Chaplaincy Vision 2033

Problem: Volunteer chaplains have been welcomed by the Lansing Police Department since the 1970's.  Chaplains, overwhelmed by jobs and families, are increasingly unavailable.  Lansing Police continues to recruit volunteer chaplains but fewer Christian workers respond. 

Solution: Equip volunteer chaplains to overcome recruiting obstacles with regular prayer support, training and reimbursements.

Why Now?

According to The Pew Research Center, 28% of Americans identify as Religious Nones.  Describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular”, Nones permeate society, including police departments.  Some departments have eliminated chaplaincies because of low community participation.  For now, Lansing PD sees the value of chaplains however a plan is needed to overcome challenges.

An energized Chaplain Corps is needed.

Officers work each day yet see volunteer chaplains once or twice a quarter.  Increasing chaplain availability allows answers to be given to anyone who asks for hope in hopeless situations.  Training, support and a ministry of presence readies Christian chaplains to serve with gentleness and respect. 

How It Works:

An equipped chaplain commits to 10, 20, 30 or 40 hours of weekly ministry.  A prayer team is kept informed by the chaplain via newsletter / regular communication.  Chaplaincy reimbursements are stewarded through a nonprofit adhering to IRS and ECFA guidelines. 

Expenses, including mileage, postage, meals and materials are reimbursable.  Depending on the number of chaplaincy hours, health care and a stipend / salary are also available.

Notes:

Attended U of D during GPF Police encounter

Parental influences founded in Christian commitment

Jesuit educators founded in Christian commitment

Parents enrolled at U of D and strengthened Christian commitments

U of D exposed to Ignatian Spirituality

Seminary reinforced Prayer of Examen / Examen of Conscience

Later Pete Scazzero reinforced Examen via Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Discipleship)

Momentum of U of D, seminary and Scazzero broke LE stronghold

Chaplaincy started in 2014 as fruit from seed planted by parents via U of D

Mark 4:28 reminds "...the seed grows all by itself, though the farmer knows not how"

At harvest, sickle is immediately put to the grain

Graduated U of D in 1992

Discerning 7 more years at LPD in 2026

Thirty-four years after graduating, a harvest presents:

• 10M residents in MI served by 19,000 sworn among 571 agencies
• Statewide citizen to officer ratio of 526:1
• Imagine patrolling a high school gym by yourself
• Imagine patrolling a Walmart by yourself
• LPD, in Capitol area, draws LEO from across the state
• trainings
• MI COPS memorial
• State Capitol events
• Since 1970's LPD has welcomed chaplains
• Missionary effort allows full-time ministry

Goals: