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Why Presence Matters More Than Platform and Preaching | FBI Chaplain Kristen Ellis

  • Writer: Ryan Franklin
    Ryan Franklin
  • 22 hours ago
  • 8 min read

Updated: 13 minutes ago

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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Kristen Ellis, pastor, teacher, and FBI chaplain. Kristen shares her remarkable journey into chaplaincy, including her firsthand experience supporting federal agents during the tragic 8/11 event. She unpacks the life-changing principle of the "ministry of presence" and offers wisdom on leading with empathy, especially in times of crisis. Kristen also speaks to the vital role of community involvement in leadership and provides practical advice for leaders who feel disconnected or overwhelmed. Tune in to be inspired by Kristen’s story and to discover how simply showing up can make all the difference in your leadership impact.






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Transcript


He said, "Kristen, where are you?" And I said, "Well, I'm home." And he said, "Okay." He said, "A man has tried to break into the Cincinnati office with the intent to kill agents."


Welcome to The Christian Leader Made Simple podcast. I really hope this episode helps you learn and master the skills you need to grow your leadership effectiveness and enjoyment. Be sure to hit the subscribe button to get notified as soon as I post a new session so you don't miss a single episode. I'd also greatly appreciate any reviews, likes, and shares that you can give me. It just helps me extend my reach to more people.


So leaders, I know just how frustrating it can feel when you're in the weeds of work or ministry and life is chaotic. You're struggling to feel effective and you're just not enjoying leadership as much as you could be. And so to help you, after many years of leadership and executive coaching you, I've developed a framework called the Christian Leader Blueprint that'll guide you to find clarity in your life and leadership. It'll help you gain a better rhythm of life, it'll help you see yourself more clearly to leverage your strengths, and you'll produce more productive relationships. It's a step-by-step guide to leadership transformation.


I have that in two formats now: I have a free short guide that you can find on ryanfranklin.org and I have a book, The Christian Leader Blueprint, which you can find in any format, including an audiobook, wherever you buy your books. I have a few more things on my website that you may be interested in, so just head on over to ryanfranklin.org and check it all out.


And now let's get to our session.


Welcome to The Christian Leader Made Simple Show. I'm your host, Ryan Franklin, and for today's show, I'm excited to introduce to you Kristin Ellis, who is a pastor, a teacher, and an FBI chaplain. She pastors Calvary Church in Cincinnati, Ohio alongside her husband Tom, who serves as Senior Pastor.


Kristin also serves as a volunteer chaplain for three major law enforcement agencies: the FBI, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Hamilton County. She holds an associate degree in Theology from Indiana Bible College and a bachelor's degree in Leadership and Ministry from Ohio Christian University.


On the show today, we're going to dive into her remarkable journey into chaplaincy, including her firsthand experience supporting federal agents during the tragic event referred to as the 8/11 event. I'm also really interested in her principle of the ministry of presence, which I know can be a life-changing tool for any leader, especially in times of crisis. We'll speak about the vital role of community involvement in leadership and may dabble a little bit in some practical advice for leaders who just feel disconnected and overwhelmed.


So Kristin, welcome to the show.


"Thanks, Ryan. I'm really glad to be here."


Yeah, I'm excited to dive into your journey and your leadership insights. Today I got to hear you at Hyphenx Conference where we had the opportunity to share a stage. I know listeners are going to be in for a treat today.


"Oh well thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to share."


So before we jump into the actual topics of the interview that I've asked you to talk on—you're a chaplain for the FBI?


"I am."


Isn't that weird? Not every day do you meet an FBI chaplain. How did you come into this role?


"Well, it's a very interesting story. My dad, Norman R. Pasley II, was an FBI chaplain. This is a question I get all the time in the Bureau—I think it's just a conversation starter for many people—and there aren't many who look like me in the Bureau.


But my dad was an FBI chaplain during the last four years of his life. It was an opportunity he had through other chaplain roles he was already serving in. He was police chaplain of our church's city and through community involvement made friends and connections in law enforcement.


Eventually he met a chaplain with the Bureau who became my mentor into this role—one of the original FBI chaplains when they first formed their program over 30 years ago. That's pretty amazing—really a God thing.


I had awareness of my dad's involvement but didn’t know much about what he did specifically with the Bureau except that he loved it; he was passionate about serving people who serve.


When my dad passed away just days shy of his 60th birthday, that part of his life was one of the hardest things for me to reconcile within myself.


He was on the verge of starting a Bible study with some people; he was motivated by it; God had given him great opportunity; he carried a heavy burden for that.


There was a memorial service at the Cincinnati office—a tradition among law enforcement agencies—and they featured my dad in that service.


It was overwhelming at that time; they invited our family onto property which now I realize was a big deal giving us clearance that day—it expressed fidelity: faithfulness toward our family during that time.


I remember sitting there struggling with God—'Why? Why would You take Dad away from these people?' Especially at such a young age; he hadn’t been in that role long; it took him years to get there.


We had connection with another chaplain friend of Dad’s—Father Hill—a good friend though different denomination but an incredible friend who stepped into being our family’s chaplain during those times when Dad passed away—we didn’t even realize it then.


What do you do when you're pastor’s family and he passes? Who is your pastor then? Father Hill showed up effortlessly at Dad's service; Dad thought highly of him; he spoke again at services—he became like family’s pastor during grief times; powerful experience indeed."


