When most people think of ministry, they picture churches, pulpits, and Sunday mornings. But serving as a police chaplain has shown me that God’s presence reaches far beyond the sanctuary—into squad cars, dispatch centers, and late-night scenes of crisis. It’s one of the most humbling roles I’ve ever held.
Here are five things I’ve learned through this unexpected calling:
1. As a Police Chaplain, Presence Matters More Than Words
In moments of tragedy, crisis, or loss, no one is looking for a sermon. They’re looking for someone to show up—and stay.
Being a chaplain has taught me that ministry is often about simply being there. A quiet presence. A listening ear. A hand on the shoulder.
Jesus wept at Lazarus’s tomb before He said a word. That wasn’t weakness—it was compassion.
2. A Police Chaplain Sees Faith in Unexpected Places
Not everyone I encounter shares my faith—or even any faith at all. But spiritual hunger shows up in surprising ways.
It might be a question whispered in a hallway. A Bible quietly carried in a duty bag. A prayer request offered after midnight. Being a chaplain means staying open to those moments, not forcing them.
God is already at work. My job is to listen, watch, and join Him.
3. Police Chaplains Witness the Invisible Burdens Officers Carry
Law enforcement officers carry burdens that most people never see. It’s not just danger—it’s the moral weight of decisions, the emotional strain of trauma, the isolation of a misunderstood role.
Chaplains aren’t there to fix it all. But we can be a safe place to process the unseen toll.
I’ve learned not to ask, “What’s wrong?” but instead, “How are you holding up?”
4. Police Chaplain Ministry Happens Outside the Church Walls
Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve had in ministry haven’t come from behind a pulpit—but in a patrol car, a locker room, or a hospital hallway.
Chaplains minister in the margins—where faith meets real life, grief, stress, and exhaustion.
If you’re waiting for the perfect setting to serve, you might miss the holy moments happening right where you are.
5. A Police Chaplain Learns the Power of Brief, Faithful Prayer
Sometimes all I can do is whisper a short prayer—silently or aloud. And often, that’s more than enough.
I’ve seen the peace that comes over an officer after a prayer. I’ve had someone thank me days later for words I barely remember saying. The Spirit moves in those small acts of surrender.
Don’t underestimate the power of “Lord, help them.”
Final Thoughts
Being a police chaplain isn’t flashy. It’s not always easy. But it’s been one of the most gospel-centered ministries I’ve experienced—meeting people in pain, walking with them through darkness, and pointing quietly to the light of Christ.
Whether you’re a chaplain, a pastor, or a believer in the workplace, let this be a reminder:
You don’t have to have all the answers. Just be present, faithful, and full of grace.