A Christian Police or Sheriffs Chaplain

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by: Timothy
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Word Count: 460
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 Time: 5:34 PM
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A chaplain is typically a pastor or evangelist of a faith serving a law enforcement organization. His duties generally include seeing to the spiritual health and well being of those officers he is charged with.

The bible lists two ordinations or things set out by God for certain people to preform. The first is the office of preacher otherwise known as the evangelist and even  pastor. You will find this in several places in the scripture where the most noted is: Ephesians  4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: These are to be leaders in the church and proclaimers, if you will, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The second ordination is that of peace officer. You will find this listed in Romans 13:1 that says: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Please note that this set of verses is all inclusive, covering our lawmakers, judges, police and sheriffs offices, etc.

Over the last decade, the office of police chaplain has taken on extra meaning where the two ordinations have come together. Many of the brethren have opted to become not only chaplains but also part time officers as part of their jobs. Some even full time. In the military chaplains are known as non combatants, not taking part in the fight. Whereas with police chaplains, with many, it is different all together. They train with their officers, work the road, jails, and courts with their officers, and still render spiritual support to those they work with.

It still remains the decision of the particular chaplain weather to take on both ordinations. For instance the Roman Catholic priests are prohibited and the Mennonite would choose not to, most probably because of the doctrines of their sect.

About the Author

Brother Tim Davis is is a Baptist Pastor and Police Chaplain who runs a Christian Message Board called PCIM at http://www.parsonscorner.org/pcimunity/ and a Baptist themed board called "The Old Pathways" at http://101info.org/oldpath/

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