Law enforcement officers (LEOs) tend to see things as black and white. Right and wrong. Justice and injustice. Good guys and bad guys. This narrow view no doubt stems from seeing humanity’s real nature. The view leaves no room for gray areas, even in what should be normal social relationships and serves only to add fuel to the “them and us” posture that is prevalent among officers. As you might expect, this leads to isolation; and adversely affects the mental and spiritual health of officers.
Recently, I was reminded of this when a retired LEO emailed me and asked, “Why it is so hard for officers to accept others or to be accepted in some Christian churches?” He then clarified what he was struggling with, “The main reason for this note is to get your advice and hopefully an explanation of why it is extremely hard for an officer (retired or still working) to accept and/or find acceptance from those in the Church. Or maybe, it is “JUST ME” who is messed up!” Great questions! The following is a summary of my reply.
In response to your question about LEOs being accepted and feeling “at home” in a local church, I agree it can be challenging. I think the challenge comes from both directions, as you alluded to— “them” and “us”. One problem is that some folks are just plain uncomfortable around police officers. Here’s a quote from one of my sermons in which I talked about warriors:
Unlike most people, warriors [e.g., police officers] are kept at arm’s length. They are hard to understand. Some say they are arrogant, egotistical, bigheaded, or overconfident. Some are. Perhaps this comes from their warrior’s heart. God gives each of us a heart and a personality to do what he has called us to do. No matter the personality he gives, we can take it to the extreme. Warriors are no different.[1]
The bottom line is this—police officers are different, and that makes people uncomfortable, and they find it difficult to relate to officers. Some try to relate by telling doughnut jokes or talking about guns when all we want is to be treated like everyone else.
That brings us to the second problem—ourselves. Even after years of retirement, we still profile people and have a hard time trusting others, accepting them for who they are, and relating to them. And as soon as someone lets us down it reinforces our suspicions, and we distance ourselves from them. It’s still “them and us.” But it shouldn’t be. The fact is, there are brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t understand officers and see them in a negative light. Restoration should be sought as Jesus outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.
However, there are some who refuse to accept LEOs and have bought into the anti-police rhetoric. They are wrong, and I would not attend a “woke” church that does not support law enforcement. On the other hand, we (officers) need to extend the forgiveness and acceptance that we expect others to give for us.
On the Road
Last month, Sherry and I returned from a southern trip that ended in Montgomery, AL with a “Suicide is Not an Option” seminar. The seminar was hosted by Chaplain John Gallups of the 1:1 Foundation. Several officers and chaplains attended from more than half a dozen local agencies.
While in Alabama, we visited with Burke Swearingen of Blue Watch Foundation. Sherry and I were interviewed for a Blue Watch promotional video. Blue Watch is a great resource for Alabama officers and is responsible for giving away hundreds of my books to both veteran and newly sworn officers.
Thank you, Beau and Kim of Moose Ridge Coffee! Moose Ridge spotlighted and helped raise money during police week (second week of May each year) for the Strong Blue Line Foundation. We look forward to a continuing partnership with Moose Ridge. Drop by and have a cup!
We’ll be close to home for the next couple of months, doing ministry in and around Idaho Falls. Later this month Sherry and I are scheduled to speak at a first responder appreciation event in Blackfoot, ID.
Pray for your police.
[1] (Rupp, “Warriors and the Gospel”)
