The Biblical Case Why Every Church Needs Armed Security
Dillon Burroughs, PhD, writes for the Standing for Freedom Center and serves as an adjunct instructor at Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. In his article, When the Church Becomes a Target: Shepherds Must Defend the Flock With Armed Security, he makes the biblical case why churches are obligated to maintain trained and armed security ministry teams. Excerpts from the article are below:
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“Churches have been under attack for years now, and Christians need an answer that is wise, firm, and biblical. The disturbing truth is this: Every church in America needs armed security.”
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“Not because Christians are called to live in fear. Not because we worship violence. Not because we lack faith in God’s protection. But because God’s Word affirms both spiritual trust and practical responsibility.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team ]
“We lock our doors at night even though we pray for God’s protection. We wear seatbelts even though we trust God with our lives. We install smoke detectors even though we believe God is sovereign. Preparation does not negate faith, it reflects wisdom.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Review: House of Worship Firearms and Use of Force Policy ]
“Proverbs 22:3 tells us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Scripture does not praise recklessness disguised as faith. It praises discernment. The idea that churches should remain unprotected in an increasingly hostile culture is not biblical. It is naive.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Armament Recommendations By Tom Givens, John Correia, and 6 Other Professionals ]
“Some object to armed security on theological grounds, arguing that Christians are called to turn the other cheek. But turning the other cheek speaks to personal vengeance, not the responsibility to protect innocent life.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Tactical Training for Individuals and Church Security Teams to Thwart Active Violence Incidents ]
“Scripture consistently affirms the moral duty to defend the innocent. Nehemiah armed workers rebuilding Jerusalem because enemies threatened their lives. They worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. God did not condemn this. He blessed it.”
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“Protecting families, children, and congregations from violent attack is not un-Christian. It is an expression of Christian love. Love does not mean passivity in the face of evil.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
“Church security is not about militarizing worship. It is about quietly and professionally placing trained, responsible individuals in positions to deter threats and respond if necessary. Most armed security teams never draw their weapons. Their presence alone prevents countless incidents from ever happening.”
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“Noah built an ark. Joseph stored grain. Nehemiah built walls. Faith and action went hand in hand. Expecting divine intervention while refusing reasonable precautions is not faith, it’s presumption.”
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“Security teams should be composed of vetted, trained members who understand both defensive tactics and de-escalation. They should work discreetly, respectfully, and under clear policies.”
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]
“Many churches already have law enforcement officers, veterans, and responsible concealed carriers sitting in their pews every Sunday. Formalizing that protection is simply acknowledging reality.”
Read the entire article here. Also read the article, Yes, Churches Should Have Security Teams by Andrew T. Walker, ethics & public theology professor, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and fellow at Ethics and Public Policy Center.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]
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