I'm not on a safety team, but stories like this encourage me to be intentional at church. On Saturday nights when I walk in before the service starts, or when I leave the sanctuary after service, I scan the lobby to see if there is someone that looks like they need someone to talk to. Thank you for reminding me to do this.
Keith, excellent article. In fact, I think the most important you have posted.
Yes, we train hard for the bad things we pray will never happen. Yes, we remain focused and watchful for indicators of problems or concerns that may bring harm to our church family.
Yes, we work to make it hard for evil to access our sanctuary we call our church home.
But yes, we are men of God that first and foremost are told by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love one another, to help those hurting and to witness and minister to those who are lost.
Let us glorify Him by showing the Love that He showed us sinners.
Let us remain vigilant against evil and pray for the Holy Spirit to give us discernment to show us those who are suffering and need Jesus.
Great article. You said it best about a week ago. Welcome everyone to your church with the love of Christ, and something about having the discernment to see ill intent if it exists. We spend way more time being greeters than fighting bad guys. Happy, welcoming, and genuine on the outside. Well trained and will put ourselves between any danger and the congregation we protect without hesitation. That exemplifies Christs love. Thanks again Keith!
All I know is that one of my closest friends, who was also my doctor, and a long-time member of my church was murdered while visiting his mother’s church a few blocks from us. They didn’t have any security and neither did we until that day. We are small but now I am the security team.
Thank you for this excellent exhortation. What an excellent reminder of why we are at church doing what we do.
At a welcome dinner our church puts on for new visitors, I met a woman who as it turns out had been viciously beaten by her husband years ago. She came to the welcome event where I, a man, got to talk with her and share what Christ is all about and why our church does what it does. My wife and I have thrown surprise birthday parties for her where she broke down in tears because she hadn’t had a birthday party in years! She now calls me her big brother and I call her my little sister.
What a privilege we have to serve with a discerning eye spotting both danger and hurt at the same time!
Kieth, thank you again for your ministry, this is such a good message and well presented. The examples really did bring home the need for a more ministry -minded approach. God Bless you and yours.
Such a thoughtful and well-written piece. A perfect blend of "eyes open" and an opportunity to minister to a person with a need that aligns with the people and house of a loving God.
Well said Keith...thank you! I'm proposing a Safety Ministry to our church and I have shared this video with our Board and prospect volunteers so they see the goal that I have had in mind.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This was a great reminder to refocus on the mission.
I'm not on a safety team, but stories like this encourage me to be intentional at church. On Saturday nights when I walk in before the service starts, or when I leave the sanctuary after service, I scan the lobby to see if there is someone that looks like they need someone to talk to. Thank you for reminding me to do this.
Keith, excellent article. In fact, I think the most important you have posted.
Yes, we train hard for the bad things we pray will never happen. Yes, we remain focused and watchful for indicators of problems or concerns that may bring harm to our church family.
Yes, we work to make it hard for evil to access our sanctuary we call our church home.
But yes, we are men of God that first and foremost are told by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love one another, to help those hurting and to witness and minister to those who are lost.
Let us glorify Him by showing the Love that He showed us sinners.
Let us remain vigilant against evil and pray for the Holy Spirit to give us discernment to show us those who are suffering and need Jesus.
Thank you, brother!
Great article. You said it best about a week ago. Welcome everyone to your church with the love of Christ, and something about having the discernment to see ill intent if it exists. We spend way more time being greeters than fighting bad guys. Happy, welcoming, and genuine on the outside. Well trained and will put ourselves between any danger and the congregation we protect without hesitation. That exemplifies Christs love. Thanks again Keith!
Beautifully written. Amen and Amen!
All I know is that one of my closest friends, who was also my doctor, and a long-time member of my church was murdered while visiting his mother’s church a few blocks from us. They didn’t have any security and neither did we until that day. We are small but now I am the security team.
Very good info
great info! thanks !
Keith,
Thank you for this excellent exhortation. What an excellent reminder of why we are at church doing what we do.
At a welcome dinner our church puts on for new visitors, I met a woman who as it turns out had been viciously beaten by her husband years ago. She came to the welcome event where I, a man, got to talk with her and share what Christ is all about and why our church does what it does. My wife and I have thrown surprise birthday parties for her where she broke down in tears because she hadn’t had a birthday party in years! She now calls me her big brother and I call her my little sister.
What a privilege we have to serve with a discerning eye spotting both danger and hurt at the same time!
Please keep up the good work!
Kieth, thank you again for your ministry, this is such a good message and well presented. The examples really did bring home the need for a more ministry -minded approach. God Bless you and yours.
if you gotta die... Church has to be the best place for it!
So true Keith! Thank you, I'll be sharing this with my team.
Amend!
Such a thoughtful and well-written piece. A perfect blend of "eyes open" and an opportunity to minister to a person with a need that aligns with the people and house of a loving God.
One of the best viedos you have ever produced! Thank you!!!!
Well said Keith...thank you! I'm proposing a Safety Ministry to our church and I have shared this video with our Board and prospect volunteers so they see the goal that I have had in mind.