Developing Bible Studies for Law Enforcement Officers as an Outreach Opportunity

1. Developing Bible Studies for Law Enforcement Officers as an Outreach Opportunity

2. 4 Basic Elements to Writing A Good Police Report Who What When Where Why (Sometimes)

3. 4 Elements Related to Developing a GREAT LEO Outreach Ministry • Who – Do you Know Best? • What – Can I do to Outreach my Co-Workers • When – Can I Outreach Officers (on-duty?) • Why – Do I need a “Police” Bible Study? • Where – Can I hold an Outreach for Officers

4. What You Believe, Will Determine How You Behave2 Timothy 3:16-17 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5. Excuses for Not Starting A Bible Study • I need something that is practical • I don’t know how to lead • I just don’t have the time to lead a study • I am not worthy • I have my own doubts about the Bible

6. So, WHO Can I Outreach ?

7. The LEO’s WHO You Know Are • The Members of Department or Agency • Retired Officer’s • Former Officer’s • Medically Disabled Officer’s • Near By Cities, Counties, State, Federal LEO’s (Wildlife, Corrections, etc) • Other Christian Officer’s WHO you know

8. WHAT can I do to Outreach LEO’s?

9. 1. To Step out of my Comfort Zone

10. To Lead and Reach Others • Means that I have to step outside of my comfort zone. • Means that I may have to be ridiculed and laughed at. • Means that people will think that I am weak and not “tough”. • Do you think that Jesus Christ stepped outside His comfort zone for you? Can you do the same for Him?

11. “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.1 Peter 4:10 (LB)

12. WHEN Can I Outreach To My Fellow LEO’s? • Anytime and All the time • Lead By Example • 1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. • You ARE NOT required to hide your Faith while on the job.

13. Share Your Personal Testimony with Others Sharing your personal testimony is vital to leading others to a life with Christ. Remember, people can always dispute theology or doctrinal issues but one can never dispute the hope that is in you! 1 Peter 3:15; “ Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you”.

14. WHY is a Bible Study for Police Officer’s Necessary?

15. WHY is it important to Outreach COPS? • Officer’s need a strong spiritual foundation to support what they have to deal with. - Luke 6:46-49 • Officer’s need to understand God purpose to their work. - Romans 13: 1-7 • Officer’s work in a already established Mission Field – Matthew 28:19-20 • Christian Officers need to support one another – Romans 12:5

16. Luke 6: 46-49 (NIV) 46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

17. Romans 13: 1-7 (NIV)1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

18. Matthew 28: 18-19 (NIV)18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

19. Romans 12:5 (NIV) “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

20. Some Benefits of a Bible Study • To Help Lead “Cops to Christ” • To Build stronger families among Officers • To develop, motivate, and support Godly leaders within the law enforcement community • To introduce Christ to the Un-Churched Officers that you know • To promote Christian values and ethics within your agency.

21. What Makes LEO’s Great Servant Leaders for God • We are gifted leaders (we like to take charge) • We are gifted communicators (we like to talk) • We work in a spiritually lost workplace / society (means we have a built-in outreach ministry) • We have a God-given commandment (Mark 16:15“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation”. • Only Cops understand other Cops!

22. GOD and the US Government

23. Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964 Religious Freedom in the Workplace Employee & Workers Rights www.usdoj.gov/crt/religdisc/religiousfreedom.pdf (13 Page Document in PDF)

24. General Limits Regarding 1964 Civil Rights Act Don’t Harass Other Employees or Customers An employee must not allow religious discussions to interfere with work. Stated differently, an employer has the right to insist on the employee's full attention during working hours.

25. See If You Can Identify the “Harassment” in these photos and if any of these officers are paying “Full Attention” to the performance of their jobs

29. So, What about Separation of Church and State? And Can I be both a Cop and a Christian?

30. The history of religious freedom in America actually began in Europe. The establishment of the Church of England as the Crown’s official church, and subsequent persecution of dissenters, led scores of individuals with differing religious beliefs to flee England in search of religious freedom in the North American colonies.

31. There is NO Separation of Church and State The phrase is never stated in the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof is often cited for the confusion.

