Author · Pastor · Law Enforcement Chaplain

When the call comes at 3 AM, someone has to show up.

For 43 years, Dr. Themba M. Mzizi, Ph.D. has stood beside grieving families, broken officers, and seasoned pastors — offering presence where words run out and clarity where confusion has cost real lives.

43+
Years in ministry & chaplaincy
22
Years lead pastor
Ph.D.
Pastoral Counseling
Dr. Themba M. Mzizi, Ph.D., author, pastor, and law enforcement chaplain
Active LE Chaplain · RSO
Pastor, Fontana Juniper Avenue SDA Church · Chaplain Services Coordinator, Riverside County Sheriff's Office
Two Sacred Callings — One Critical Distinction

Treating chaplaincy as "pastoral work in a different uniform" is costing real lives.

Pastors are being thrust into chaplaincy roles without proper training. Chaplains are being treated as lesser pastors instead of specialized professionals. People in crisis are receiving inadequate spiritual care because we don't understand the difference.

01

The Pastor

A long-form call within church walls.

  • Leads a congregation from the pulpit.
  • Builds long-term spiritual relationships over years.
  • Preaches scheduled sermons, teaches doctrine, shepherds members.
  • Nurtures faith inside an established church community.
02

The Chaplain

A short-form call where no church will ever go.

  • Responds to crisis at 3 AM — strangers, in their darkest moments.
  • Offers spiritual care without ever mentioning God's name.
  • Carries trauma officers cannot share elsewhere.
  • Ministers in agencies, hospitals, prisons, scenes of grief.

For 40+ years, Chaplain Mzizi has lived both realities. The books that follow are the framework he wishes every seminary, every agency, and every chaplain had on their shelf.

See the Books
A Ministry Behind the Badge

Stand beside the badge to protect what policy and procedure cannot.

Chaplains show up at midnight. They sit with grieving families. They walk through scenes of trauma and carry the weight officers cannot share elsewhere.

This is not pulpit work in a different uniform. It is a professional, ethically grounded ministry defined by presence, clarity, and trust.

Read Chaplain With a Badge

"While pastors and chaplains share a common call to spiritual care, their ministry contexts, professional demands, and theological emphases often diverge in deep and meaningful ways."

— Dr. Themba M. Mzizi, Ph.D.
The Books

Three volumes. Forty years of frontline ministry.

Chaplain with a Badge book cover
Volume I

Chaplain with a Badge

Guidelines for Law Enforcement Chaplaincy

The field manual for agencies and chaplains who want a program that is respected, ethically grounded, and sustainable — written from four decades on the ground.

"An invaluable resource. I think all law enforcement chaplains should have a copy."

Pastor Brian Park San Bernardino County Sheriff Chaplain · U.S. Secret Service Chaplain
Called to Serve, Trained to Care book cover
Volume II

Called to Serve, Trained to Care

Exploring the Sacred Distinctions Between a Pastor and a Chaplain

A practitioner-led framework for anyone discerning the line between pastoral ministry and chaplaincy — and the very different formation each requires.

"A definitive guide for generations of chaplains, pastors, and spiritual caregivers to come."

Dr. Zephaniah Manombe Ncube Pastor · CBT Therapist · University Lecturer
The Long Walk to the Pulpit book cover
Volume III

The Long Walk to the Pulpit

An African Pastor’s Journey to a Multicultural Church in America

A memoir of calling, displacement, and providence — from a village farm in Southern Africa to founding a multicultural church on American soil.

"One of the most inspiring and impactful works I have come across in more than three decades of ministry."

Pastor Cenias Ndebele President · Central Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Voices in Ministry

From the people who do this work — every day.

On Chaplain with a Badge

What Chaplain Mzizi has provided in ‘Chaplain with a Badge’ is a much-needed set of guidelines and protocols for any chaplain to consider in their approach working with an agency. It also provides a practical manual for those contemplating becoming a chaplain. Chaplain Mzizi has put together a thorough and concise book providing faith-filled, wellness skillsets for law enforcement chaplains across the country.
Dr. Paula T. Webb Amazon Best-selling Author · RSO Volunteer Chaplain, Palm Desert CA

On Chaplain with a Badge

An invaluable resource for anyone involved in or considering law enforcement chaplaincy. It offers a solid foundation of best practices, ethical considerations, and practical advice for serving effectively in this critical ministry. I think all law enforcement chaplains should have a copy.
Pastor Brian Park San Bernardino County Sheriff Chaplain · United States Secret Service Chaplain

On Chaplain with a Badge

A concise and practical tool designed for anyone wishing to better serve the complex needs of law enforcement personnel. It provides valuable insights into the critical role that spiritual care plays in the holistic well-being of those in law enforcement.
Rev. Tomás Guillén, M.Div., M.A., M.SCM St. Oscar Romero Catholic Church, Eastvale

On Chaplain with a Badge

‘Chaplain With A Badge’ is an excellent outline and summary that captures each area of responsibility and nuanced posture of a complete work model pertaining to law enforcement chaplaincy. It reads as a manual and should be featured in one’s office to be referred to repeatedly.
Rev. Lissa Zappardino-Johnson, M.Div. RSO Chaplain, Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility

On Chaplain with a Badge

A valuable resource that will help both new and seasoned law enforcement chaplains stay the course and be effective in their roles. It should not be looked at as just a one-time read, but as an excellent reference to return to quite often while fulfilling the position of a chaplain.
Chaplain Robert Peebles Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain (Ret.)

