After 25 years in prison ministry, Scott McLean has seen firsthand the transformative power of Jesus Christ in some of the darkest places. As the founder and executive director of Pathway to Freedom, a faith-based reentry and rehabilitation program in Arkansas, Scott is leading the charge to restore lives and reduce recidivism through Christ-centered programming, including TUMI’s Cornerstone, mentoring, and reentry support.
From Kansas to Arkansas: A Calling Sustained
Scott’s journey began in 2000 with Prison Fellowship in Kansas. When the organization had to scale back its programs after the 2008 financial crisis, Scott saw the writing on the wall and launched Pathway to Freedom in 2011 to ensure that life-changing work could continue uninterrupted in Arkansas.
“We started with the same vision—to see incarcerated men transformed by the gospel, equipped for reentry, and supported as they return to their communities,” Scott shared. “We now operate an 18-month residential program inside a 200-bed facility. It’s a prison, but the state provides the building—we lease it at no cost. All the programming is privately funded.”
The results speak for themselves: Pathway to Freedom has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the state.
A Partnership Rooted in Discipleship
World Impact’s Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) Cornerstone curriculum has become a vital piece of that foundation.
“Cornerstone has been a game-changer for us,” Scott said. “It grounds these men in sound biblical doctrine and gives them the confidence to serve, lead, and even preach—whether in or outside the four walls of a church.”
Scott, who holds degrees in Biblical Literature and Marriage and Family Therapy, emphasized the importance of equipping men for long-term impact: “These guys aren’t just getting free—they’re getting rooted in the Word and called to serve.”
Reentry That Lasts
Pathway doesn’t stop when the prison doors open. The organization walks with men for at least a year after their release, providing mentors, church connections, employment support, and recovery resources across Arkansas.
“This isn’t a quick fix,” Scott said. “We’re with them the whole way—through restoration with their families, getting plugged into church, and building a new life. Some even return to share their testimonies and lead others.”
At the core of Pathway’s success is an unwavering commitment to the gospel.
“We don’t take a backseat to Christ,” Scott emphasized. “In fact, we’ve walked away from opportunities where they asked us to ‘tone down the faith.’ That’s not negotiable. Christ is our foundation—and that’s why it works.”
Real Stories of Change
Scott pointed to Zackery, a recent graduate, as a powerful example. After completing the Cornerstone course and being released, Zackery found immediate employment, connected with a church, and now shares his testimony to inspire others.
“He’s living proof of what happens when discipleship and support walk hand-in-hand,” Scott said. “That’s the power of partnership.”
Big Challenges, Bigger Vision
Despite the success, the ministry is facing real challenges. Arkansas has one of the highest recidivism rates in the country, and the prison system is overcrowded—many individuals who’ve earned parole have nowhere to go.
“There just aren’t enough housing or reentry resources,” Scott explained. “We’re being asked to expand, and we want to. But we need the resources—more staff, more facilities, more funding—to do it right.”
A Word to Supporters
Scott has a message for World Impact donors and prayer partners:
“The work can’t be done without you. Your gifts and prayers are part of every transformation. Because of you, we can provide Cornerstone. Because of you, men are finding hope, freedom, and purpose in Christ. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.”
