“Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy — Theology and Practice” is the topic of a workshop that will be presented May 19-23 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in cooperation with Peace Officer Ministries.
The workshop will offer accredited training for chaplains, peace officers, and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement.
Topics to be covered include:
- adopting a sound biblical theology.
- understanding law enforcement as vocation (God’s calling).
- distinguishing and properly applying law and Gospel and God’s “two kingdoms” within a law-enforcement context.
- addressing practical, legal, historical, cultural, and missiological considerations.
- employing Christian stress management and officer “spiritual survival” strategies.
- identifying characteristics of a competent Christian chaplain.
Main presenters will be Rev. Steve Lee, executive director of Peace Officer Ministries, and Mike Dahmer, a former law-enforcement officer and current licensed engineer with expertise in national security, counter-terrorism, and homeland security. Peace Officer Ministries is a mission agency that provides support services, training, and resources for police officers, law-enforcement chaplains, churches, and communities.
Concordia Seminary presenters will be Dr. Robert Kolb, professor of systematic theology and director of the Institute for Mission Studies, and Dr. Jeffrey Oschwald, associate professor of exegetical theology.
Also speaking will be:
- Don Axcell, retired sergeant of London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) and executive director of Christian Police Association in the United Kingdom.
- William G. Jones, assistant chief of the Perryville (Mo.) Police Department.
- Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of disaster response for LCMS World Relief and Human Care.
Registration for the five-day workshop is $295 and includes 11 meals. A total of 2.7 CEUs are available for full participation.
For more information or to register, contact the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at (314) 505-7486 or ce@csl.edu. Or, visit the seminary’s Web site at www.csl.edu.
Posted April 9, 2008
