Sem workshop focuses on Law Enforcement Chaplaincy

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Peace Officer Ministries Inc. (POM) will host “Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy — Theology and Practice” May 23-27 on the seminary campus.

The workshop offers accredited training for chaplains, peace officers and pastors, focusing on effective Christian ministry to and through law enforcement.

Key principles that participants can expect to take away with them after attending the workshop include: understanding law enforcement as vocation (God’s calling); applying Law and Gospel and the “Two Kingdoms” doctrine within a law-enforcement context; and employing Christian stress management and officer spiritual survival strategies.

The workshop’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Course Component fulfills DHS guidelines for first responders. The critical-incident stress-management section fulfills basic group debriefing requirements from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

The Rev. Frank Ruffatto, POM executive director and chaplain, will serve as the Monday-morning speaker. Other presenters include Stephanie Abernethy, widow of slain Houston police officer Timothy Abernethy, and Michael Dahmer, expert in national security, counterterrorism and homeland security.

Registration is $450 and includes on-campus meals, materials and continuing-education units. Limited on-campus housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The registration deadline is May 16. To register, click here.

For more information on the Christian Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Workshop, contact the seminary’s Continuing Education office at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

A limited number of scholarships from the LCMS Office of National Mission are available for Synod pastors and church workers. Also, Terri Ruffatto Memorial Scholarship awards are available to LCMS seminary students based on an interest in practical theology in the area of chaplaincy. To learn more about either scholarship, send an email to ce@csl.edu .

Posted March 18, 2016