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

 

Thu, Jan. 18 2007 09:13 AM ET

 

Bishop Jakes Calls Churches to Protect Their Flock

Fires at two Baptist churches in Greenville, N.C., are the latest ina string 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 isabounding in an unprecedented way," he said in a statement on theconference website. "It seems to be aimed at those of us who seek to doGod's will."

The upcoming event is called S.T.O.P.P.E.D. –Security Training Offering Procedure Protection Education andDirection. It is the third annual security conference hosted by Jakes,one of the most influential pastors in America.

Thousands ofpastors are expected to attend to deal with the hidden and open threatsthat growing megachurches across the country continue to face.

"Regrettablytoday, there seems to be a growing cynicism against the work of theLord and his workers," said Jakes. "Hate groups are on the rise,terrorism is smoldering and corruption has leered at the church with anominous intent."

In October 2006, a fire consumed an Oktahachurch in Oklahoma and investigators suspected an attempt to concealburglary. Just last month, three former college students pleaded guiltyto federal arson charges for burning nine churches in a series of firesin Alabama. The complete destruction of Morning Star Baptist Church inEutaw forced its pastor to step down.

Megachurches are at more risk. Forbes Magazine had compared megachurches with corporations, saying they are not so different.

"Welcometo the megabusiness of megachurches, where pastors often act as chiefexecutives and use business tactics to grow their congregations,"Forbes stated in a 2003 article.

Jakes remains cautious. A formerprofessional football player weighing at 320 pounds is always at Jakes'side, according to The Dallas Morning News.

But not all pastorsneed their own security guards. They, however, do need the educationand the right information to protect themselves, their congregation andthe church property.

"I think it's time churches recognize thatwe'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 aneffective church."

Wrongdoing is not limited to outsiders. Churchstaff and clergy have been culprits of embezzlement and child sexualabuse among other offenses.

The 2006 security conference withJakes opens Feb. 28. New to this year's conference is Scenario City, ahands-on tool that will unmask the myths and expose the realities ofchurch security, according to The Potter's House.