My name is Cris Wagner, new (6 months) Chaplain at the Aurora Police Department (APD). I write this article as a humble servant of God hoping to honor and glorify Him in all I do.
After I retired, I attended the Aurora Citizens Police Academy to learn more about policing and to minister to my daughter Chelsea and her husband, Tyler, who works in law enforcement. At the end of the academy we were asked where we wanted to volunteer. I have had a long standing interest in law enforcement and pastoral care. Guess what? After much prayer, God called me to become a police chaplain. After a lengthy, year long, vetting process (It’s all about God’s timing) I became an Aurora Police Chaplain. During this year I took 60 hours of course work and became a licensed and ordained chaplain. When asked, “Isn’t this the worst time to be an Aurora Police Chaplain during these tough and challenging times?”, I responded, “Absolutely not. It’s the best time”.
I believe my Chaplaincy can best be summarized in two words; prayer and presence.
I think the biggest impact of my personal growth and my chaplaincy is through the power of prayer. Everything I do as a chaplain is shrouded in prayer. Led by the Holy Spirit and trusting that God will give me the words to say for any and all situations. Whether praying for the right officer to ride with, praying for officers needs during ride a longs (skipping a call or two to pray for guidance to give the officer), prayers during or after briefings, spontaneous prayers and doing invocations for special events. On-going prayers for leadership and department safety are also important.
Being a chaplain is also about the ministry of presence; spiritually and physically. Always welcoming the presence of the Holy Spirit in all interactions. I also strive to be very visible to officers and command staff; during briefings, attending department events (Graduations and Awards Ceremonies, Shop with a Cop, National Night Out, Fallen Hero and 7/20 theater shooting memorials, etc.), Spousal Association events and of course, 1 on 1 ride a longs (twice a week). When tough situations occur, I also like to do “Briefing Blitzes”, where I attend each shift in each of the three districts over a few day period to show concern and support. Just being there consistently, makes a world of difference!
I want to thank my wife Cindy for her tremendous encouragement and support of my chaplaincy, as she knows how passionate I am about this ministry that I have been called to do. I also appreciate the support from Mike, Terra, and Greg from the APD Employee Support and Wellness Group, APD Chaplain Bargaineer and Chaplains Kevin Shine and Travis Akins. I could not do this ministry without the support of the Holy Spirit and all of these people.
Prayer and presence are definitely helping my chaplaincy gain creditability and relationships within APD. In closing, I encourage myself and other chaplains to pray, pray, pray, and to be present in your chaplaincy. Take care, be safe and God Bless.
Cris