CHAMPAIGN CHURCH PRAYS FOR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS

The Champaign Church of the Brethren, Champaign, IL, has finished a reassessment of ministry. The first priority of the congregation turned out to be working with the local police department. Late last summer the congregations started praying for the officers of the police department every Sunday.

As officers drove by the church or the homes of members, they were flagged down and asked their names and were told we were praying for them every Sunday. The pastor met with the Chief of Police who did not know about the prayers. Each contact has been very positive. The officers and the Chief were stunned that someone would pray for them, then they were thankful, then they each and all asked us to continue.

Champaign Church of the Brethren regards the prayer as the first step in their word with the police department. The next step is to get the police to interact with the children in the neighborhood in a non-threatening manner. And, the ultimate goal is to get the police department more responsive to the needs in the neighborhood. The church is trying to position itself to be the center, or hub, of the neighborhood activities, in essence to be the agent of change.

Cynthia Taylor pastors the Champaign Church of the Brethren.