Are you safe in your church?
Violence in the House of God is not a new thing. If you have read the Old Testament you know that the people of God are not immune from the evil intentions of those filled with hatred. With reports of murderous rampages within the walls of churches in the headlines, it might be time to have a conversation about church security.
We must begin with the acknowledgement that the church opens its doors to those who are emotionally unbalanced and outcast by society. That alone leaves the church more vulnerable than other places. The church wants to love them and help them, but sometimes people are simply overcome by wickedness. It could be the person sitting next to you, or the person you prayed for last week, who snaps when you least expect it.
Some people are intent on killing, stealing and destroying. That is the mission of the Devil, his ambassadors and servants. A plan for physical and spiritual protection is essential for the church.
Prayer is an obvious first line of defense. Beyond prayer, action is needed to secure the safety of the congregation. As surely a faith without works is dead, prayer without corresponding action can be equally impotent. Remember the Scripture about praying your neighbor is warmed and filled?
It is time for the church to have a conversation about self defense. Designated gun-carrying parishioners should be part of the plan. Front door security should also be an essential ingredient. Educating the congregation so they know how to react to an attack has to be part of a good action plan.
Conversations about church security will undoubtedly produce some challenges. Not everyone will agree, regardless of the plan. At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of church leadership to develop and implement an effective security action plan.
The church should remain a sanctuary.
***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***
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Great article. I do hear what you are saying when you say that it is time for the church to at the very least have a conversation about how to responsibly protect the people of God. Peter may of cut the soldier’s ear off at the wrong time but we have to remember that he did have a sword.
I have heard many different statements on the subject!! It is up to the church senior Pastor’s if they condone to carry in church! I have attended simminar’s on church securities same with others in my church! I will say this my church is armed an will be able to go on point for any situation! I know their are other church’s that do the same ! It’s sad , but there are to many crazy’s ! Sorry to say Profiling is also used at the Door!
He [Jesus] said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36)
“Designated gun-carrying parishioners”
You’re kidding, right? From what little I understand of his teachings, I had the idea that Jesus did not condone any kind of violence. I’m pretty sure he didn’t have any designated weapon-carrying disciples.
No, I’m not kidding. I don’t think Jesus frowns on self defense.