The name "Onesimus" comes from Paul's letter to Philemon, in which he wrote about Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave. Paul had taken him in and found him to be an asset in ministry, and when he sent him back to his former master, he encouraged Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother.

The purpose of the Onesimus Workshop is to orient churches to the process of welcoming former prisoners into the life of their church for building up the body of Christ.

In the Onesimus Workshop, Don and Cathy Allsman have compiled their experience in making disciples among those in prison and those who have been released. They offer a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to those churches who wish to help the formerly incarcerated to make the transition back to life outside prison walls and to incorporate them into their church body, providing them a healthy place to continue their walk with and service to the Lord.