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Words of Wisdom from the Past - Jack Kistler

September 16, 2026

Jack Kistler, Occasionally, in looking through the old newsletters in our archives, we find thought provoking articles that we would like to share again with our current day members and supporters. This issue's reprint comes once again from former FCPO President Jack Kistler. It originally appeared in the June 1977 issue of The Christian Peace Officer.

 

Jack, a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant, was one of the "founding fathers" of FCPO. He faithfully served the ministry in a number of capacities in its earlier years, including as president of the organization. Jack stayed in touch with the National Office until he passed away in April 2021, maintaining a keen interest in the growth of FCPO and the latest updates. He was a tremendous source of encouragement to the National Office staff.


What’s in a name? “The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers,” for instance. Many of you belong to this organization. What does this name imply? What does it mean?


A “fellowship” has been described as two or more fellows in one ship. Where the ship goes, they all go, and they all go together. It is important, then, that they be like-minded, congenial, and have the same goals and objectives, etc. Without this harmony and community of spirit, there is bound to be friction. Discord arises. A true fellowship will be marked by at least one main point of agreement and unity.


The major item of fellowship should be spelled out in the next portion of the name: CHRISTIAN. A word that has as many different meanings as it has people applying meaning to it. To us, it should be a label. A Christian is one who is like Christ.


How does one become “like” someone else? He must know who that person is—his characteristics, his actions, his attitudes, the whole spectrum of his being. Then there must be a transformation; a change must take place so that the one is no longer as they were but is now “like” the One they wish to be.


The Bible describes this transformation as the “new birth” (John 3:3). When someone becomes a Christian, they become a brand-new person inside. They aren’t the same anymore; a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). These verses should give us a good basis for our definition of the word “Christian” in our name.


Sometimes problems arise, however, in the application of the label we are affixing. We recognize that our membership comes from many different denominations and groups. We are not a church. The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers has as its main objective the worship and glorification of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.


Speakers at chapter meetings are asked to refrain from alluding to specific denominations, churches, political parties, or controversial doctrinal issues. We believe that Jesus Christ is the relevant issue and, as such, He should be the focal point of all our lives and the focus of our organization, whether at the national level or in your local chapter meeting.


The last section of the name to define is “peace officer.” One who is sworn to uphold the law. That group of men and women who fit particularly into God’s plan for this day and age, as described in Romans 13:3–4. They are God’s servants, God’s ministers, bringing peace to those who have no peace in a day and age of growing lawlessness, with authority derived from God’s authority.


So, what’s in a name? A LOT!! To those who are a part of FCPO, it is a name that holds us together—fellowship—as peace officers in the bonds of the love of Jesus Christ.