http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070118/25231_Bishop_Jakes_Calls_Churches_to_Protect_Their_Flock.htm

 

 

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 astring of criminal tragedies on church properties. Increasing crimesand corruption in the churches have prompted Jakes to host an annualsecurity conference next month in Grapevine, Texas, to help churchesminimize danger.

"It appears that evil and wickedness is abounding in an unprecedentedway," he said in a statement on the conference website. "It seems to beaimed at those of us who seek to do God's will."

The upcoming event is called S.T.O.P.P.E.D. – Security TrainingOffering Procedure Protection Education and Direction. It is the thirdannual security conference hosted by Jakes, one of the most influentialpastors in America.

Thousands of pastors are expected to attend to deal with the hidden andopen threats that growing megachurches across the country continue toface.

"Regrettably today, there seems to be a growing cynicism against thework of the Lord and his workers," said Jakes. "Hate groups are on therise, terrorism is smoldering and corruption has leered at the churchwith an ominous intent."

In October 2006, a fire consumed an Oktaha church in Oklahoma andinvestigators suspected an attempt to conceal burglary. Just lastmonth, three former college students pleaded guilty to federal arsoncharges for burning nine churches in a series of fires in Alabama. Thecomplete destruction of Morning Star Baptist Church in Eutaw forced itspastor 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 actas chief executives and use business tactics to grow theircongregations," Forbes stated in a 2003 article.

Jakes remains cautious. A former professional football player weighingat 320 pounds is always at Jakes' side, according to The Dallas MorningNews.

But not all pastors need their own security guards. They, however, doneed 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 segregatedfrom violence and crime," Sean Smith, director of security at thePotter's House, told the local newspaper. "Our doors are open every dayand every night if we're truly an effective church."

Wrongdoing is not limited to outsiders. Church staff and clergy havebeen culprits of embezzlement and child sexual abuse among otheroffenses.

The 2006 security conference with Jakes opens Feb. 28. New to thisyear's conference is Scenario City, a hands-on tool that will unmaskthe myths and expose the realities of church security, according to ThePotter's House.