When Your Church Stops Listening to Your Warnings
I received an email yesterday, and it’s a scenario that I encounter all too often:
"My church has 5 doors leading from the interior of the church into a courtyard which is in the center of the church building. All 5 doors are to remain unlocked 24/7 per leadership, with no valid reason other than a totally different mindset. I have had many dialogs with leadership about this, bringing common sense reasonings. I've also brought in a (PD Name Redacted) Crime Prevention Specialist to not only address the security team, but also do a security site survey with findings and recommendations, all the same concerns as I have. Still, no change or correction from church leadership. What more can I do to bring common sense so I can get the church building secure?"
You probably read that and cringed like I did about church leadership ignoring the obvious… to lock the doors! Each week, I report on crimes occurring in churches across the U.S. The number of property crimes is so high that I limit my report to just three stories. Each week, I remind you that your church needs a burglar alarm and a 4K video system.
But some churches choose to ignore sage advice from people like you and me. So, what is the answer? How do you get your church to listen to the obvious? This situation reminds me of Matthew 13:53–58.
“No Prophet is Accepted in His Own Country”
In Matthew 13:53–58, Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth, where the people are astonished by his teachings and miracles but do not respect him. The people ask where his power and wisdom come from, and the hometown crowd is offended. Due to their unbelief, Jesus refuses to perform many miracles.
Can you imagine not listening to Jesus? He is the Messiah, after all. So, what makes you think that everyone will listen to you if Jesus’ own town wouldn’t listen to him?
Personal Experience: Overcoming Resistance
I have traveled the world teaching law enforcement about best practices in counter-drug tactics. I’ve instructed our intelligence agencies, federal agencies, and local law enforcement on the best ways to apprehend drug smugglers and other hardened criminals. I have helped set statewide policies on counter-drug topics.
Yet, I had a hard time convincing my own agency to change dangerous and reckless practices. When I confronted a Captain and lamented about being able to influence an entire state but not my own agency, he laughed and said, “We know the real you.”
As I traveled the country, I talked to other international experts who had similar experiences. I knew a police officer who was prior Army Special Forces and taught firearms tactics nationwide. His own agency wouldn’t let him be a firearms instructor. I took his classes and thought he was phenomenal. I thought how lucky his agency was to have him.
Jealousy, Stubbornness, and Blindness
Jealousy, stubbornness, and an inability to see the obvious often come into play. These are difficult obstacles to overcome. Here’s the advice I give everyone in this position: lay down your argument with facts and genuine concern. If denied, shake the dust off your sandals and drop it for a while. You can reapproach later. You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
Moving Forward
When facing resistance from church leadership, remember that even Jesus faced unbelief in his own hometown. Present your case with clarity and patience, and if necessary, step back and regroup. Your dedication to securing your church is vital, and persistence, coupled with wisdom, will eventually lead to progress.
Years ago I attended a training seminar where the speaker said, “Expert speakers can only be found several thousand miles away.”
I just retired from my position as head of security for the Catholic Church I attend. I spent many hours alone in the parking lot overseeing the safety of parishioners. Many of those that helped have left California. I found myself trying to get the next gen to assist, but to no avail; with others saying that security was not needed and the pastor taking a very passive position. Thus, I surrendered the fight, but stay on alert, armed and ready. I still send out all your alerts to the small number who are on the team. Hopeful that it will catch the pastors attention. Thank you for your support.