Cops Pounding Nails: TCLEM/FCPO Newsletter for Week of April 1, 2012

This week I'm sharing the recap of Part 2 of Denver PD Officer Rob Parks' presentation at our March 22nd "Cop Church" fellowship. I've entitled it "Cops and Marital Communication 101" (from God's perspective, of course). Scroll down for more.

In addition, we're back "in the fight" for our Thursday, April 5th fellowship meeting where I'll share my annual (but always different) warrior-relevant Easter message that I've entitled, "Cops Pounding Nails" (Yes "Virginia," law enforcement/military officers played major roles in Christ's arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection). We start at 7 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (not sure which room yet -- just follow the signs).

I'll of course include a detailed recap and perhaps even an audio file in next week's newsletter for our readers all over the US, Canada and the world to use, apply and pass-on to your fellow law enforcement and military colleagues.

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Cops and "Marital Communication 101" -- from God's Perspective

As part of their message to us at our March 22nd "cop church" fellowship, Officer Rob Parks and his bride Angela shared the following based on Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 (Rob recommends reading those chapters in their entirety). Entitled Talk the Talk: Genuine Communication and Countering the Culture of the "Ball and Chain", this part of their message centered around two major issues in marital communication:

(1) How we (cops and anyone else for that matter) communicate WITH our spouse.
(2) How we communicate ABOUT our spouse.

In speaking on communication, the Parks used a lego piece from their kids' extensive collection and pointed out how every harsh word WITH our spouses adds a proverbial lego piece to the point that we've built entire walls between us. Rob also presented a few short rules aimed at keeping the lego pieces (and "keeping the peace") to a minimum:

(1) No harsh talk between spouses.
(2) No talk of divorce -- EVER (not even joking -- and it is not an option for Christian couples).

Rob further pointed out that we cannot discuss marital issues without considering the kids -- "...they are an inextricable part of life." (now I'll have to find a way to use "inextricable" in a police report :). Moreover, Rob stated that our kids will "learn to treat their future wives by how you treat mommy" and that we routinely wound our children with our choice of words. In addition, Rob shared the following two quotes from Paul Lewis and Frederick Douglass, respectively: "A father's words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house." "It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men."

In terms of communicating ABOUT our spouses, Rob used the "ball and chain" expression as an example of what NOT to do in front of our peers (especially within the law enforcement "culture of cool") and that "trash talking" about them is representative of a lack of character (foundational beliefs) while adding yet another "lego" to the proverbial "wall."

Rob and Angela concluded by asking a number of thought and prayer provoking questions, including but not limited to:

(1) When we are with our spouses, are we really listening or just waiting for our turn to speak?
(2) Do we admit when we are wrong? Do we both forgive and ask forgiveness? Are we willing to change our behavior (God can and will give us the power to do so)?
(3) Have or will you genuinely ask your spouse if there are any "lego" pieces that need to be addressed (removed) in your marriage? What "walls" need to be torn down?
(4) How do you talk about your spouse in front of others? What kind of witness are you presenting when you talk about your spouse/marriage? Are you developing any self-fulfilling prophesies based on how you view, think or talk about your spouse?

The bottom line is that God has a plan for successful marriage. Are you seeking and following it? If not, seek His forgiveness and ask Him to help you be the loving spouse and parent He has called you to be (and know that we're here to help).

We're looking forward to having Rob and Angela back again soon.

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National News, Prayer Requests & Announcements...


...are posted on this website and updated regularly. This newsletter was also re-posted on our Facebook pages (don't forget to "LIKE" and share with us there). That said, here are just a few more pressing announcements:

(1) If you've not yet signed up for the Sgt. John Baker Golf Classic (a Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers national charity event) in Chattanooga (TN), let me again encourage you to do so. Yes, I know what my friend Lt. Col. Dave Grossman says about golf (I concur) but this is a tremendous op to both have some fun and at the same time support our national outreach to law enforcement personnel and their families.

(2) WEST COAST NEWS: Greg Laurie' s church in CA has started a new outreach to law enforcement that saw some 75 first responders come for their first meeting -- including 7 who recommited their lives to Christ! I've posted a link to the Badges Ministry here on our website (left side under "Additional Christian Law Enforcement Sites...") and/or simply click here on Badges Ministry.


(4) Georgia State Trooper-turned-minister Brian Stewart of

Simple Message Ministries (LEOsforHIM) and his "Daily Armor for Cops" email devotions sends the following reference a special cruise for LEOs and their spouses. He writes,

"Its time you took a break! Bring your spouse and join us for a cruise to the Bahamas departing from Cape Canaveral FL August 17th - 19th, 2012. We will be aboard the "Monarch of the Seas" and ports of call will include Nassau and Cococay. The movie Courageous will be shown the first night and I will follow that up the next morning with a 2-3 hour teaching session on being the man God designed us to be in the home. The cost is only $379 per person which is strictly for the cost of the cruise (no money goes to our ministry). Book your cabin today. For more information contact us at 478-256-2497 or via email: info@reachingcops.com. "
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DENVER AREA NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS


(1) The 2012 Truth Retreat is set for April 13-14 in Estes Park, CO. Quite a few of those involved our Thursday TCLEM/FCPO-Denver fellowship also attend the warrior-relevant TRUTH service at Calvary South Denver on Tuesday nights and our annual retreat is a "game changer" (life-changing event) to say the least. We may still have a few spots left -- contact me for details --but hurry as payment is due by this coming Sunday (April 8th).

(2) Calvary Chapel Aurora News:

If you've not been to "church" in a long time (or ever) and you're in the Denver area, I can't recommend Pastor Ed Taylor and Calvary Aurora enough. They will be having a plethora of Easter events (Good Friday service, two Saturday services, and three on Easter Sunday). They are also hosting a marriage ministry, a marriage retreat in May and a "Men of Courage" retreat (from the movie Courageous) in June. Most importantly, Ed has a heart for leading the lost to Christ and offers that opportunity at EVERY service. For more click on Calvary Chapel Aurora.

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Time to go "10-8" again and Run to the Battle. Let's continue to stay battle focused and fully engaged in "the fight" while at the same time always training hard and exercising solid offficer safety in the field.

Please feel free to CONTACT me if I can be of service.


Det. Sgt. & Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Vice President, Fellowship of Christiain Peace Officers - USA