Strategic Ministry for Unique Times

Every now and then an organization of some sort comes along attempting to address the needs of the community. While many of these efforts were well intended, they proved ineffective in dealing with the cultural calamities of our time.

In the wake of recent traumatic events, and the repeat of gun violence in the inner city of Rochester, organizations appear time after time unable to respond to the psychological/spiritual needs of the unchurched. Our chaplains sprang from a variety of denominations with a passion to demonstrate truth through service. It is important for organizations to work in conjunction in an effort to contribute to a better society. Evangelistically, telling people about Jesus one-by-one is still effective. Thus, the Flower City Chaplain Corps was born.

Recognizing the need to strengthen the efforts of other missions and churches within Monroe County, the corps brings a new emphasis to area vocations by operating in conjunction with non-profits, law enforcement, and businesses from the perspective of a religious objective. Similar to the United

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“Reaching Those Others Often Misunderstand”

The Flower City Chaplain Corps has chaplains serving throughout Monroe County. Your gifts help to reach our first responders and distressed residents with the Gospel and to disciple them for Jesus Christ. If you could contribute to this fruitful ministry in any way please contact us or peruse our website to learn more about our ministry. Thank you for helping us reach those others have forgotten. We are spiritual caregivers who reach people where they are by addressing their point of need during a moment of crisis.

Flower City Chaplain Corps Inc. Command Center 506 W. Broad St.

Rochester, NY 14608 585-433-4872

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“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, ‘For thy sake

we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’ (Romans 8:35-36).

Your Directors

tommy@flowercitychaplains.org

Tommy Davis is a full time senior chaplain with Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and is stationed at the Monroe County Jail. He serves as the chief chaplain of FCCC. He has a B.A. degree in Theology from Apex School of Theology in Durham, North Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Ministry from Tennessee Temple University. He also has an honorary Doctorate in Chaplaincy Studies from Chaplain Bible Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Chaplain Davis served for five years as a crisis chaplain and team supervisor operating in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, at homicide scenes. He has served as a New York division chief chaplain overseeing clergy throughout the state of New York with Chaplain Fellowship Ministries International since 2006.

Mr. Davis is a certified public safety and crisis response Chaplain through the Homeland Crisis Institute and is a 2006 graduate of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Clergy Academy. He served for two years on the Rochester Police Department Clergy Response Team. He also served as an assistant pastor in Rochester, New York. He is currently a member at First Bible Baptist Church in Hilton, NY. Chaplain Davis is the Co-Founder of the FCCC.

States Marine Corps that combines air, ground, and marine combat units to carry out a combination of exercises with other branches of the military, our chaplain corps strategically functions along these lines by providing frontline resources extending into unchartered territories in an effort to spread God’s grace.

Part of the mission of the Flower City Chaplain Corps is to increase community participation relative to crime prevention, and work with law enforcement agencies to create an atmosphere counterproductive to illegal activity. We understand that citizens have a level of tolerance and concern. We also comprehend the significance of law enforcement. This will also allow our chaplains to build and maintain relationships with our first responders and engage their spiritual needs as well. This could result in multiple salvation experiences with new members added to our partner churches.

Consequently, our duty is to promote and contribute to healthy solutions which include seeking redemptive qualities in offenders that are prevented from further offending. We understand the risks involved; and considering all of these, we are reminded of the Scripture that asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter’ (Romans 8:35-36).

Our mission is no different from any other missionaries in times past that put their lives on the line to abolish slavery, segregation, and to and bring the Gospel to new lands.

It is helpful for me to highlight the term “famine” mentioned in the

above Scripture passage. It simply means a lack of economic resources. It is the “carrot” that dangles in front of the rabbit who cannot reach it.

Realizing that government bureaucracy may attempt to hinder this work due to our strategic purpose to bring the Gospel of Christ to a hurting world, we depend on donations from those we serve whether its counseling at crime scenes, visiting distraught employees on behalf of businesses and schools, providing courtesy shuttles on behalf of first responders, or performing funerals; our total aim is to be a witness for Christ through SERVICE.

