I well remember when and why First Baptist Church, Covington, began church security.

It was in the 1990’s long before we moved to our present location in 2001. The incident that precipitated our decision to establish security measures–both internal and external–was a shooting at a Baptist church in Fort Worth, Texas, on a Wednesday night. We began paid security immediately. Since that time our security measures have become more extensive and more sophisticated.

We have never “made much” over our security. We have simply had it in place in hopes and with prayer that it would never be used for much except helping with medical emergencies and for traffic control. After what happened in Sutherland Springs, Texas, we all know how blessed we have been.

Let me tell you some things about church security.

First, we take it very seriously. It often is a part of our staff discussions at FBC. Our pastors and all additional staff know how significant this subject is.

For us, security covers a large number of areas. That’s why we do background checks and have uniformed security on site.

Second, we have uniformed and plain-clothes security at all services and events. We don’t give details about the security in order to make ourselves unpredictable to any possible person who would seek to do harm.

Third, we never have skits or jokes about dangers to our security. We never did those kinds of things prior to the dangerous time in which we live.

Fourth, we know we live in dangerous times. We also know the truth of Scripture. The same world that hated our Lord hates us as well. Therefore, we must be wise and kind. Jesus said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

I intend for our church to be wise, shrewd, and vigilant. I also intend for us to be loving, kind, and a blessing to hurting people. “Wise as serpents; harmless as doves.”