Equip & Embolden
Do you feel called to serve first responders or members of the military in a ministry capacity? If so, we’re here to help.
New class begins February 5th, 2024
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Romans 10:13-14
Leadership
Development
initiative
The Leadership Development Initiative is a 5-month online program created to train warriors as spiritual leaders and support resources for their peers, serving as a bridge between the local church and the emergency services community. The course focuses on building a foundation of doctrine, heart posture, practical logistics, mental health awareness and fostering community.
This initiative complements, rather than replaces, the vital role of godly chaplains and pastors. Its purpose is to empower fellow officers and service members to share the good news of Jesus with those who are lost.
Why the Leadership Development Initiative?
There is a significant and urgent need for biblical, Christ-centered support and guidance within the first responder and military communities. Few agencies have chaplains or pastors who are fully equipped or strategically positioned to address the spiritual and emotional needs of their peers in police, fire, and EMS professions.
Challenges
Lack of Connection: Many police chaplains are tasked with serving the broader community, leaving limited opportunities to prioritize and connect meaningfully with the officers themselves.
Lack of Bandwidth: Many agencies either lack a chaplain altogether or rely on just one or two chaplains to serve several hundred officers, creating an overwhelming workload that limits their ability to provide personalized care.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy: Agencies often require chaplains to operate in a "multi-faith" capacity, which can restrict their ability to deliver Christ-centered care.
Pastoral Disconnect: While many local pastors have a heart and desire to serve, they often face challenges in reaching and relating to first responders due to cultural and operational differences.
Course Structure
Our Leadership Initiative will begin with a cohort of five individuals who feel called to serve in first responder or military ministry.
The course will span approximately six months and will include:
Ten learning modules hosted over Zoom.
Supplemental reading to deepen understanding.
Bi-weekly mentor check-ins for personalized guidance.
Practical exercises to apply learning in real-world settings.
Participants will engage in courses such as:
What is the Gospel?
What is Shepherding?
How to Read the Bible.
How to Lead a Bible Study.
Discipleship.
Mental Health First Aid.
And more.
The course will be led by a team of current and former first responders, pastors, and mental health professionals, each with extensive experience serving through ETL in various capacities.
Requirements
To participate in the Leadership Development Initiative, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Profess Faith in Christ: Demonstrate a genuine faith in Jesus Christ and live a life consistent with being His follower.
Agree with ETL’s Statement of Faith: Affirm and align with the doctrinal beliefs outlined in ETL’s statement of faith.
Active Church Membership: Be an active member of a local church.
References: Provide both a pastoral reference and a personal reference.
Commitment to Completion: Commit to completing the full course curriculum.
Connection to First Responders or Military: Have a direct connection to the first responder or military community.
Attend one ETL retreat in 2025
If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Development Initiative, please email Josh Cook at