Is The Violence Getting Worse

The murder of 26 and the wounding of 20 more in a small town church in Texas has caused me to reflect on the increase in violence in and around houses of worship in recent years. I have to ask the question, is the violence getting worse?

I believe that we are living in the last days and that the violence is getting worse and will continue to get worse.  Not just in the churches but in society as a whole.  There are more murders, domestic violence, suicides, drive-by shootings and, gang violence, than ever before. Jesus predicted that this would happen in the last days.  In Mark Chapter 13 verses 12 & 13 we read, And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.  And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved (NKJV).

The violence against Christians and churches is getting worse.  We as Christians must recognize this fact and be more aware than ever before.  The days of the church being a sacred sanctuary have passed.  Christians must understand that the violence that has plagued the world since Cain killed Able has now entered the sanctuary. What church members must do now is prepare.

There is a Biblical basis for ensuring that your sanctuary is secure. In 1 Chronicles there were Gate Keepers that guarded the entrances to the Temple.  In Nehemiah there was a guard posted day and night.  In Matthew Christ told us to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. We must be vigilant as the violence gets worse.

Make sure that your people are aware of their surroundings and that everyone knows what to do if violence comes to your church.  Just a little preparation can save many lives.

Run, Hide, Fight

With all of the violence in our society today the church is no longer a safe haven from the world.  Violence has made its way into the sanctuary. We need to hope for the best but be prepared for worst. We should also ensure that we have properly trained people in our congregation on how to handle a violent situation. When there is an active shooter, or a disruptive person, does the congregation know what to do? That's where the run, hide, fight philosophy comes into play.

When an incident begins a decision has to be made quickly.  Most people would say run away as fast as you can.  That's great if it is safe to do so. In the heat of the situation you have to make a decision in an instant. Is it safe to run, if so run away as fast as you can.  If it's not safe to run then do I hide? Yes, hide if you can safely do so. If you are inside the sanctuary you may be able to take cover under the pews or chairs. If there is an active shooter this may not be safe either.  If you are in the education or classroom building then you may be able to shelter-in-place in a classroom or a utility closet.  If you can hide then do so and stay put until help arrives.  Hopefully law enforcement.

Your last resort should be to fight.  There may be a situation where you will have no other recourse but to defend yourself and others.  If you have to fight then fight with everything that you have in you. Use whatever you can find as a weapon and fight. This is a last resort. If you can run or hide that would be the best but if not then fight.

I know that no one wants to think about these kinds of things happening in the church but in today's world you have to be prepared. Make sure that all of your ushers, greeters, teachers, pastors, and volunteers are aware of how to respond. If a situation does occur at least there will be people that will know what to do.