In Pursuit! Ministries of California exists to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to those who work in law enforcement, the military and victims of crime. This last Monday I rode with an officer for that very purpose. Ride Alongs are so important! I would like to share some information from our Law Enforcement Chaplains Class to give the purpose of a ride along. It is not to:
- To play policeman
- To preach an unsolicited sermon at the officer
- To be entertained
- To get involved in every hot call of the shift!
- To be seen in public hanging out with the cops…
The purpose of a ride along is:
- Chaplain’s Personal Familiarization with:
- The specific Officer
- His job and its stresses
- His personal life, interests, hobbies, problems
- To be able to more intelligently:
- Pray for him
- Minister to him in his time of need via the establishment of a personal rapport
The chaplain’s function is to be a source of moral support and strength. The chaplain provides encouragement in difficult times we call this “The Ministry of Gospel Presence.” We find a great example of this ministry in Job 2:11-13.
“Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”
“They simply sat with him for seven days and nights without saying a word. They knew that in the middle of Job’s troubles their words would not resonate like they normally would. Their actions of simply being there spoke loud enough. They cried with him, sat with him, grieved with him, and gave a very precious gift to him…their presence. Many times this is what our ministry is all about, just giving your presence.” Ninety Five percent of helping someone is just being there and listening.
In the future I will say more about this “Ministry of Gospel Presence.