Cops, Criminals, and Christ
"Cops, Criminals & Christ" is a podcast delving into the intertwining worlds of law enforcement, crime, and faith. With Dale Sutherland, a former narcotics Sergeant turned pastor, it features gripping narratives and candid interviews exploring behind-the-scenes work of life undercover, as well as the transformative power of faith in the lives of both cops and criminals. Tune in for compelling insights and real-life stories that challenge, inspire, and reveal God’s grace available through it all, at the hands of its host and Dale’s daughter, Kristen Crew.
Cops, Criminals, and Christ
Buying Dope, Sharing Hope: Parallels Between Drug Buys and Telling Others About Jesus
What could buying drugs as an undercover cop possibly have in common with sharing the gospel of Jesus? As it turns out, quite a lot.
Dale Sutherland spent decades working undercover narcotics cases while simultaneously nurturing a passionate commitment to sharing his Christian faith with everyone he met. In this fascinating conversation with his daughter Kristen, Dale reveals the surprising skills that transferred between these seemingly opposite worlds.
The art of persuasion stands at the center of both endeavors. Whether convincing hardened criminals he was a strip club owner or helping someone understand their need for spiritual salvation, Dale developed exceptional abilities in building rapport, telling compelling stories, and creating environments where people would listen. "You have to have confidence, you have to be passionate, you have to walk up to a group of people you don't know," he explains, describing both worlds with equal accuracy.
This episode explores the theological foundations driving Dale's evangelistic passion while offering practical wisdom for Christians who feel intimidated about sharing their faith. His perspective balances urgency about eternal destinies with trust in God's sovereignty, creating space for both determined action and peaceful rest. "Most Christians don't fall into the category where they're too judgmental when sharing their faith," Dale observes. "Most of us fall into the category where we're just not sharing our faith at all."
Perhaps most valuable are his closing thoughts for different personality types. Not everyone possesses Dale's natural gift for conversation, but he offers creative alternatives anyone can implement: email evangelism, gospel tracts, using technology like the Jesus Film app, or creating simple opportunities for delivery drivers to receive both practical refreshments and spiritual information.
Whether you're a seasoned believer looking for fresh evangelism approaches or simply curious about the unexpected connections between law enforcement and ministry, this episode delivers thought-provoking insights about authentic human connection and communicating what matters most.
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