Hagerstown inmates graduate from seminary program

L to R: Pastor John Bayles from Covenant Theological Seminary; Master’s graduate and MCTC inmate Timothy Pittman; and MCTC Chaplain Jerold Banks

TOWSON, MD — Correctional professionals know that true spiritual change behind bars can make for vastly improved conditions and reentry opportunities.

This month, five inmates from the Maryland Correctional Training Center in Hagerstown completed a rigorous 34-credit Master’s in Theological Studies degree. Taught by Pastor John Bayles of Covenant Theological Seminary, the program began 12 years ago. It has graduated 22 inmates; others have participated in the program before their release from prison. One former inmate is pursuing a further advanced degree after his release from prison, and others are serving in various ministry roles in their communities.

Warden Phil Morgan challenged the graduates to be mentors within the prison, and to change the world in a positive way upon their release.