To Calvary Regarding Church Security

     An armed security guard outside the front door of a church can seem unspiritual, lacking in faith, but think for a moment. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. He also taught us that if we are able to work, we should work for our food. And, he taught us to provide for the physical needs of our families.

     We can spiritualize "daily bread," or recognize that in meeting that need God gives us the ability and opportunity to work and provide. As a father I have prayed for my family's needs, and for the strength and opportunity to meet them. God provided the opportunity to work, and the bread that work put on the table. Praying and working are spiritual. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and healing the broken do not show a lack of faith. They actually bear witness to genuine faith.

     I would rather be focused on something else this week like prayer, preaching, evangelism, local missions, and developing a culture of transformational discipleship at our church. Still, I am thankful for the opportunity to be working with others to take care of the physical safety of people seeking God.

     We have much in place. We protect children through screening and training of volunteers, background checks, checkin/checkout procedures, and camera surveillance. We have a security team that includes greeters, security volunteers, camera surveillance, electronic panic buttons, security doors and monitors.

     Even though we've done much, we will never just rest on our laurels. We'll continue to examine ways to provide for a safe environment for everyone who comes to our facilities. We are doing that now in consultation with local law enforcement. In just a few days, we will attend an active shooter training provided by the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office. We'll take that information, examine our procedures, and make recommendations to the church. There has been and still is much evil in the world, but God has overcome the world. He uses us to carry out his plan to care for one another, spiritually and physically.