I am a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando. We have roughly 14,000 members. The sanctuary only holds 6,200......so we have 2 morning services on Sunday.
Although he didn't want it, our pastor is escorted by an off-duty officer at all times in the church (I think he's armed)
Questions:
1) Does your church have an armed guard?
2) Do you feel that all churches above a certain size should mandate having a guard present?
Thanks,
Primo
2007-12-11 03:30:50 · 30 answers · asked by primoa1970 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Folks......please!
I've been there for a year.....and we've only had one minor "incident"......
Like I said, our pastor doesn't really care for it.......and I didn't even know he had an escort until just a few months ago.
2007-12-11 03:46:31 · update #1
I think this is very valid. I am not sure why people are being either unkind or cavalier. God never asks us not to act responsibly. Doing so does not indicate lack of faith. I think it is very sad that we have such a violent society that requires these measures.
My church is tiny, & we're in a pretty conservative area, but churches in our town have had people pick pockets of coats hanging in the vestibule. All we have at this point is that the men take turns being "hall monitor" during services. Also, doors are normally locked if it's not time for a service.
2007-12-11 08:18:10 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebe 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That is a silly question. If a crazed gunman shows up, you will be glad he is there.
No doubt some Bozo has made death threats on your minister. Don't worry, most threats are childish pranks.
I once refused to leave a radio station, to keep it on the air, after there was a bomb threat.
A cop thought I was suspicious for not being scared enough to evacuate like every one else.
I said to him "Are YOU bomb proof"??? He still made me leave the building, but there was no bomb.
The guard is just a precaution, the threat is undoubtedly a hoax. Even if it was serious, the armed guard will scare the guy off.
I know it's "a guy", because it is always a guy! Females have a brain that actually works!!!
I've heard of police personnel wearing uniforms to services at big churches (sometimes directing traffic in the parking lot), but I never thought about it.
Armed guards do not have to wear uniforms! The best of them just wear a plain suit, and you'd never guess they were armed!!!
2007-12-11 07:15:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I went to a big church like that when I live in atlanta (first baptist woodstock) I don't think my pastor had a guard or if he ever got one since I moved 6 years ago. but if the church is worried and they think it's the best way to keep him from harms way he should just be thankful that his church cares for his safety I know many pastors (most of which preach in small churches) and they have been threatened to be shot or stabbed.
question 2: no I don't think so if the pastor or the congregation feels like the pastor isn't safe then yes.
2007-12-11 05:22:19 · answer #3 · answered by Holly T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does my Church have and armed guard? No, dear one.
Does SIZE mandate the need for one? No.
...Remember, I'm from Texas. A few years ago a guy ran in and shot up a moderate sized Ft.Worth Church - and the one who returned fire was an armed citizen.
It sickens me for anyone to have a gun, let alone at church. I would hope that in a place of worship - the "guns" would be the type that shoot high velocity stun bags - the kind that riot police use.
However - are we all at risk from these mass murdering minded people? Yes, no matter where we are.
My sister's Daycare was taken hostage in December 1997. God worked miracles there. (Long Story). I do believe where pure faith exists - God can stop anything. Where faith is weak - man seeks human remedies.
May God protect us all.
Peace.
2007-12-11 04:38:19 · answer #4 · answered by Depoetic 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Pope has armed guards.
Alot of time churches with that big a following need personnel not really for security but for traffic control and direction, and I guess those guys hang around during the service in a "security guard" role.
2007-12-11 03:36:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
1 No.
2 No.
2007-12-11 03:33:25 · answer #6 · answered by Faye 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
None of our pastors have security guards. And our last church hosted thousands as well. However, our founder does have a pulpit with a solid steel plate inside, just in case someone wishes to take a pot shot.
Every true, Christian church should be a supporter of Israel. You may not agree with her, but you should support her. In that support, you have become a target to the enemy, so security measures should be carefully considered.
2007-12-11 17:21:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, my church does not have any guards. I don't see anything wrong with having protection if the congregation and pastor think it is necessary. At the same time I would think that the faith in God protecting people during church is enough. Perhaps that all depends on the amount of faith that one really has.
2007-12-11 04:17:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
My church does not have armed guards and I don't think that they should have to hire them to feel safe.
I personally believe that church members should carry guns concealed on their person to handle any incidents like the ones that happened in Colorado. The idea that church people shouldn't use weapons is absurd. Even the Apostles carried swords and one chopped a Roman guard's ear. Enough said.
2007-12-11 04:43:36 · answer #9 · answered by Future Citizen of Forvik 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Wow, that is insane. Personally, I think churches don't work well when they are that big. My church is pretty small - we only have around 40 - 60 members. We sure don't need an armed guard! LOL I think that the only time a pastor would need an armed guard is if he is actually under threat from someone. Otherwise I don't think it is needed.
2007-12-11 03:52:37 · answer #10 · answered by Blue Eyed Christian 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