available to work with New Life Card program students.
New Life Card students can get connected to this mentor network and, if they desire, receive free training to become a mentor or life coach to others in need of restoration.
CLI graduates who obtain ordination status become members of the Christian Leaders Alliance, a worldwide network of ordained Christian leaders. There are more than 1500 members in the Christian Leaders Alliance. To enroll in the New Life Card program, click the link below:
You can participate in the New Life Card program in the following ways:
Apply For A New Life Card
If you are an individual who is or has been on probation or parole; or if you are presently incarcerated you can apply to enroll in the New Life Card program. There is no charge to apply.
justice professional
If you are a judge, prosecutor, attorney, or a probation/parole officer, you can find more information about using the New Life Card program as one of your tools to administer restorative justice.
Employers
Join our network of employers who recognize the New Life Card. There is no cost or obligation to join.
Restoration Ministries
If you serve individuals impacted by the criminal justice system who seek restoration to society, you can partner with us and add the New Life Card to the basket of services you provide.
Christian Leaders Institute
The Christian Leaders Institute provides free online ministry training and education programs to raise up revival leaders – leaders who will be used of the Lord to inspire others.
Peacefire
Peacefire provides resources and training to help people change the way they respond to conflict.