Video Transcript: Working Well With Your Supervisor or the Police Chief (Practical Tips for Chaplains)

Video Transcript: Working Well With Your Supervisor or the Police Chief (Practical Tips for Chaplains)

Presenter: Haley Steiner (CLI Synthesia Presenter)

Hi, I’m Haley, the Christian Leaders Institute Synthesia presenter.

Police chaplaincy is a ministry inside a chain of command.
And one of the strongest predictors of whether you will thrive—or get quietly sidelined—is simple:

How well you work with your supervisor or the Police Chief.

This video gives practical tips that build trust, reduce liability, and help you serve with steady influence—without politics.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
—1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

Tip 1: Know who you report to—and keep it clear

The first question to settle is:
Who is my supervisor?

Some chaplains report to the Chief.
Many report to a Captain, Lieutenant, or Volunteer Coordinator.

Once you know, honor it.
Don’t “float above” leadership.
Don’t bypass your supervisor to get what you want.

A chaplain who respects structure becomes safe.

Tip 2: Communicate predictably, not constantly

Leaders don’t want drama—they want clarity.

A simple rhythm helps:

• a brief monthly update,

• a quick check-in after major incidents,

• and immediate contact only when policy requires it.

Keep updates short and useful:

• What you’re doing,

• what patterns you’re noticing,

• what support needs exist,

• and any policy concerns—without names, gossip, or oversharing.

Tip 3: Never surprise leadership in public

One of the fastest ways to lose trust is to create public surprises:

• posting on social media,

• speaking at an event without alignment,

• offering opinions during community tension,

• or showing up in places the department didn’t approve.

If it touches the department’s reputation, the rule is:
align first, speak second.

Tip 4: Be a “problem reducer,” not a “problem creator”

Leadership is managing:

• liability,

• public pressure,

• staffing stress,

• and operational demands.

So ask yourself:
“Does my presence reduce stress, or add stress?”

Chaplains reduce stress when they:

• stay calm,

• stay in role,

• keep information clean,

• and follow policy every time.

Tip 5: Clarify confidentiality in a policy-friendly way

Your supervisor needs to trust that you won’t become a risk.

Use clear language like:
“I provide confidential spiritual care, and I follow policy regarding safety risks and required reporting.”

Avoid vague promises.
Avoid “I tell no one anything.”
That kind of statement can create legal and ethical trouble.

Tip 6: Stay neutral in internal conflict

Departments have internal tensions—like any workplace.

A chaplain loses credibility when they:

• take sides,

• become a messenger,

• advocate for one faction,

• or repeat opinions.

If someone tries to pull you in, say:
“I care about you, but I’m not here to be a go-between. I can support you and help you take wise next steps.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
—Matthew 5:9 (WEB)

Peacemaking is not politics.
It’s steady, fair, and clean.

Tip 7: Ask, “How can I serve your priorities?”

This is a simple question that builds trust fast:
“Chief, what are your current priorities for chaplaincy support?”

You may hear:

• staff wellness,

• family care,

• ride-along presence,

• grief support,

• community vigils,

• or critical incident response.

When you align your service with leadership priorities, you become valuable.

Tip 8: Put small things in writing—briefly

When you agree on something important—availability, response expectations, boundaries—capture it in a simple written form:

• a short email summary,

• or a one-page role description.

This prevents confusion later.

Closing

Working well with your supervisor or Chief is not about flattery.
It’s about integrity, clarity, and trust.

Remember this phrase:

Honor the chain. Stay in your role. Communicate clearly. Reduce risk. Multiply care.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.”
—Colossians 3:23 (WEB)

Your faithful presence—under authority—can bring steady hope to an entire department.