FBSN members are in a season of studying effective methods for discovering local-level threats. It isn’t a new thing to discover threats and warn other churches. In 2 Timothy, the 4th chapter, Paul warned Timothy,
Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
(14th & 15th verses, NIV)
There are still many opposed to your message. Some will use violence, others will use misinformation to disrupt, derail, or discredit the works of good churches and good leaders (some already have).
There are two kinds of good churches and good leaders: those who have experienced resistance and those who will. Prominent business leaders understand something about business: “There will be sabotage.”
We have seen spiritual leaders fail because they needed to, and some fail without having done anything wrong except speak out against a sin that was a sacred cow for someone with more influence. And we’ve seen good leaders survive false attacks.
From the spiritual leader of any effective ministry, through the rest of the body, there are plans being made against them.
Discovering those plans takes diligent, hard work.
Here is the first critical step in discovering those local threats: Work with other faith-based organizations and law enforcement in your area. An incident is not the right place to exchange business cards. When they show up to help you through a crisis, or you go to them for the same thing, it should not be the first time you’ve met.
Think About it
There is an undeniable advantage for those in security or law enforcement to know each other and work together in any geographic area. Whether that is a multi-county rural area, a big city, or a suburb, there is great benefit to working with others in your area.
Law enforcement and military already know this. They are familiar with mutual aid (or mutual assistance).
It is unfortunate when faith-based security operators won’t work with others or law enforcement in their area. As unfortunate as that is, it is all the more encouraging when we see a community actively working across theological and ideological differences to share information.
Look for next week’s TAI for guidance in starting a coalition in your area.

Comments