What is Raised Bars?
"Raised Bars" is a dynamic faith-based podcast and online community based in Durant, Oklahoma, and serving the greater Texoma area. We are dedicated to empowering individuals involved in the justice system and celebrating Christians who are involved in justice reform. Rooted in the uplifting messages of Isaiah 61:1 and Acts 20:24, the podcast blends biblical insights, practical advice, and real-world applications to inspire renewal and transformation. With weekly themes focused on faith, resilience, and Christian justice reform, "Raised Bars" offers engaging guest discussions, actionable guidance, and stories of redemption—all unified by the values of mercy, restoration, and hope. This is more than a podcast; it’s a growing movement toward grace, unity, and meaningful change.
The Mission of Raised Bars
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower justice-involved individuals and their loved ones by providing hope, support, and practical tools for personal growth and positive change, rooted in Christian values. Through engaging conversations, insightful teachings, and real-life stories, we aim to foster a sense of community and resilience. We strive to guide our listeners toward a brighter and more fulfilling future, grounded in the transformative power of faith, love, forgiveness, and redemption as taught by Jesus Christ."
Isaiah 61:1
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
This verse provides the heartbeat of this ministry and the upcoming podcast. By focusing on this verse, we will use this ministry to glorify God by aspiring to provide:
Good News for the Marginalized
"Raised Bars" is designed to offer hope and encouragement through the transformative message of the Gospel, proclaiming Christ’s redemptive power to those who feel overlooked or marginalized, particularly those in the American criminal justice system.
Healing for the Broken Hearted
Through real-life stories and biblically rooted teachings, the podcast will serve as a balm for emotional wounds, providing listeners with practical tools for healing and rebuilding their lives.
Freedom for the Captives
Both literally and spiritually, the podcast extends the promise of freedom—freedom from sin, shame, and the chains of hopelessness—while offering practical guidance for overcoming the obstacles faced by justice-involved individuals.
A Focus on Gospel-Centered Purpose
Just like Paul, who is our favorite jailhouse preacher, this ministry is all about focusing on God's grace instead of just the law. "Raised Bars" is a space where we share God's love and support with people involved in the justice system, helping them see the healing power of Christ.
A Commitment to Spread the Good News
Having been afforded the opportunity to leave the law and spread the Gospel, our founder, Rob Henderson, views this ministry as a divinely-assigned mission to spread Christ’s message of love, forgiveness, and hope among justice involved Americans living in the greater Texoma region including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas
A Mission to Proclaim God's Grace
We hope our podcast becomes a loudspeaker for the Good News: God’s grace is enough for everyone, no matter what they have been through. With this loudspeaker, we want to create a supportive community that helps people find their way through the American criminal justice system and its challenges, using guidance from the Bible. We know that one person alone can’t change the whole system, but one person can definitely help another understand the system so that no one feels lost.
Acts 20:24
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
Inspired by Isaiah 61:1 and Acts 20:24, 'Raised Bars' hopes to serve as a light in the darkness, inviting all listeners to experience the transformative power of God’s grace and love. Through these two principles, the foundational focus of “Raised Bars: The Podcast” is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the brokenhearted and justice-involved, sharing stories of freedom, forgiveness, and hope.
The Podcast Concept
"Raised Bars" is more than a podcast—it's a vibrant online community based in Texoma that embraces the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when we open our hearts to the Bible's message of love and redemption. Rooted in faith, hope, and transformation, the podcast is designed to empower justice-involved individuals and their families while uplifting those working tirelessly to advocate for justice reform. Each episode provides listeners with spiritual guidance, practical tools, and heartfelt stories of resilience, all with the goal of bridging the gap between theology and action.
Who is our Audience?
At its core, "Raised Bars" embodies values of mercy, restoration, and hope, fostering a spirit of unity and support. This podcast is not just for justice-involved individuals but also for allies, advocates, and reformers who champion the vision of redemption and second chances. By offering real-world applications, actionable advice, and encouragement for those leading reform efforts, "Raised Bars" empowers listeners to embrace their faith, redefine their paths, and uplift their communities. Join this growing movement to transform lives and inspire meaningful change.
Who are our Supporters?
We're looking for partners to join us on this journey. Whether it's through your stories, prayers or financial support, we truly appreciate every bit of encouragement. We're also eager to hear your stories. If you have a story about how Christian restoration connects with the American justice system, we want to share it. Join us on the podcast so we can explore it together and inspire others with your experience. This is all about sharing stories from our community, and we believe that no story is too small to share. If you're interested in making a financial contribution, please check the Contact Us page for details.
Our Focus Areas
Explore our key initiatives and how we aim to make a difference in the community.
Join us in our mission to empower and inspire through faith-based content.
Prison Ministry
Partnering with dedicated prison ministry and outreach programs that support and rehabilitate individuals in prisons, jails, or otherwise currently under criminal sanction or at risk for sanction.
Christian Content
Insights, devotionals, news, stories, and discussions that uplift and educate our audience through the the transformative lens of Jesus Christ and His power to restore even the most wayward person who would call upon Him.
Social Justice Initiatives
Advocating for justice-aligned policies as an expression of our Christian values and through Christian leaders within our local communities.
Community Support
Building a supportive network through opportunities for Christians and others to draw alongside Raised Bars and support the audience and the mission.
Get in touch
Join Us in Creating Something Extraordinary!
Email:
raisedbarspodcast@gmail.com
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Raised Bars is A Christian lifestyle blog and podcast for justice-involved Americans
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