Date
3-10-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
Chair
Clark Whitney Sr.
Keywords
Chaplain, Chaplaincy, Law Enforcement, Police Chaplain, Officer Wellness, First Responder Wellness, Law Enforcement Mental Health, Police Stigma, Barriers to Help Seeking Behavior in policing
Disciplines
Leadership Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Turner, Jacqueline, "Expanding the Role of Law Enforcement Chaplains: Fostering Holistic Wellbeing Through Comprehensive Pastoral Care" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7995.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7995
Abstract
This phenomenological study aimed to understand the interplay between the mental well-being of law enforcement personnel and the potential for pastoral care provided by law enforcement chaplains. Mental well-being is defined as one’s ability to cope with the stresses of life, recognize one’s abilities, learn effectively, work efficiently, and contribute to one’s community (World Health Organization, 2022). The study was guided by Grossoehme et al.’s “Listening Presence” theory, which involves chaplains actively listening to an officer’s story of trauma and fostering a sense of emotional well-being in the officer, thereby shedding light on the interplay between law enforcement officers’ mental well-being and chaplaincy. This study took place at the Rivergate County Police Department in Oakridge, Georgia, where this researcher interviewed a carefully selected sample of individuals to explore the experiences and perceptions of law enforcement personnel regarding the roles of law enforcement chaplains. The study’s findings showed that although officers viewed chaplains as empathetic, supportive, and able to provide holistic care, they connected this care to community support and ceremonial duties rather than considering it a viable option for addressing personal stress and trauma. Organizational stigma was identified as a key deterrent to chaplain engagement, but officers also expressed that chaplains could assist in their holistic care if more fully integrated into department wellness initiatives. By delving into participants’ lived experiences and narratives, the research aimed to understand how chaplains can contribute to officers’ resilience and coping strategies, ultimately helping to reduce organizational stigma.
