Bringing the hope of Jesus to the Milwaukee Police Department

Chaplain George Papachristou

The MPD Chaplaincy Program is embedded in the Mental Wellness Team as a key component in addressing officer mental health and wellbeing issues. I serve as the lead chaplain of the program along with Andrew Stallworth, Steve Olson, Dale Racer and Ted Jansen who serve as assistants. All of us are former MPD officers and members of the International Conference of Police Chaplains. ​

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I work with the 1800 officers of the department and their families regardless of rank or religious belief. I am able to provide spiritual guidance or counseling at the request of individuals and visit the various police districts offering support and when asked, pastoral care. In the course of my duties, I ride along with officers as they perform their duties with the purpose of forming relationships and to offer support. God has also allowed me to openly pray over the officers before they hit the streets at their daily roll calls.

​Over the past several years I have been blessed to officiate at the weddings, baptisms and funerals of our officers, sadly four of whom died in the performance of their duties. The recent riots and anti-police narratives have caused many officers to question the purpose of their profession and their spiritual faith.

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In an effort to provide officers and their families a source of hope and the love of Christ, I have created a Bible study group for the men and women in law enforcement. Additionally, there is now a “Blue Line Chapel” gathering held twice a month for area officers and their families. This chapel is offered on a weeknight since many officers are unable to attend Sunday services due to work schedules. 

I also offer all officers a prayer card which has a prayer of protection on one side and a reminder of their mission on the other side which is spelled out in Psalm 82:2-3:
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
I have seen God work in the hearts of many officers who have fallen away from their relationship with God. When they are at the lowest point they have reached out and asked for spiritual counseling. It has been a privilege to offer them the hope of the Gospel and then watch the restoration of their spirit as the Holy Spirit moves in their lives. There are also officers without any belief in God. I have seen what I can only say is His hand arrange a “chance” meeting with some of these officers allowing me the opportunity to share the Gospel and plant the seeds of faith that prayerfully will grow in His name. 

I appreciate all prayers for this ministry because the evil one would like nothing better than to see our officers struggle with their mission to protect and serve. 

​All of these contacts and opportunities have confirmed to me that the hand of God is upon this ministry - God is faithful!

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Join us in praying for George and his ministry with the MPD

• Pray for protection for our officers. 
  
• Pray for protection from the schemes of the evil one.
  
• Pray for strength for them to stay on the mission.

George was recently featured on Fox 6 - the Milwaukee Fire Department is creating its own chaplaincy program and will be modeling it on the MPD Chaplaincy with George's help - click here to check out the video!