As an elder, Acts 20:28-29 speaks to me. As elders, they should be able to understand this without interpretation. The elders, as overseers, are tasked with protecting the flock. As elders, we understand to delegate and oversee this, rather than attempting to do every ministry, ourselves.
I am an elder and I am a RLEO, but they don’t take my advice seriously and all I share from Keith either. Some said that I am spreading fear instead of being ready, for me is more important, although nothing happened. But like Keith said: is better being ready than improvising at the last time.
Two thoughts regarding the negligent leadership mindset:
Legal: Not sure where you're located, but throughout the US states, there are general negligence and premises liability laws which require an organization to provide a reasonable level of care (from an outside objective viewpoint, e.g. a jury) to its invitees (e.g. congregants) and, in some cases to the children. While generally universal, the supporting state laws vary from state to state. While there is a possibility of an open attack on the pastor, leadership, and/or adult congregation, the possibility of child abuse is much greater, statistically speaking. Current events show us that 1 Peter 5:8-10 is still relevant both physically as well as spiritually. The enemy uses child molesters to destroy children physically and spiritually, and, if possible, churches. Negligent churches are at a greater risk of both attack and legal follow-up.
Moral: It is easier to claim "faith" as an excuse to do nothing. But that is not how the Bible teaches. For example, Eph 6:13 says "..., and having done all, to stand." The armor of God is not to be applied passively - it requires action.
Of course, your challenge is not to win an argument, but to win the hearts of your fellow leadership. With prayer and fasting, plead with God for their hearts. No doubt, passivity seems like an option to them as other churches are attacked around the country and the world - just like people hiding in the midst of an active shooter incident hoping/trusting that the attack will find others, but won't find them. Once someone has chosen this strategy, it's challenging to pry them from the mindset. I am praying that God grants you success.
A dagger is likely the most dangerous of edged weapons in a hand-to-hand fight. Unlike single-edged knives, no matter where you grab it, it will poke or cut. It is hard to parry. A stick or baton is helpful, or otherwise control the arm that wields it.
The spiritual element of the attack is hard to discuss, but the word "tribal" would suggest the connection to shamanism?
Absolutely, I've been doing escrima/kali for several years and a blade is no joke. Fanciest doesn't cut it. No matter how high skilled you are, blades are fearsome.
My church has a safety and medical team. Communist states like Illinois encourages violence when the democrat politicians refuse to lock up violent criminals and sexual predators. people like pritzker know that’s the only place he’s getting votes so those people commit the same crimes over and over. All states with democrat governors are higher risk for attacks.
I totally agree with the aspect of situational awareness. We should never fall into the trap that says “that would never happen here.” That is a dangerous place to be. 1st Peter 5:8 says “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Keep in mind that our adversary the devil is behind all of this violence. Especially the violence directed at the church.
It also brings to mind the question of arming the pastor, and getting the pastor to wear body shielding such as the Premier 360 T-shirt with Level IIIA armor panels. I know armor doesn’t do much against a knife, but it does add a layer of projectile protection.
Our church leadership says our church insurance will not cover the church nor the security team. They could cancel our insurance policy. I call it “heads in the sand” thinking. Any recommendations?
There are lots of insurance companies out there they don’t have a problem with it. It sounds like you need a new insurance company. If you talk to Jeff kearnan kearnanconsulting.com he can help you. He is the king when it comes to church insurance companies.
Thankfully the pastor was not grievously injured or killed. Thankfully there were two who reacted to intervene forcefully! Another good article Keith, thank you.
My church is not prepare because they think God will protect and security is like a formality; due they ignore each logic idea
As an elder, Acts 20:28-29 speaks to me. As elders, they should be able to understand this without interpretation. The elders, as overseers, are tasked with protecting the flock. As elders, we understand to delegate and oversee this, rather than attempting to do every ministry, ourselves.
I am an elder and I am a RLEO, but they don’t take my advice seriously and all I share from Keith either. Some said that I am spreading fear instead of being ready, for me is more important, although nothing happened. But like Keith said: is better being ready than improvising at the last time.
Two thoughts regarding the negligent leadership mindset:
Legal: Not sure where you're located, but throughout the US states, there are general negligence and premises liability laws which require an organization to provide a reasonable level of care (from an outside objective viewpoint, e.g. a jury) to its invitees (e.g. congregants) and, in some cases to the children. While generally universal, the supporting state laws vary from state to state. While there is a possibility of an open attack on the pastor, leadership, and/or adult congregation, the possibility of child abuse is much greater, statistically speaking. Current events show us that 1 Peter 5:8-10 is still relevant both physically as well as spiritually. The enemy uses child molesters to destroy children physically and spiritually, and, if possible, churches. Negligent churches are at a greater risk of both attack and legal follow-up.
Moral: It is easier to claim "faith" as an excuse to do nothing. But that is not how the Bible teaches. For example, Eph 6:13 says "..., and having done all, to stand." The armor of God is not to be applied passively - it requires action.
Of course, your challenge is not to win an argument, but to win the hearts of your fellow leadership. With prayer and fasting, plead with God for their hearts. No doubt, passivity seems like an option to them as other churches are attacked around the country and the world - just like people hiding in the midst of an active shooter incident hoping/trusting that the attack will find others, but won't find them. Once someone has chosen this strategy, it's challenging to pry them from the mindset. I am praying that God grants you success.
Exactly
Same here.
A dagger is likely the most dangerous of edged weapons in a hand-to-hand fight. Unlike single-edged knives, no matter where you grab it, it will poke or cut. It is hard to parry. A stick or baton is helpful, or otherwise control the arm that wields it.
The spiritual element of the attack is hard to discuss, but the word "tribal" would suggest the connection to shamanism?
Absolutely, I've been doing escrima/kali for several years and a blade is no joke. Fanciest doesn't cut it. No matter how high skilled you are, blades are fearsome.
Thank you for the update, our church has a fantastic security team and we follow and subscribe to CWT.
My church has a safety and medical team. Communist states like Illinois encourages violence when the democrat politicians refuse to lock up violent criminals and sexual predators. people like pritzker know that’s the only place he’s getting votes so those people commit the same crimes over and over. All states with democrat governors are higher risk for attacks.
Thankfully our church has prepared for this very attack. Thanks to CWT for inspiring many churches to prepare for all types of attacks.
I totally agree with the aspect of situational awareness. We should never fall into the trap that says “that would never happen here.” That is a dangerous place to be. 1st Peter 5:8 says “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Keep in mind that our adversary the devil is behind all of this violence. Especially the violence directed at the church.
It also brings to mind the question of arming the pastor, and getting the pastor to wear body shielding such as the Premier 360 T-shirt with Level IIIA armor panels. I know armor doesn’t do much against a knife, but it does add a layer of projectile protection.
Our church leadership says our church insurance will not cover the church nor the security team. They could cancel our insurance policy. I call it “heads in the sand” thinking. Any recommendations?
There are lots of insurance companies out there they don’t have a problem with it. It sounds like you need a new insurance company. If you talk to Jeff kearnan kearnanconsulting.com he can help you. He is the king when it comes to church insurance companies.
Thank you Keith.
Very informative
Thankfully the pastor was not grievously injured or killed. Thankfully there were two who reacted to intervene forcefully! Another good article Keith, thank you.
Would you recommend cameras in the sanctuary?
Excellent overview and guidance for improved readiness for the unexpected.
I noticed Amazon offers a "cut-resistent" long-sleeve shirt. I'm not sure how much it would help.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4N6SLHT/
What is the best type of soft vest to wear as a pastor? Even though I carry, I would not have time to react to this kind of close attack.
Thank you for this update.