Next Chapter Ministries began to form in 1991 when Andy Kilen, the current Director, started volunteering in the Olmsted County Jail, leading Bible Studies once a week.  During these Bible studies, it became apparent that many of the inmates wanted and needed further help after they were released.  Statistically, these inmates' need for help was very real, as two-thirds of released prisoners are today rearrested within three years.                                                           

Because of this need, and after much prayer and planning, the Network For Life group was created, bringing together released prisoners and church members in a weekly Bible Study/support group. It was from these initial small group meetings that  Next Chapter Ministries formed, becoming an official non-profit organization in 2000.  Today, Next Chapter Ministries has grown to include three residential aftercare homes, support for families of prisoners, a youth center for high risk teenagers, and an outreach for children.   

Next Chapter Ministries is a member of the Christian Assocation of Prison Aftercare (CAPA), which was established to provide training and encouragement to organizations that serve former offenders and families.