And now?


"It wasn’t long after Dad passed that George Hill contacted Tom (my husband) and me saying he'd like to meet us together—no expectations but we knew him well by then.


We met in Dad’s office where George said 'Tom I’m glad you're here but not who I want to talk with.' Then turning toward me: 'Kristin—I loved your dad; he was my retirement plan for this Bureau but since he's not here anymore—you are next best thing.'


I couldn’t imagine being more shocked or speechless—I didn’t know what else he would say because at that point I was grieving trying simply to survive without Dad.


Tom nodded encouragingly—‘Just say yes.’


I said yes honestly admitting ‘I don’t know anything about this role.’


George said ‘Don’t worry—I’ll help—you only need say yes.’


From there Father Hill walked me through everything—I get emotional thinking about his role."


To follow your dad’s footsteps must have been emotional?


"It really was very emotional."


It took some time?


"Yes—from 2018 when Dad died until June 2022 when I became active—it was about four years including Covid delays; training requirements locally with county law enforcement; ordination requirements by church organization—all had to come together."


That truly honors your dad’s legacy.


"If God can do it for me He can do it for anybody."


Not long after becoming FBI chaplain you supported federal agents during 8/11 event—can you explain what happened?


"The event took place about two months after becoming active—Cincinnati is generally peaceful so nothing extreme usually happens here.


I remember where I was when George called—I knew something was wrong immediately though hadn’t seen news yet.


He told me ‘A man tried breaking into Cincinnati office intending harm but everyone’s okay.’


He needed me at State Highway Post 83 near my house—to be with dispatchers because State Highway Patrol officers were pursuing suspect involved in standoff lasting hours—a political statement made sadly clear online.


That day humbling as many off-duty troopers came just showing support; I sat with dispatchers including one whose husband was first on scene—they wouldn’t leave chair despite pressure because their duty felt tied closely with loved ones’ safety."


Your role wasn’t dramatic but powerful?


"Yes—it created burden & heart for law enforcement from ministry perspective: those called serve community facing darkness & crisis needing light & help like kingdom work itself.


Political climate influences perception but human side motivates me most—to encourage these servants who deserve church support."


You mentioned ministry of presence earlier—what does that mean practically?


"My dad talked about gift of presence seeing him model it—the Latin root refers historically to military chaplains’ tents located centrally within camps symbolizing proximity & availability—to experience things alongside troops rather than distant figurehead—that concept liberates me from scripted roles allowing flexibility depending on moment’s need sometimes offering practical help or silent companionship or prayer relying on Holy Spirit guidance."


How does empathy factor into this?


"Jesus carried His cross physically unable after suffering showing vulnerability modeled for us all—ministers live tension balancing strength & vulnerability expressing empathy by coming alongside others letting them be human without judgment offering safety & understanding even if feelings differ from ours—it matters what they feel."


Presence conveys love?


"Absolutely—presence speaks love often beyond words especially when no fix possible as seen by George standing silently at Dad’s graveside showing care through presence alone."


Community involvement seems vital too?


"My dad modeled it deeply impacting community beyond church walls evidenced by crowd at his community funeral including many unchurched whose lives he touched directly making discipleship lifestyle not confined inside church building but reaching out relationally just like Jesus went where people were fulfilling Acts 1:8 call empowered by Holy Spirit witnessing powerfully beyond church walls."


How do busy pastors manage added commitments like chaplaincy?


"I'm learning too but important is self-awareness recognizing tendency toward overwork or overcommitment accepting humanity honoring Sabbath rest uniquely suited individually including spiritual refreshing found simply abiding in God’s presence scheduling time intentionally especially with renewing friendships—even virtual meetings count greatly."


If someone feels disconnected from community where should they start?


"For me prayer opened door leading unexpectedly through Navy League local group unknown before stepping faithfully into ordinary opportunities leading eventually into chaplaincy God ordered steps through faithful small beginnings valuing faithfulness highly even if unseen initially trusting God multiplies impact beyond imagination encouraging others similarly just say yes & stay available God guides way."


Any resources for those interested in chaplaincy?


"Yes UPCI Chaplain Ministries newly unified effort offers guidance via website including requirements varying by state & type whether military hospital hospice prison law enforcement etc.—contact via email link provides mentorship helping navigate process making entry easier especially helpful if sensing tug toward ministry presence from personal experiences with chaplains or desire serving hurting people wherever they are."


Where can listeners find more information?


"Go UPCI website under ministries find Chaplain Ministries section then designated website with contact info ready to assist exploring callings."


Thank you Kristin for sharing such powerful insights on ministry of presence and real-life stories from FBI service especially around 8/11 event—it’s been an honor hearing your journey today.


"Thank you Ryan—it’s been privilege sharing—I pray anyone listening feels encouraged knowing if God can use imperfect vessels like us He certainly can use them wherever He calls them outside local churches bringing His love powerfully into communities needing hope today."


This concludes our show today. My name is Ryan Franklin. Thank you so much for joining us on The Christian Leader Made Simple podcast.n Franklin thank you so much for joining us on Christian Leader Made Simple podcast.


Copyright © 2025 Ryan Franklin. All rights reserved.

 
 
 

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