Assemblies of God Church Becomes Police Hangout
For the past two years, an Assemblies of God church in Indianapolis has been open to police officers who patrol the surrounding inner-city neighborhood, allowing them access to their building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For the past two years, an Assemblies of God church in Indianapolis has been open to police officers who patrol the surrounding inner-city neighborhood, allowing them access to their building 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition to providing officers their own keys and security codes to enter the building, Cityview Christian Center Church has provided them an office and break area, complete with desks, filing cabinets, telephone, refrigerator, couch, microwave and television set, according to Today's Pentecostal Evangel.
"The post is open to them 24/7," says Tim McNamee, the church's pastor. "There's rarely a time when there's not a police officer at our church."
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Contrary to common beliefs, Christianity and law enforcement are not incompatible. Several large fellowships exist for Christian police officers, one of the largest being Christian Police Association, which began in the 19th century.
LifeWay Christian Resources, one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, has also opened a conference for Christian police officers each year for the past three years. The Annual Ridgecrest Law Enforcement Summit helped attendants relax and fellowship with other believers in field of law enforcement as they were reminded of their positions as “warriors ordained by God” and of their crucial role in society.
According to Jack Poe, chaplain of the Oklahoma City Police Department, "there is a higher percentage of Christian law enforcement officers than Christians in other fields.”
“They almost have to have that spiritual connection to survive," said Poe, later citing Romans 13's reference to being "warriors ordained by God."
Cityview Christian Center Church in Indianapolis opened its doors to the police after McNamee learned that officers working the night shift had no safe place to use the restroom or take a break, and having to drive three miles back to the station to file a report.
Officers now file reports from the church, which serves as an unofficial police substation.
Every year, the church honors local police officers and their families during a special service and luncheon, and offers free counseling for members of the police force.
