Why Local Chapters Matter
by Craig W. Duck President/Missionary FCFInternational – Lieutenant DCFD (Retired)
Traveling around the country I am often asked why local chapters matter. Our ministry began in 1977 with a handful of firefighters from the Denver, Colorado area and the local chapters were a big part of their ministry. Since that time chapters in various parts of the world have come and gone.
Local chapters do not seem to matter as much to the younger generation of firefighters as they did to the past generation.
Newer firefighters are less likely to be committed to an organization that involves their time and effort with no financial reward. According to pewresearch.org “Millennials, have become more detached from major institutions like political parties, religion, the military and marriage.” They go on to write that the millennials “are the least overtly religious American generation in modern times.”
This young generation of firefighters, however, is more confident, connected and open to change than generations of the past.
Where are these young and energetic firefighters going to find hope and healing in difficult days within the fire service? Who is able to give credible information to firefighters in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control? Where can they go to find truth?
The obvious answer is the Bible. Since this new generation is open to change, and most have little or no idea what the Bible says, we have an opportunity to connect them with God.
FCFInternational is available to firefighters worldwide in order to provide encouragement to those who are hurting by teaching Biblical principles that have helped every generation.
The Need
Firefighters today are exposed to many stressors that can easily discourage the most seasoned veteran. Terrorist activities, large difficult fires, multiple trauma related EMS runs and daily exposure to death and dying all add stress to a firefighters life until he/she reaches a breaking point.
Many churches are ill prepared or trained to handle congregants who are regularly exposed to these traumatic events. The average pastor has never personally experienced these types of emergency responses and has virtually no idea on how to resolve these potentially destructive situations.
In an article for FireRescue1.com Sara Jahnke writes; “Of the firefighters surveyed, 85 percent of career and 71 percent of volunteer firefighters reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days. Approximately half of career and volunteer firefighters reported binge drinking in the past month.”
Many firefighters attempt to hide their stress related issues through the use of alcohol. I have witnessed many firefighters whose alcohol use resulted in department discipline or loss of their career.
“Firefighter suicide is on the increase.”
Mark Lamplugh reports that firefighter suicide rates are “beginning to catch up with the rates of law enforcement officers.” We are losing too many firefighters that could have been helped if someone had only reached out.
Local chapters are needed in order show firefighters where to find answers to their questions about life.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
Local Chapters Matter – because firefighters matter to God
God loves firefighters. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 NIV
God desires every firefighter to have an abundant life relationship with Him. Because of our sin, we have become alienated from God (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
Local chapters can share the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” ESV
- I John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ESV
- Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ESV
Local Chapters Matter – because they provide hope
God wants us to regularly get together. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
FCFInternational continues to believe that local chapters matter to the life and vitality of not only Christian firefighters, but of all firefighters. Local chapters matter because firefighters matter to God, they provide hope during difficult days and they encourage firefighters to draw closer to God.
Keith Helms, retired Battalion Chief from the Charlotte Fire Department and International Board member, writes; “Local chapters provide an opportunity for Christian firefighters to engage with other believers. While we need to be clear that the chapters do not replace a believer’s need to be involved with a local church, the chapter can serve as an extension of the church. When we see all of the “one another’s” in the Bible (see note below), the local chapter enables firefighters to actively accomplish them. Social media is good for communication, however, it does not provide the closeness and depth that face-to-face interaction provides. Without local chapters, it is very difficult for us to fulfill Hebrews 10:24-25.”
Local chapters can be a safe haven for firefighters to meet together in order to sort out all of the negativity that they face day in and day out. Men and women can truly learn what the Bible has to say about the subjects that most interest them and read real life examples of how God works through the very same circumstances in the lives of His people.
Local Chapters Matter – because they cause growth
God wants a thriving personal relationship with firefighters. This can only take place when the Bible is taught to local chapter members.
FCFInternational encourages chapters to study their Bibles. A lot of time and effort has gone into providing high quality Bible studies that speak directly to firefighters. Check out the website to find all sorts of resources that will help your local group to learn more about the Bible and be able to share that knowledge with others in your station.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 Holman Christian Standard.
The Question
The question then becomes, are you willing to put in the time and effort needed for a local group to exist? The sad truth is local chapters are rapidly dwindling in numbers. If we truly want to make good on our vision statement then we need people like you who are willing to step out of the boat and start or maintain a local group.
Who knows you just may change a life for eternity.
This young generation of firefighters wants you to show them how to live Godly in and ungodly world. They don’t want you to “tell them” the way, “yell at them” the way or let them figure it out on their own. I had great success as a lieutenant showing and living out how to be a great firefighter to the new generation firefighter.
I am convinced that doing the same for our faith will yield just as much success!!
Vision Statement – To glorify God in the fire service by building relationships that turn first responders hearts and minds toward Christ (Philippians 2:11), equipping them to serve Him (Ephesians 4:12).
Keith’s Notes
Encourage one another: Hebrews 3:13, 10:24
Love one another: John 15:17
Forgive one another: Ephesians 4:32
Be devoted to one another: Romans 12:10
Submit to one another: Ephesians 5:21
Build up one another: Romans 14:19
Serve one another: Galatians 5:13
