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.
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
At Enter the Lion, we are driven by a deep passion to reach the lost and bring the hope of Christ to warriors across the nation—first responders, military personnel, and those who stand on the front lines every day. But we know this mission is far bigger than us.
We believe lasting impact happens through local relationships, which is why we’re committed to equipping and empowering leaders to minister within their own departments, communities, and circles of influence. Whether it’s through prayer, discipleship, or simply being a faithful presence, we want to raise up men and women who carry the light of Christ into the darkest places.
Together, we can build a movement of hope, healing, and Gospel transformation—one life, one department, one community at a time.
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.
Leadership Development Structure
At Enter the Lion, we take an organic and relational approach to leadership development. As a small, hands-on ministry, we don’t run people through cookie-cutter programs. Instead, we seek to meet you right where you are.
We’ll come alongside you, assess your needs, and work with you to create a personalized development plan. This could include one-on-one mentorship, connecting you with seasoned members of our community, providing practical resources, and offering tailored training opportunities.
Our goal is to help you grow as a leader who can faithfully serve and minister within your own department, church, or community.
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..
Connection to First Responders or Military: Have a direct connection to the first responder or military community.
Be willing to attend an ETL Retreat.
If you have any questions regarding the Leadership Development Initiative, or would like to partner with us, please email Josh Cook at