Combatting Incarceration with Cosmetology & Christ / Christie Luther, RISE Program

“When we say, ‘Here I am Lord, send me,’ I have to remember, sometimes that’s uncomfortable, sometimes it’s at midnight, sometimes it’s when it’s raining or when I don’t feel like it. When I say that, I don’t get to say, I’ll serve if there’s air conditioning, I’ll serve if it’s comfortable, I’ll serve if I get all my chores done. It’s whatever He tells us to do; we don’t get to choose.” – Christie Luther, founder and executive director of RISE Program

Combatting Incarceration with Cosmetology & Christ / Christie Luther, RISE Program

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Show Notes

Discover how Christie Luther turned personal tragedy into a life-changing ministry empowering incarcerated women through cosmetology, faith, and community support. This episode highlights the power of faith-driven initiatives to foster healing, restore families, and create new vocational paths for justice-involved individuals.

In this episode:

  • Christie shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal incarceration and starting the Rise program
  • The evolution of a prison-based cosmetology school into a multi-location organization
  • The role of faith and spiritual growth in the program’s success
  • How rigorous standards and a focus on identity rebuild lives post-incarceration
  • The importance of prayer, worship, and intentional rhythms to sustain the work
  • Strategies for leadership transition and future growth plans
  • The program’s remarkable low recidivism rate of less than 1%
  • Personal stories of transformation, family reconciliation, and spiritual awakening
  • Practical advice for leaders to follow God’s calling into challenging spaces
  • Christie’s vision for expanding the program nationwide and beyond
  • 00:00 – Introduction & Christie Luther’s calling to serve
  • 01:17 – The origin story of Rise and Christie’s personal journey
  • 02:37 – How Valleys and Trials shape God’s purpose
  • 04:37 – The evolution of the prison cosmetology school
  • 06:45 – The unique DNA and faith-infused training model
  • 07:45 – The daily spiritual practices at Rise
  • 09:35 – Impact stories: Family reconciliation and life transformation
  • 10:52 – The rigorous application process and selecting future students
  • 12:41 – Growth of multiple campuses and expansion outside prisons
  • 15:02 – The importance of high standards and licensing success
  • 16:52 – The future vision: statewide, national, and global impact
  • 22:33 – The role of spiritual warfare and maintaining spiritual rhythms
  • 24:45 – Celebrating baptisms and spiritual revival in prison
  • 27:36 – The power of words and identity reclamation in recovery
  • 30:46 – Christie’s heart for seeing people win and spiritual legacy
  • 36:29 – The importance of rhythms, community, and abiding in Christ
  • 38:28 – Leadership lessons: trusting God and building a sustainable legacy
  • 44:03 – The long-term vision for Rise and transforming the justice system
  • 46:19 – Personal reflections on loss, healing, and purpose
  • 47:07 – Advice for young leaders: follow God’s crazy call

Key Topics

Empowerment, Education, Faith-based Transformation, Incarceration, Vocational Training, Women's Rehabilitation, Spiritual Growth, RISE Program, Personal Development, Restoration, Reconciliation

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