Bishop Jakes Calls Churches to Protect Their Flock
Churches were once a safe place, commented Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House.
Fires at two Baptist churches in Greenville, N.C., are the latest in a string of criminal tragedies on church properties. Increasing crimes and corruption in the churches have prompted Jakes to host an annual security conference next month in Grapevine, Texas, to help churches minimize danger.
"It appears that evil and wickedness is abounding in an unprecedented way," he said in a statement on the conference website. "It seems to be aimed at those of us who seek to do God's will."
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The upcoming event is called S.T.O.P.P.E.D. – Security Training Offering Procedure Protection Education and Direction. It is the third annual security conference hosted by Jakes, one of the most influential pastors in America.
Thousands of pastors are expected to attend to deal with the hidden and open threats that growing megachurches across the country continue to face.
"Regrettably today, there seems to be a growing cynicism against the work of the Lord and his workers," said Jakes. "Hate groups are on the rise, terrorism is smoldering and corruption has leered at the church with an ominous intent."
In October 2006, a fire consumed an Oktaha church in Oklahoma and investigators suspected an attempt to conceal burglary. Just last month, three former college students pleaded guilty to federal arson charges for burning nine churches in a series of fires in Alabama. The complete destruction of Morning Star Baptist Church in Eutaw forced its pastor to step down.
Megachurches are at more risk. Forbes Magazine had compared megachurches with corporations, saying they are not so different.
"Welcome to the megabusiness of megachurches, where pastors often act as chief executives and use business tactics to grow their congregations," Forbes stated in a 2003 article.
Jakes remains cautious. A former professional football player weighing at 320 pounds is always at Jakes' side, according to The Dallas Morning News.
But not all pastors need their own security guards. They, however, do need the education and the right information to protect themselves, their congregation and the church property.
“I think it’s time churches recognize that we’re no longer segregated from violence and crime,” Sean Smith, director of security at the Potter’s House, told the local newspaper. “Our doors are open every day and every night if we’re truly an effective church."
Wrongdoing is not limited to outsiders. Church staff and clergy have been culprits of embezzlement and child sexual abuse among other offenses.
The 2006 security conference with Jakes opens Feb. 28. New to this year's conference is Scenario City, a hands-on tool that will unmask the myths and expose the realities of church security, according to The Potter's House.