We are not interested in the latest psychological tricks dished out along-side a watered down gospel. People are to be led to Christ by the force of the gospel rather the latest persuasion. This is why the Flower City Chaplain Corps was chartered as a distinct organization divorced from government management. Community chaplains act as conduits of care between the church and those in the community.

I trust that we have provided you with enough information about our mission that would prompt you to invite us to give you a personal presentation that may lead to your taking part in this ministry.

Tommy Davis, Chief Chaplain

As a Flower City Chaplain, I have seen first-hand the devastating implications of our society’s declining morals and values on individuals, families, and communities. One does not have to look far to see the impact that current happenings, such as mass unemployment and economic uncertainty, the breakdown of the family unit, civil unrest, and daily reports of crime and violence have on the spirit of people of all stripes who are trying to make sense of it all—it’s frightening . . . it’s discouraging, and it’s easy to give up hope and lose heart. Yet, as a Christian Chaplain to institutions and communities, I am charged by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the work of an evangelist; I am challenged daily to face life’s obstacles with fearlessness and hope. So, when seeking answers to our social and economic woes, I must prayerfully consider what the Bible says and apply God’s Word to each and every situation. In Scripture, we read of various men and women—called by God—who were quite ordinary in every sense of the word, but through God, they were able to accomplish extra-ordinary feats. These people faced great trials, and all of them suffered grave persecution. In fact, the Bible teaches a peculiar message that “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Though these devout men and women of God in Scripture lived in different eras and faced diverse tribulations, they had these things in common—they had their eyes fixed on God and they trusted him as the great Redeemer of the world. They knew that “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Jesus has instructed those of us who believe in Him, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)—so that through Christ Jesus we have not only hope, but peace of mind—in this life, and the life to

come. That is why our primary mission as Flower City Chaplains is to share the gospel of the cross through service and love so that people may know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and King. Whether it be at a homeless shelter, a crime scene, a school, or a hospital—our community and public safety chaplains seek to bring not only valuable resources, but the most valuable resource—truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth, the way, and the life.” Armed with this truth, people are freed from the bondage that fear and uncertainty bring. Armed with this truth, lives are transformed, minds are renewed, and spirits refreshed—empowering those who obtain faith in Christ to live not only for today, but with eyes fixed upward. Flower City Chaplain Corps is looking for a few good men and women who will faithfully serve alongside us as missionaries in the streets, schools, jails, hospitals, and businesses of our city and surrounding towns and villages. We are an extension of our local churches; fulfilling God’s great commission to go—and we will go—in Jesus name!

Providence Crowder, Deputy Chief Chaplain

Providence@flowercitychaplains.org

Mrs. Providence Crowder serves as Deputy Chief Chaplain of FCCC. Her personal mission is to demonstrate God’s love through Christian service and evangelism. She is married with two children and has over 15 year experience in providing counsel, leadership, and sound administrative decision-making in the public safety profession. As a first line supervisor she is adept in conflict resolution, employee relations and mentoring. Chaplain Crowder has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Public Safety Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College and recently received her Master’s in Theology from Northeastern Seminary. Chaplain Crowder currently sits on several boards, including Hope Initiatives and The Shepherd’s House. She serves as a spiritual advisor for the Frederick Douglass Foundation of New York. She volunteers with other organizations whose mission is to educate people about the importance of fiscal responsibility and adhering to biblical values. Mrs. Crowder is co-founder of the FCCC and is a member of First Bible Baptist Church in Hilton, NY.

Interested In A Presentation? The chaplain’s office will conduct a

15 minute presentation highlighting action points of the ministry and will answer all your questions. Call us at 585-433-4872.

Donald@flowercitychaplains.org

Chaplain Donald Stevens holds and bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Rev. Stevens is also a certified public safety chaplain credentialed through the Homeland Crisis Institute (Division of Chaplain Fellowship Ministries). In addition to serving as chair of Chaplaincy for the Greece Police Department, Rev. Stevens is a member of the Rochester Police Department’s clergy response team, and serve as associate minister at the Pentecostal Memorial Baptist Church in Rochester. Rev. Stevens is currently employed as a territory Rep. for V.P. Supply in Rochester. He is married with three children and serves as Master Chaplain for FCCC.