Knowing that everyone loves to read about conflict and controversy, including Christians, I had a pretty good idea that the number of people reading my post on men’s ministry and guns1 this past Wednesday would reach record levels. I wasn’t disappointed. Readership was up 150%.
Needless to say, I got an earful. Some of the responses were insightful and I’d like to highlight them in this and future posts.
Today I’m addressing the issue of members providing security at church. A close friend of mine brought it up in an email he sent me:
“What is the broader scope that you are talking about? Are you also saying that we should not have security in church? I do believe we can and should have a responsible security presence of which you know I am one.”
This is an excellent question, especially since two churches in our region have had members shot and killed on their premises. And there are other, far more severe, examples of mass shootings in churches.
I consider security to be a function of local, state and federal government. Romans 13:4 applies here, “If you do wrong, be afraid, for [a ruler] does not bear the sword [We could insert “gun” here.] in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrong doer.”
Insofar as armed members of the congregations comply with applicable laws, we can consider them to be deputized agents of the state who serve the protective function of the state.
But another brother made this interesting comment:
“Loved your words. I’ve often told gun-toting brothers that there is either an angel with a flaming sword in the room or there is not. What do we believe?”
Well, what do we believe? Here, 2 Kings 6:6-17 applies, “‘Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
So I have to say, I’m ambivalent about church members providing security during church activities. On the one hand, it’s perfectly legal and can be – and has been – used by God to stop horrible acts of violence. On the other hand, we worship God Almighty and his flaming holy angels are present in every room of our church building.
I guess I can say that while I appreciate those in our church who serve in this capacity, my ultimate comfort and security comes from God and I wouldn’t miss them if their guns were gone.
Stay tuned for some additional comments on guns and Christians.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
For the past sixteen years New Commandment Men’s Ministries has helped hundreds of churches throughout North American and around the world recruit teams of men who permanently adopt their widowed and single parents in their congregations for the purpose of donating two hours of service to them one Saturday morning each month. We accomplish this with a free training site called New Commandment Men’s Ministry
Learn how to mobilize your men’s ministry to meet every pressing need in your church here.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.
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2 thoughts on “Should Churches Arm their Members with Guns to Protect Themselves?”
Rather than having unidentified persons conceal carry, our church held a training session to identify specific trained individuals who would respond to threats. We have a number of police officers in our church and they lead the team. The feeling was allowing everyone to conceal carry could wind up with people shooting each other and attendees and not the threat. We also purchased blocking bars that could be installed on each classroom door to prevent entry by someone wanting to harm the children. All teachers are trained in response procedures to protect the children.