32. The Author of the Word “Separation of Church and State”

33. The phrase "separation of church and state" is derived from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group identifying themselves as the Danbury Baptists. Jefferson writes: "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."[4]

34. So What Can I do? Can I promote a Bible study posting flyers and signs around the department ? – Yes Can I hold a Bible study at my department? – Yes Can I invite officers to a Bible study – Yes Can I bring my Bible to work – Yes All of these religious rights and many more are guaranteed to you under VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

35. So, What Can I NOT Do • Have your agency sponsor your group (ie – Smith Co. Sheriff’s Dept proudly presents…. • Harass your co-workers about your beliefs (placing religious tracts in their work mailboxes) • Use a department e-mail system to promote your study. • Anything that would bring negative attention to you or your group (1 Peter 3:15 But do this with gentleness and respect)

36. Christian Resources For Legal Rights and Historical Perspectives www.christianlaw.org www.wallbuilders.com www.aclj.org

37. How to Get Started, Some Basic Facts Cell Groups Life Groups Small Groups Group Studies Home Bible Studies

38. Why The PeaceKeeper’s Study?

39. Why the PeaceKeeper’s Bible Study? • Was specifically written with the “seeker” or “un-churched” or “non-Christian” officer. • Each chapter address topics of job related interest to the individual officer and relates those experiences back to the Bible and specific Bible verses (Target Specific study lessons) • Lessons are easy to read and each chapter is only 7-12 pages with question and answers. • Free Resources and advice in getting started

40. Why the PeaceKeeper’s Continued…. • An Opportunity for you to give back in service to God through the use of your time, talents, and gifts. • The study is flexible to your own denomination or church affiliation. • No Chapter Dues or Membership Fees • Real life law enforcement situations written by a Christian law enforcement veteran. • YOUR opportunity to enlarge your mission field.

41. BUT I’M NOT WORTHY TO LEAD A BIBLE STUDY

42. I’m Not Worthy…..If You Can Read and Breathe then you can Lead! You Need Only The Following; • A Heart to Lead your fellow Officers to a Life with Christ • The Desire to see Christ work in the lives of your agency and your fellow officers • The Heart to build stronger families among LEO’s • The Desire to give back in Service to God through the use of your time, talents, and God provided gifts.

43. Some Comments on the PeaceKeeper’s Study The Study has certainly been a real blessing not only to myself but also to those who faithfully attend. I have noticed a increase in members wanting to know and will to study God’s word. I would without hesitation highly recommend this Bible study to any and all law enforcement personnel. L. R. Whitted – Law Enforcement Officer Christian Fellowship at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia

44. The PeaceKeeper’s book was an excellent tool for establishing our small group. We have since moved onto other study material that is not specifically designed for police officers, which I think show how much this group has grown spiritually. We have six regular members of our group who meet faithfully every Thursday night. Two are retired officers, one Detective Sergeant, two patrol officers, and one police chaplain, plus myself. The effect that these men have had on those around them has been great. They have passed your book around to others in the department, and have used it to start conversations they normally would not have had.Sgt. Chris Delacanal – Las Vegas Metro NV

45. Hey Mike,  You forgot on your returning groups, our Conway Police Department group.  We are now in Peacekeepers 2, and a total of 18 officers have gone through the class and either grown stronger in Christ, or re-discovered their faith.  It seems as many of our officers were in the same shape as I was in a few years ago.  They were strong Christians prior to their LE career, but the constant negativity of fellow officers began to eat away at them until they became the person whom they were opposed to prior to the job.  Please know that God is using your work in ways they you may never realize.  As our department (104 officers) grows stronger in Christ, the negativity diminishes every day.  Our goal is for the Christians to become a majority, and I honestly  believe that God is using your study as one of his tools.  With time, and Gods blessings we will reach our goal.  My pastor always signs his letters with the statement "Towels & Basins".  It is a reference to the fact that even Jesus was willing to do the menial jobs.  To wash some one's feet.  To provide for others with a servant's heart.  To do what needs to be done despite rank, status, or position.  I will sign my email this way because your study has brought me closer to a family that I never really knew was there.  Truly your are acting as the hands and feet of Jesus, and I thank you for answering the Holy Spirit's gentle nudge (mostly for me it is his 2 x 4 to the back of my thick skull...lol). God Bless You,Towels and Basins,Glen CooperConway PD501-472-0756

46. Any questions please contact us at the following e-mail address; info @ ChristianCop.comVisit Our Website at www.ChristianCop.comor Telephone(386) 214-1508