A Time for Intentionality<\/b><\/p>\n
For Dr. Patrick Oliver, the recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd have been doubly painful. As a law enforcement leader for more than 40 years, Patrick viewed the actions of the Minneapolis officers with deep disappointment as he saw police brutality and the failure to protect an individual\u2019s constitutional rights. As an African-American man, he saw another incident of a white officer treating a Black American without care and compassion.<\/span><\/p>\n In his new role as the lead consultant for Ohio\u2019s newly formed Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment, he has the opportunity to speak into one of the most important functions of a law enforcement agency \u2013 the hiring of officers. \u201cPolice agency transformation begins with hiring quality officers,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n In these difficult days, now more than ever is the time for the Church to step up and live out Jesus\u2019 command to love our neighbors. It\u2019s also a time for self-reflection: How many of us have a close personal relationship with a person who doesn\u2019t look like us? How many are willing to speak up when there\u2019s an incidence of unlawful force?\u00a0 How many are studying their Bibles each day and allowing God\u2019s Word to transform them?\u00a0 How many are praying for elected officials? How many are voting at every election? How many are willing to serve in public office? How many are sharing the Gospel with the unsaved world?<\/span><\/p>\n