Church Security and Matthew 10:16-26: A Biblical Mandate for Preparedness
Our Bibles are replete with verses that encourage wisdom, prudence, and preparedness in every aspect of life, including the protection of God's people. In today's world, where safety concerns are prevalent even within places of worship, it's important for churches to take steps to ensure the security of their congregations. One passage that speaks directly to the balance between spiritual readiness and practical wisdom is Matthew 10:16-26. In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples as they go out into the world, sending them out "as sheep among wolves," and offering timeless principles that can be applied to church security today.
Matthew 10:16-26: A Call to Both Wisdom and Innocence
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus says to His disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” This verse sets the tone for the church’s role in balancing spiritual innocence with practical wisdom. It acknowledges the presence of danger ("wolves") while instructing His followers to exercise both shrewdness and purity.
This duality — being "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" — is at the core of understanding how churches should approach security. While churches are places of refuge, prayer, and peace, they are not immune to threats. Churches must remain vigilant while upholding Christian values of love, grace, and hospitality. Security teams trained and prepared to protect the flock can embrace both aspects of Jesus' instruction by exercising discernment, awareness, and readiness, while still fostering a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.
The Threats Facing Churches Today
Jesus’ metaphor of “sheep among wolves” is particularly relevant in modern times. The reality is that churches face various threats, including violence, vandalism, and even terrorism. Over the past few decades, tragic events involving shootings, attacks, and disruptions at places of worship have underscored the need for church security teams that are well-trained and vigilant. The FBI has issued multiple reports warning religious organizations of increasing violence and hate crimes.
While these threats are concerning, the church must not succumb to fear. Instead, the church should take the necessary steps to protect its congregation while trusting in God’s ultimate sovereignty. Proverbs 22:3 reinforces this principle, stating, "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." Prudent leadership in a church setting means acknowledging potential threats and putting measures in place to protect the congregation.
Biblical Precedents for Security and Protection
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God’s people taking practical steps to ensure their safety while simultaneously trusting in God's protection. One of the clearest examples comes from the book of Nehemiah. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, he faced opposition from outside enemies who threatened to attack. In response, Nehemiah posted guards and equipped his workers with weapons, saying, "From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows, and armor" (Nehemiah 4:16).
Nehemiah’s response to danger was not reckless but calculated. He trusted in God's protection but also took practical steps to secure the safety of the people under his care. This is a profound example for church leadership today. Nehemiah didn’t stop building; he didn’t abandon the work God had given him. Instead, he took wise precautions and continued forward with both vigilance and faith.
Similarly, King David often sought God's protection while also employing military strategies to defend Israel. In Psalm 144:1, David praises God by saying, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” This verse reminds us that while ultimate protection comes from God, there is also a responsibility to train and prepare.
Jesus’ Instructions to His Disciples and the Role of Modern Church Security
In Matthew 10:17-18, Jesus continues to instruct His disciples, warning them of the persecution and dangers they will face: “Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.” Jesus was not shy about the dangers His followers would face. He wanted them to be prepared, both spiritually and practically.
Although Jesus was primarily speaking of persecution for the faith, the underlying principle is clear: the church should be aware of the dangers it may face and take action. In this context, modern-day church security teams serve a vital role. They are not just there to respond to violence or emergencies but to proactively create a safe environment where the Gospel can be shared freely.
1 Peter 5:8 offers another crucial insight: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This verse is a reminder to remain vigilant against both spiritual and physical threats. Having a church security team allows the leadership to focus on the ministry of the Word while ensuring the safety and protection of the congregation.
The Importance of Training and Preparedness: Why Goldbar Defense Matters
While the presence of a security team is vital, it is equally important for that team to be properly trained and equipped to handle various situations. Churches cannot rely on good intentions alone when it comes to safety. Training through a reputable organization like Goldbar Defense is essential.
Goldbar Defense offers comprehensive training that equips church security teams with the skills needed to respond to active threats, handle crisis situations, and ensure the safety of everyone in the building. Our approach is rooted in professional, tactical experience, but it also incorporates principles of discretion, de-escalation, and understanding the unique dynamics of church environments.
Just as soldiers undergo training to prepare for battle, church security teams must be trained to handle emergencies with calm and precision. Proverbs 21:31 reminds us, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” Preparation is essential, but trust in God's sovereignty must remain at the forefront.
Proper training also ensures that the team can maintain the delicate balance between security and the welcoming, open nature of the church. Goldbar Defense’s focus on tailored security solutions for churches allows for teams to protect the congregation without creating an atmosphere of fear or intimidation. This aligns with the biblical principle of being “innocent as doves” — wise and prepared, but without succumbing to paranoia.
Trusting in God While Taking Action
Some might question whether security measures indicate a lack of faith in God’s protection. However, Scripture consistently teaches that faith and action go hand in hand. James 2:17 tells us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Just as we pray for provision but still work to provide for our families, churches must pray for protection while also taking steps to ensure that protection.
In Exodus 14:14, God tells the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Yet, just a few verses later, God commands Moses to raise his staff and part the Red Sea. God was their deliverer, but action was required on Moses’ part. Similarly, churches must trust in God's protection while also acting wisely to ensure the safety of their congregations.
This balance is further highlighted in Proverbs 27:12, "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." Churches that recognize the potential dangers in today’s world should act prudently to prevent harm from coming to their members. To do otherwise is to ignore the clear biblical mandate to be wise and prepared.
The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Discernment
While physical preparedness is essential, prayer and spiritual discernment are also vital components of church security. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Security teams must be spiritually grounded, understanding that physical threats may also have spiritual roots.
A church security team should not only be well-trained in physical defense but should also be a prayerful team, seeking God’s wisdom and protection at every step. In James 1:5, we are reminded to ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously. This applies to church security teams, who must rely on God’s guidance while remaining diligent in their duties. Remember your church security team is also a ministry.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Churches
In Matthew 10:16-26, Jesus provides a framework for how the church can approach the reality of danger in a fallen world. Churches today must take these words to heart, understanding that while we are called to be peaceful, we are also called to be wise and prepared. Church security teams are an essential part of this balance, ensuring that the flock is protected without losing sight of the church’s mission to love and serve others.
Goldbar Defense offers the necessary training to equip your team to respond to modern threats effectively and professionally. By investing in proper training, churches can fulfill the biblical mandate to protect their people while maintaining a welcoming and Christ-centered environment. Ultimately, church security is not just about defense; it’s about stewardship — stewarding the safety of the congregation so that the Gospel can go forth unimpeded.
As Proverbs 18:10 reminds us, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” However, as we trust in God’s protection, let us also be wise, prepared, and proactive in ensuring the safety of God’s people. In doing so, we demonstrate both faith in God and responsibility toward the church body He has entrusted to our care.
Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.
Stay safe my friends.
Pastor Bart Goldbar
Goldbar Defense LLC
