Every single day of 2014 I have received no less than four reports of violence against churches across the United States! Stating the obvious, there have been many days with more than 4 reports of violence. This is an astounding increase since the last major report was filed on this subject back in 2009 by the Christian Security Network and Mr. Hawkins.
I lead a very well trained group of men at Cornerstone Church of Ames and the issues we've had to deal with are varied and many in the 5 years we have had a Safety Team. And we are in small town Iowa.
The issue is not where your church is located, though I'm quite certain that inner city churches and metro city churches have many problems based on location alone. The problem is sin. "Wait a second, you're suggesting that Satan would attack our places of worship specifically?" You better believe it! Any place that supports the proper work of God is going to be attacked by the devil. Period!
It may not be a pastor committing a sex act with a minor. It may not be criminals breaking in and stealing. It may not be a domestic dispute gone wrong. It may not be a mentally ill person attacking and killing parishioners with a gun. BUT... It May Be All Of Those And Worse!
Just look at the statistics and you will see every crime you can imagine happening in or around churches. It used to be that even criminals saw the house of God as holy ground. You'd find the crooks in the pews on Sunday right next to the cops. Well, not any more! To the many bandits in our cities today, churches are "soft targets", that is they are easy to break into, steal from, manipulate, attack, and destroy.
This problem can no longer be ignored. We can't wish it away with comments like "well God is in control, so whatever happens..." Yes God IS in control, but he's given us minds and skills as resources to protect our loved ones. Let's start using these to our advantage shall we?
There are highly skilled individuals out there just hoping for a chance to make a difference in your place of worship. They might be the cops, fire fighters, and first responders already attending your services. Or they may be the average Joe with a concealed carry license and a warrior spirit!
Start a Safety and Security Ministry at your church or faith based organization now!
Oh, and hire us to train them please. :) www.kingdomshield.org
