Welcome to our series that spotlights NC Conference pastors serving in extension ministries. Read about other extension ministers as these stories are published weekly.

Rev. Dr. Mark Hicks

Rev. Dr. Mark Hicks has served as the Founding Director of Cross and Key Prison Ministries since 1999. Prior to this, he served three full-time pastoral appointments in the Western North Carolina Conference. He transferred to the North Carolina Conference in 2008. In the North Carolina Conference, he also served 1/2 time as Associate Pastor of Trinity UMC in Southport for 5 years and is currently serving 1/4 time at Hallsboro UMC and 1/4 at Chadbourn UMC as pastor. The work at the two churches is in addition to his work as Director of Cross and Key Prison Ministry. Together, these comprise a full-time appointment.

Cross and Key Prison Ministries

Cross and Key Prison Ministries is a joint ministry of the Western North Carolina and North Carolina Conferences of The United Methodist Church. First established in 1999 as Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries, their mission is “equipping churches for prison ministries, education on criminal justice issues, and advocacy for reform.” Utilizing their 64-page tool kit for prison ministry, Cross and Key Prison Ministries is currently providing prison ministry training workshops in districts in both annual conferences. Cross and Key Prison Ministries is supported by a yearly statewide special offering on the 4th Sunday in August, ministry grants, and gifts from churches and individuals throughout the state.

A Disciple Making Ministry

Cross and Key Prison Ministries encourages, empowers, and equips lay and clergy people for prison ministry in North Carolina.