Florida Jail Ministry Sees Record Baptisms as 69 Inmates Profess Faith
A jail ministry in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, baptized 69 inmates at the Walton County Jail in July 2026. The event, led by Rev. Jonathan King of First Apostolic Church, drew participants from both the men's and women's wings. Weeks later, the sheriff's office reported that none of the 69 had received a single disciplinary citation.
A jail ministry in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, baptized 69 inmates at the Walton County Jail in July 2026, marking what organizers called a record for the facility.
Rev. Jonathan King, a volunteer chaplain from First Apostolic Church of DeFuniak Springs, led the service alongside volunteers from New Life Church of Santa Rosa. Of the more than 70 inmates who initially signed up, 69 participated. One did not attend, and the facility had exactly 70 approved baptismal uniforms on hand.
The group included 48 men and 21 women. King said the ministry focuses on treating inmates as individuals, helping them find purpose and a reason to change.
Several weeks after the baptisms, the Walton County Sheriff's Office told King that none of the 69 participants had received a disciplinary citation. King shared the news publicly, saying the results spoke for themselves.
The ministry is now expanding to include a recovery component as part of the jail's reentry program, helping participants transition back into their communities after release. Some former inmates have since attended King's church following their release.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation raised objections in July, arguing the sheriff's office may be promoting Christianity and that inmates could feel pressured to participate. The Walton County Sheriff's Office responded that the facility provides access to a variety of religious organizations for all inmates.
CBN News covered the story, noting the baptisms as part of a broader pattern of spiritual activity in U.S. correctional facilities in 2026.
