While having an actual church security team to coordinate safety efforts can be quite beneficial, it will take more than this group of people who can’t be everywhere all of the time. We all need to be looking out for the good of one another.
1 Corinthians 12 refers to God’s design of the Church to function like a body with the following qualities:
interdependence (1 Cor. 12:14-20)
God makes it clear that we need one another. We each have a part in the health and well-being of the Body. Numerous “one another” commands in the New Testament indicate that we are to be looking out for the good of one another.
dignity of all (1 Cor. 12:21-26)
We need to protect the dignity of each person. We do not sacrifice one to protect the other — “that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Cor. 12:25-26)
Safety in the Church is the Responsibility of Everyone
A Security Team
They provide a coordinated effort and presence so safety issues are deliberately and consistently addressed.
Pastors & Ministry Leaders
They are responsible for developing safety policies, providing training, and initiating screening procedures.
Ushers, Greeters, & Parking Attendants
They could be some of the first to observe potential trouble so they should be trained on not only what to look for but also what steps to take in various situations.
Teachers & Teachers’ Helpers
Within the various areas of ministry, like Sunday School, small groups, and other Bible classes, there are potential ways harm can come to people. Teachers and their helpers should be trained in at least the basics of classroom safety.
All Those in the Ministry Trenches not just leaders and teachers
When the Israelites came under threat as they were rebuilding the wall, “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked” (Neh. 4:17-18). Similarly in the church, all ministry workers should be trained to guard their sphere of ministry as they serve.
Everyone Who Attends
As we saw in 1 Corinthians 12:25 we need to “have equal concern for each other” which means we all have a part in looking out for the welfare of each other. We need to be safe people and discipling others to be safe as well … a topic for another post.
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To Ask: How can you build this kind of culture within your church? Let’s get in tune with what it truly means to be a Body who cares for one another.
To Do: Study all the One Another commands of Scripture with a view to how they relate to looking after the safety and well-being of one another.