This is a rather interesting article I saw on CT the other day about how churches are responding to the Colorado YWAM and New Life Church shootings.
While many congregations and ministries are choosing to re-evaluate their security in light of the recent shootings, some are stuck on stupid:
In 1999, a man shot and killed seven people at a Wednesday night teen prayer rally at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The church’s pastor, the Rev. Al Meredith, has chosen not to post security guards.
“Do you make a church a fortress in order to give you some semblance of safety?” Meredith asked CT. “Thank God the security guard was at New Life. But to use the resources of the kingdom for armed guards for every door and say, ‘Welcome one and all’? It gives a mixed message.”
What is mixed about that message? If church-goers are confused by armed guards, I say we make a sign to put by the guards which reads: “Welcome one and all, unless you plan to harm this congregation. In that case, go to hell.”
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It kind of IS a mixed message. On the one hand, they are saying, “If you come here to worship, you are welcome.” But then they also seem to be sending the message, “If you come here to murder people, you are not welcome.”
It’s so confusing! In other news, I heard about your recent engagement. Congratulations!
Kevin’s last blog post..First, They Came For…
Darn, it just occurred to me that you might actually be engaged to be married. I was just trying to freak your mom out, but it won’t work if it’s true :(.
Kevin’s last blog post..First, They Came For…
Tieki, you forgot the last part of that. It should read: “In that case, go to hell, and I am here to personally insure that you can an express ticket there.”
Haha, Kevin, I was wondering what you meant about my recent engagement! I don’t know about my mom, but you successfully freaked me out! I was wondering who my supposed fiance was.
And Bridget, I can’t believe I forgot such an important part of that “mixed” message! I’m even going to be kind to all the churches looking for an effective way to protect their congregations — I won’t copyright my brilliant sign!
Okay Kevin, I’m here! Lol — you freaked us both out! Imagine Tieki keeping secrets from me.
Wow, I love that sign that Tieki and Bridget thought of to post with the security guard.
Kevin, you should photo shop that up.
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