Daryl Townsend

Off The Chain Ministries

A Lifelong Commitment to Christ-Centered Prison Ministry

Daryl Townsend lives in Middleburg, Florida, just south of Jacksonville. A lifelong member of the church of Christ and part of the Middleburg congregation for over 25 years, Daryl has been serving in prison ministry since 2004. He stepped into full-time ministry in December 2005 and is supported by several congregations committed to this mission.

Serving Florida Prisons with Faith & Guidance

Daryl works primarily in North East Florida prisons, including:

  • Florida State Prison (Raiford)
  • Reception and Medical Center
  • Union Correctional Institution (Lake Butler)
  • Baker Correctional Institution (Sanderson)
  • Lawtey Correctional Institution — Florida’s only men’s faith- and character-based prison

His work includes teaching classes, conducting worship services, leading individual and group Bible studies, and offering counseling. Through these efforts, Daryl forms close, supportive relationships with men seeking real change through Christ.

Daryl and his wife, Missy, also operate two transition houses, providing a safe and faith-centered environment for men recently released from prison. They have been married since 1984 and have three adult children.

A Life Dedicated to Evangelism & Restoration

Daryl is a graduate of the University of Florida. After spending nearly 20 years in the dairy industry, he felt called to commit fully to evangelism within the Florida Prison System.

Daryl serves as the President of Off The Chain Ministries, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men. Since 2006, he has successfully operated a transition program offering stability, guidance, and Christ-centered growth for men leaving prison.