CHURCH SECURITY

CHURCH SECURITY HAS BEEN a topic of conversation over the past few months in our leadership meetings.  Even before Sunday's tragic even\t in Grand Blanc the Elders of our church had made some decisions and were working on additional measures to make our church as safe as possible for all.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED that we now have a greeter at the entrance every morning.  First, that is simply a thoughtful friendly thing to do. But, second, law enforcement has told us that the number one thing people can do to keep unwanted people away is to be aware and to make eye contact with everyone who approaches.

WE ARE ALSO GOING TO INSTALL CAMERAS on the exterior of our building that will provide a direct feed to the persons in our Audio Visual area.  They will see cars pull in our parking lot and people approaching our building.

WE ARE LOCKING DOORS during the service.  We began doing this on a few of our doors a couple of weeks ago and will expand to all doors after they are properly outfitted with "Crash bars" (easy exit access) to leave the building.  

ONE OF OUR ELDERS ATTENDED a church security seminar this week and will attend another one before the end of the week.  He will report back to the elders next week what he learned and we'll discuss additional measures that we can take.  In addition, we welcome your feedback.  

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER that every act of violence becomes a national story and can strike fear into people.  By and large, we still live in a country where it is very safe to attend entertainment events, go shopping, walk the streets and, yes, go to church. We must not become paralyzed by the ungodly actions of a few.  Brian Bolton, a former student of Randy's and now preacher himself wrote:

SCRIPTURE TELLS US THAT THINGS like this would happen.  Jesus warned of birth pains - trouble that grows stronger and closer together as His return approaches.  Matthew 24:7-14 reminds us that nations will rise against nations, famines and earthquakes will come, persecution will increase, many will fall away, love will grow cold. But - "the one wo stands firm to the end will be saved."

SO, WHAT DO WE DO?  

We run to Jesus!

We don't panic!

We don't give in to fear!

We don't shrink back!

We RUN to JESUS!

WE STAND FIRM. We hold fast to the gospel. Even when churches are attacked. Even when we're mocked.  Even when following Jesus costs us.  2 Timothy 3 warns that in the last days people will love only themselves. But we love Jesus more than comfort, reputation, or safety.  So let's lift our eyes.  Let's cling to hope.  Our King is coming and he will make all wrongs right.

Stand Firm.

Stay Faithful.

Come Lord Jesus.