On Called to Serve, Trained to Care

Called to Serve, Trained to Care will undoubtedly serve as a definitive guide for generations of chaplains, pastors, and spiritual caregivers to come.
Dr. Zephaniah Manombe Ncube Pastor, CBT Therapist, Marriage Counsellor, University Lecturer

On Called to Serve, Trained to Care

A timely and deeply insightful work that people, especially pastors and church spiritual leaders who are thinking of becoming chaplains, should read.
Rev. Derrick Anderson Pastor, 2nd Chance Ministries Church · RSO Volunteer Chaplain, Jurupa Valley

On Called to Serve, Trained to Care

A profound and compelling reflection on the sacred journey between pulpit and crisis response. With wisdom drawn from decades of service in both pastoral and chaplaincy ministry, this book is an eye-opening resource for anyone seeking to understand what it truly means to care for others in their most vulnerable moments.
Phumuzile Ndlovu BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling · Diploma in Clinical Supervision · Level 2 Counselling Trainer

On The Long Walk to the Pulpit

One of the most inspiring and impactful works I have come across in more than three decades of ministry. It is not only a testament to Dr. Mzizi’s personal journey but a beacon of hope for anyone called to serve in God’s vineyard. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to ministers, church members, and all who desire to walk closely with God.
Pastor Cenias Ndebele President · Central Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

On The Long Walk to the Pulpit

From humble beginnings to helping found a multicultural church, Dr. Mzizi’s step of faith demonstrates that when God calls, He equips — and that He can use anyone to accomplish His purpose. His journey shows that while God may not speak audibly, He gives clear promptings to those willing to listen and obey.
Dr. Luckson Dube, DSW Clinician · Educator · Ministry Colleague

On The Long Walk to the Pulpit

This book captures not only my brother’s personal and spiritual transformation from a young village boy on a farm in Southern Africa to the founder of a multicultural church in America, but also the story of a life marked by resilience, faith, and service. I am grateful for the life, leadership, and legacy of my brother.
Babusi M. Mzizi Entrepreneur · BBA, BCom (Hons), MTech
Speaking · Consulting · Training

Bring 43 years of frontline ministry to your agency, seminary, or congregation.

Chaplain Mzizi serves agencies, seminaries, churches, and faith-based associations across the United States and internationally — from sheriff's offices and federal agencies to overseas ministries and crisis-response teams.

01

Speaking Engagements

Keynotes for seminaries, agencies, and conferences on chaplaincy, pastoral resilience, and crisis ministry.

02

Organizational Consultation

Helping churches, agencies, and ministry boards build chaplaincy programs that are sustainable and ethically sound.

03

Training Development

Curriculum and training design for new and seasoned chaplains entering high-stress public-safety environments.

04

Author Services

Foreword, endorsement, and collaborative writing for ministry leaders publishing in chaplaincy and pastoral care.

05

Individual Mentoring

One-on-one mentoring for chaplains, pastors, and seminary students discerning calling and growing in practice.

06

Program Design

Build a law enforcement or first-responder chaplaincy program from policy to deployment with proven frameworks.

Frequently Asked

Common questions on chaplaincy & calling.

What is the difference between a pastor and a chaplain?

A pastor leads a congregation from the pulpit, building long-term spiritual relationships within church walls. A chaplain provides spiritual care in secular and crisis environments — hospitals, prisons, law enforcement agencies, the military — often serving people of all faiths or no faith at all. Chaplaincy demands a different posture: presence over preaching, confidentiality, impartiality, and the ability to minister without ever invoking God’s name.

What does a law enforcement chaplain do?

A law enforcement chaplain provides spiritual and emotional support to officers, civilian staff, victims, and families. They respond to critical incidents, line-of-duty deaths, traumatic scenes, and personal crises. They are not counselors, ministers of enforcement, or recruiters — their role is presence, confidentiality, and steadiness under pressure.

Who is Dr. Themba M. Mzizi?

Dr. Themba M. Mzizi, Ph.D. is the pastor of the Fontana Juniper Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church and Chaplain Services Coordinator for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. With 43+ years in pastoral ministry and chaplaincy, he is the author of Called to Serve, Trained to Care, Chaplain with a Badge, and The Long Walk to the Pulpit.

How can I book Chaplain Mzizi for a speaking engagement or training?

Use the contact form on this site to inquire about speaking engagements, training development, organizational consultation, or individual mentoring. Dr. Mzizi serves agencies, seminaries, churches, and crisis-response teams across the United States and internationally.

Where can I buy Chaplain Mzizi’s books?

Chaplain with a Badge: Guidelines for Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Called to Serve, Trained to Care, and The Long Walk to the Pulpit: An African Pastor’s Journey to a Multicultural Church in America are all available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

Contact Chaplain Mzizi

Bring four decades of frontline ministry to your next conversation.

Inquire about speaking engagements, mentoring, training, or consultation. Most messages receive a personal reply within 5 business days.

  • Based in Riverside County, California
  • Serving Nationally & internationally
  • Response time Within 5 business days