City officials meet with faith community to discuss challenges on the horizon (SLIDESHOW)

MANSFIELD — At a recent clergy luncheon at the Mayor’s office, city officials did not mince words: they have a lot on their plate. With an Opiate Crisis not going away and the recruitment of new police officers at its lowest level in years, sirens in most communities would be going off. Unlike other communities, one thing the city does have is the support of its faith community.

“I believe we can support our city safety services by being more involved in our community and by reminding them how much we appreciate their service,” says Pastor James Hill of Paradise Church. “I came away from our meeting feeling encouraged that despite the dark times we are living in, my local leaders are looking to the LORD for help. I am proud to call Mansfield my home.”

Pastor Hill was one of the faith leaders from the Brown Bag Clergy Group representing seventeen local churches at the luncheon. Also attending were Mayor Timothy Theaker, Fire Chief Steven Strickling, Assistant Police Chief Jason Bammann, City Councilman Reverend El Akuchie, and Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley. Greg Boyce of Modern Woodmen of America provided the meal.

During the meeting city officials thanked the faith leaders for their prayers and civic engagement. While the city saw a 2.1% rise in violent crime compared to last year’s COVID year, the State looks at the Mansfield area as a trendsetter with its holistic approach in utilizing a County Opiate Board to combat the Opioid drug problem.

Judge McKinley commented that one recent disturbing trend has been gun possession by juveniles who are quick to pull the trigger. McKinley believes moral relativism in the country and a disregard to the sanctity of life contributes to the problem.

“I agree with what Judge McKinley shared at the meeting,” says Pastor Dave Rentzel of Abundant Life Tabernacle. “There needs to be a voice to this next generation of youth teaching them there is a right and a wrong and that their life has value. We are living in days the Bible talks about when there will be people calling good ‘evil’ and evil ‘good.'” This may require us to start opening our churches so the youth have a place to come where it is safe and they can feel the love of GOD.”

Both pastors believe with moral bankruptcy in society creating social unrest, there is more pressure on local law enforcement than ever before.

“Relational equity between the faith community and local government is important. When the faith community comes alongside our local government, like for a luncheon, trust can be built giving us the access we need to intercede for those making decisions for our community.” 

Rentzel believes one way to improve the morale of the police department is by turning off the news and going to the local police station to understand their challenges.

“I believe they (safety services) will be transparent in what they will tell you. A lot of us forget these men and women that serve our communities have families at home as well. As a faith community we have power in our words and if we are speaking division instead of finding solutions, we are becoming advocates for the enemy. I pray this will be a place where GOD will reign. I declare Mansfield will be Godsfield.”

Pastor Hill adds, “I could not be more proud of our Mayor and safety services that they would ask for our help in prayer concerning the challenges they face.”

“I was proud of Judge McKinley speaking on behalf of the youth and his challenge to local churches to instill the importance of life and purpose. With dedicated youth programs and Sunday School, we can instill the values of life. The Bible reminds us GOD is aware of every sparrow that falls to the ground. How much more valuable we are to Him than a sparrow?”

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The Bible says in Psalm 110, “Your people shall be volunteers in the day of your power; in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.”