After serving six churches over the past twenty-four years, Jim Hildebrandt began
serving with Good News Global (formerly Good News Jail & Prison Ministry) as chaplain
of Sheboygan County’s Corrections Department on July 1, 2024.
Jim received a bachelor’s degree in theology and pastoral studies from Kuyper College
and a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. In the
interim, he enjoyed a semester abroad, studying at the Jerusalem University College on
Mount Zion in Jerusalem, Israel.
Moving to Sheboygan, WI in 2016 to serve a newer church plant, Jim, along with his
wife, and three amazing children, have settled nicely into the wonderful lakeshore
lifestyle.
In his early 20’s, while running from God and the law, Jim experienced a sweeping
transformation and spiritual overhaul; he was regenerated by the Spirit of God. He
realized that Jesus was his stand in man, the only One willing and able to bear his
charges and suffer his penalty so he could be free. At his lowest point in life, feeling
powerless, unrepairable and broken, his eyes turned upon Jesus, where he
experienced new freedom and God’s absolute acceptance. He found himself drawn to a
local church, grew in his faith, and soon deeply sensed a call to full time ministry.
This calling to shepherd people in crucial and pivotable seasons of life continues to this
day, now to inmates, their families and staff at Sheboygan County’s Detention Center
and Women’s Jail. When he first heard about the open chaplain position in Sheboygan,
he felt a deep sense of leading and confirmation from God that he was appointed to the
role.
Today, he and his wife enjoy active lifestyles by Lake Michigan, purring through windy
backroads in their late-model Miata, hanging in coffee shops, and enjoying
relationships. They are grateful to partner with God in helping people, by His Spirit, to
more fully reflect the image of His Son, Jesus.
If you would like to connect with Chaplain Jim, he can be reached at 920.459.1356 or
james.hildebrandt@goodnewsjail.org.

A bit of JAIL HISTORY for those interested: Chaplain Jim is building on the
foundation laid by his predecessor, Chaplain Rick Cawthon, who began in Sheboygan in
2004.
But the jail ministry “footings” lay much deeper than 20 years.
Glenn Jasperse, a long-time member of First Christian Reformed Church in Sheboygan,
WI, fondly recalls accompanying his dad to the - then - newly constructed 6 th Street

Courthouse and ascending to the 6 th floor to conduct worship services in the county jail.
He was nine years old and the date was 1939. From then on, 1 St. CRC, now Christ
Community Church, held worship services most Sundays right up to the time when
Chaplain Rick started as the first full-time Corrections Chaplain in 2004. Another long-
time member, Floyd Leo, recalls beginning with this same jail ministry as early as 1973
and continues to be active serving in the jail in various ways to the present day.
Today the jail ministry In Sheboygan, WI is mature and thriving, enjoying wide-spread
community support, with several dozen churches and more than sixty volunteers
participating in the ministry, helping with things such as proving clothing for inmates,
donating Bibles, serving as one-on-one mentors, leading Bibles studies and worship
services within the jail, leading ‘post-incarceration’ Bible studies, serving on the Bible
study program grading team, working to place former inmates into safe,
sober/transitional housing, such as Steeping Stones, Samaritan’s Hand, Salvation Army
and more, helping with the annual banquet and golf event and the Joy Tree and Hope
Packs programs.
What started with the obedience of one elder board in a local church, sensing and
responding to God’s call to bring His loving grace to inmates at their local jail, has
blossomed into an amazing county-wide, multi-faceted ministry that continues to break
the cycle of darkness and despair and bring the healing hope of God’s grace in Christ
Jesus to those at their lowest point in life.
All glory to God for His amazing work!

 Our Story

 Since 1961, Good News Global has been a beacon of hope for those behind bars. We started with a simple belief – that everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done, has inherent worth in the eyes of God. This belief has guided us for over six decades, leading us to correctional facilities worldwide, where we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel.

Over the years, our understanding has grown, our expertise has developed, and our tools have evolved, but our core mission has remained the same. Today we are more than a ministry; we are a global movement of chaplains, volunteers, and partner organizations. We are a community of passionate believers, dedicated to bringing the light and life of Jesus to those within the correctional facilities of the world.

We’ve seen the ripple effects of our work, the way it transcends bars and walls and impacts entire communities. We’ve seen hardened hearts softened, lives changed, and stories rewritten. And every day, we’re inspired by the stories of redemption and transformation we hear from those we serve.

OUR CHALLENGE

 Approximately 11 million people incarcerated worldwide are facing crushing darkness and despair. We’re here to change that. Every one of those carries a story – a story steeped in despair, plagued by loneliness, and shrouded in regret. These aren’t just numbers, they’re human beings, enduring their darkest hours, yearning for a flicker of hope amidst the overwhelming shadows of their reality.

OUR VISION

We are disrupting the cycle of darkness and despair for all who are behind bars and beyond. It’s the power of the Gospel that produces change, brings redemption, and allows everyone to find their purpose in Christ.

Ministry Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re interested in volunteering for ministry opportunities, please contact Chaplain Rick Cawthon at: james.hildebrandt@goodnewsjail.org. or 920-459-1356. and complete this form: MinistryVolunteerApplication

For a list of upcoming ministry events visit www.goodnewsjail.org and select Sheboygan, WI.

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