Last year Inspector Chris Heflin-Scott asked the trustees to start the process of finding someone to take over the day to day leadership of the London Christian Police Family. We’re pleased to announce that PC Paul Tyrrell has been selected to take over from Chris.
Here is a self conducted interview with Chris and Paul about the handover
Chris: So Paul, how does it feel to be taking on the mantle of leadership?
Paul: Thank you Chris, well I have to admit for a long time I have seen myself as in the background helping with the day to day things for LCPF and the Lords kingdom, I’ve never been one to run at the front but in the last year my life has changed so much and I have felt the Lord preparing me for this role, I have seen how the Lord has worked in you and your life and your passion for LCPF and the other Trustee’s and leaders and I feel so privileged to have been asked to take on this fantastic role. I have to say that the support I have been given already has been wonderful and have met so many great new Brothers and Sisters in the Lord because of this opportunity.
Chris: where do you see LCPF in 2 years time?
Paul: LCPF has so many wonderful members, associates and people who link in that I have had the chance to meet some already that wish to support us, the Ambassadors, our members and the church in general and see Christianity grow within London and the whole country. This years Annual Celebration is going to be our biggest event for some time and it’s not just for Policing, we have listened to what the Lord has said to some of our members and we have extended it to all Emergency services and Local Government, you managed to persuade HillSong UK to come and perform, this year we are setting the bar and hopefully it can only grow the Lords Kingdom and work, in 2 years well I hope that we will be planning to hold this event at the O2 arena on a national platform but we have to see what the Lord has to show us. I want to see unity, closeness and family within LCPF that we are there to support each other, other organisations and other Christians in knowing the Lord in Good times and bad.
Paul: How does it feel to be taking a step back?, what achievements of LCPF are you most pleased with
Chris: Good question Paul. As many people know I’ve been very unwell for a long time, so I have a certain amount of relief that someone as enthusiastic and energetic as you is able and willing to take on the mantle. Thank you! This gives me the opportunity to focus more on my own recovery and of course my family. I’ve really enjoyed serving in this way, and have constantly been surprised by peoples eagerness to call me the ‘leader’ – a title that never sat well with me, particularly as in reality it’s always strictly been a team effort – I’ve always been surrounded by such a good leadership team – whose various members over the years have had such a profound influence, and been an amazing support to our ministry in the police service.
In terms of what am I most pleased with, that has to be the opening of our doors to all Christians, and the introduction of our own health and support services to police officers and staff in London.
Many years ago when I was a borough rep for our association I was asked by the leadership at the time to meet with someone in my part of London to explain that they could not join us. This person was a believer in Jesus Christ and believed in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, he was a Christian. At the time our basis of faith took a very specific denominational position. One that was not in keeping with the great creeds of our faith. That task hurt me, and was wrong. His reaction oozed the grace and love of Jesus Christ which furthered my concern that our association had got this judgement wrong.
God spoke to me very clearly that this was not His will for His Kingdom, and laid on my heart a passion to work towards an end to denominational division and to work for unity within all parts of the church. It was a powerful experience one which has guided my ministry every since, and no doubt will continue to do so. Imagine my surprise that shortly after I was elected leader, a new leadership team had just been formed that I was joining who were of a similar view – that time was right to open our doors to all Christian believers and all mainstream denominations – it took a while and wasn’t a painfree process, but eventually we did it – for the first time in decades – all believers who take Jesus Christ to be Lord and Saviour, believe in the Holy Trinity, and seek to follow and do God’s will were welcome in our association for the first time.
The health and support services involve professional counselling by members of the association of Christian Counsellors, with funding available for those officers and staff who can’t afford it themselves, it may also involve a member of our ambassadorial team coming alongside someone in the service who is struggling. We’ve seen the demand for this service grow steadily over the past couple of years – a worrying sign of the times, but I am delighted that God laid this service on our heart so we are able to help those in need.
The growth in popularity of our annual celebrations has been exciting and this years celebration with Canon J John and Hillsong will no doubt be filled to capacity, , it is the opening of our doors to all believers that in my view is the most significant development in our history. The credit does not land at our feet– the Glory is the Lords. His will was laid so clearly on my heart and the hearts of the leadership team at just the perfect time that this could be achieved!
Paul: As you are remaining on the board of Trustee’s what more would you like to see done with the LCPF within the MPS and the wider Christian communities in London?
Chris: Ha Ha! That’s a brave question to ask the outgoing leader. I’m excited about the future for our association and for the greater bonds and relationships that will develop with you at the helm. I still encounter Christians who have never considered that there could be Christians in the police service, and my predecessor Nick said something very similar to me as I was taking over from him, so I’m very aware that there continues to be much work to be done.
Knowing and seeing the sterling work you have done for us over the years, and your ability to reach out and create new partnerships with all sorts of people I know that this area will dramatically improve with you at the helm.