From Patrol Car to Purpose: Anthony Beattie's Faith-Driven Mission to Secure Schools

Anthony Beattie, a small-town boy turned big-city cop, spent two decades on the streets in law enforcement. His journey took an unexpected turn after retiring in 2017, when the Parkland shooting ignited a new calling. Witnessing the tragic events unfold, Beattie, a father of three high schoolers, realized that while police tactics had evolved since Columbine, school safety protocols had not. This stark realization, coupled with a deep sense of divine purpose, propelled him to found ACAP Solutions.

“God, why aren’t you changing this?” Beattie recalls asking, only to hear the resounding answer, “That’s why I made you.” This profound conviction led him to dive into school safety research, initially believing he would bring police tactics into schools. However, collaborations with educators and researchers quickly revealed the unique environment of schools, necessitating a different approach. Thus, ACAP Solutions was born seven years ago, with a mission to create safer school environments.

Faith at the Core of ACAP Solutions

At ACAP Solutions, faith isn't just a personal belief; it's the bedrock of their operations. The company's logo proudly features a cross, a constant reminder that their work is a mission from God. Beattie emphasizes that ACAP exists by divine blessing, and this belief shapes every aspect of his leadership. Meetings and training sessions often begin with prayer, acknowledging that it is God's words, not their own, that truly matter. Beattie himself starts each day immersed in Scripture, seeking guidance and wisdom.

Beattie’s faith has been the guiding force from the very beginning, influencing staffing decisions, client interactions, and contractual agreements. He firmly believes that ACAP’s team is a result of “godly interactions,” where the right people are brought together at the right time, not through conventional hiring processes. This divine orchestration allows for a team connected by a shared purpose and guided by faith.

Investing Time, Talent, and Resources

When asked about how his faith shapes his investment of time, talent, and resources, Beattie reflects on the profound truth that “our lives are not our own.” This perspective shifts his focus from personal desires to God’s will for his life. While acknowledging the need for downtime and hobbies, 90% of his time is dedicated to his mission. He recalls his father’s daily question, “What did you do today to make yourself or the world a better place?” a constant motivator for impactful action.

Regarding talent, Beattie humbly attributes his perceived strength in bringing people together to God. He strives to emulate leaders like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, surrounding himself with intelligent and insightful individuals. When these connections are divinely appointed, he notes, they become invaluable sources of godly wisdom. Financially, ACAP is a significant investment for Beattie and his wife, a testament to their commitment to the mission. He views it as “mission work,” a long-term investment of both time and resources to make a tangible difference.

Advice for Christian Business Leaders

For other Christian business leaders, Beattie offers a powerful piece of advice: “Take yourself out of it.” In a world often driven by self-satisfaction, he encourages leaders to ask: “Is this a godly mission? Does it serve a godly purpose? Does it provide godly interaction?” He shares the inspiring story of a business owner who, after initially tithing 10%, increased his giving to 25%, and eventually made God a 51% owner of his business. This leader, living on 49% of the profits, witnessed his business flourish while the remaining funds fueled mission work.

Beattie emphasizes that businesses, like children, are entrusted to us as stewards. “This isn’t our business,” he asserts, “I’m the CEO, but I’m a steward of ACAP.” His ultimate encouragement is to lead with God, trusting that He will take care of the rest. By surrendering personal agendas and aligning with divine purpose, Christian leaders can unlock transformative growth and impact, creating businesses that are not just successful, but truly serve a higher calling.