Youth Pastors Encouraged to Learn Self-Defense

KFM-JEFF »

Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:05 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

To useranon:

For years I served as the National Rep for the CHILD LURES Crime Prevention Program. During this time I taught the common "lures" that criminals and predators use to over 250,000 kids and teens, K-12 in schools all over the country. Additionally, I trained professionals in the educational, medical, ministerial, legal and law-enforcement communities (over 40,000 of them) in professionally-accredited in-service seminars. This was all "awareness-based" training, nothing to do with physical response.

I learned years ago that the "common sense" so many people refer to is not "common" at all among the masses. And even with that in play, people can still find themselves in harm's way having done nothing wrong themselves. In other words trouble simply found "them."

I agree that full-time missionaries assume a certain level of "risk" going into their calling, just as police officers do. However, to suggest that they still have no right to defend themselves (just as police do) I cannot agree with. Just because someone is called into ministry does not mean they are automatically called to martyrdom.

I do not agree that the pastor in Illinois was a martyr. There is no evidence that he was shot due to his faith...only due to his perceived vulnerability. If that were the case, why would he use his Bible to deflect the bullet instead of willing take the bullet. THAT is an indicator in and unto itself. If someone runs, hides, etc as MOST of the congregation did, it is obvious from Biblical precedent their calling was not unto death. Their survival instinct kicked in and rightly so.

We cannot put everyone into the same theological bag. I admit and agree that "some" are called to be martyrs for the cause, if YOU will agree that "most" are not and have the right to defend themselves like any other human being. Afterall, is God now a "respector of persons?"

Guns in Church Bill Dies in Arkansas Senate Panel

KFM-JEFF »

Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:51 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I can't help but wonder what a gun-carrying member of the congregation in Illinois might have put a quick stop to the crazed gunman that entered their church, just as the armed security officer did a year or so ago at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

I see both sides, but do believe that ultimately it is the people's right to choose as well as the individual church's right. If the person then opposes that individual church's stance, they simply find a place of worship where they do feel safe. But I am absolutely against any branch of the government making this decision for "we the people."

Colo. Megachurch Reflects One Year after Shooting

KFM-JEFF »

Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:40 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

And to this some would still suggest the congregation members should have "turned the other cheek." Don't get me wrong, I love peace...but I am no pacifist. I still agree with the saying that "they are best able to secure peace who are familiar with the ways of war." Those same individuals are also more likely to avoid violence as they know its intrinsic costs.

While we continue to reach out (we being KFM) to churches and congregations, some would still challenge our ethics and theology as noted in the "related article" posted here online regarding "Youth Pastors Learning to Fight Back."

When caregivers of ANY type...pastors, teachers, daycare workers, doctors/nurses, etc learn something that will better empower them to protect those under their charge, who is to blame them?! I can almost guaranty that those who would blame them would also be the first to file a lawsuit of "negligence" against any such institution that did NOT protect their child or teen should a tragedy strike. Just look at the child molestation cases against churches to see that scenario played out in courts around the country.

Education that leads to prevention, this is the answer. I Peter 5:8 is a warning to us all. But along with being "alert" or "aware" we also need to be PREPARED. We, however, are like the old joke of the man who died from drowning in a flood, and blamed God for not rescuing him when God sent a truck, a boat and a helicopter which the man refused as he awaited "divine intervention." God answers our prayers, but sometimes in more practical and "terrestial" ways than we like.

And, given the current economic pressures on many Americans, those who "snap" know exactly where to go to act out their frustrations and anger. They have discovered the two places in society where they may inflict the greatest amount of damage with the least amount of resistance-- schools and churches.

Let him that hath an ear hear what the Spirit is saying...and warning...to the Church.

Franklin Graham Responds to Ill. Church Shooting

KFM-JEFF »

Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:23 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

And while just a week before I was receiving "rebuke" for teaching youth pastors in Dallas self-defense, we see stories like this leading headlines just one week later.

As one lady appropriate responded, however, God has called us to be "living" sacrifices. The men who acted to take down a crazed gunman saved who knows how many lives? Those who would "turn the other cheek" at all costs would have had a very dead congregation in their wake and on their conscience.

Just a very sobering reminder of living in a violent and fallen world. Expect more, however, as those in society who seek to do evil or merely "snap" due to societal pressures or economical stress have already learned the two places in society they can inflict the greatest amount of harm with the least amount of resistance-- (1) schools and (2) churches as the former cannot fight back and the latter often choose not to.

Remember, the same Jesus that said "turn the other cheek" in instances of insult also advised his disciples in Luke 22:35,36 to protect themselves on their missionary travels.

You have both a right and a responsibility to protect yourselves and your families.

Youth Pastors Encouraged to Learn Self-Defense

KFM-JEFF »

Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:37 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

Seems that most are NOT getting what we are advocating, except maybe the former marine who commented below.

This is Jeff McKissack now commenting. First of all, this story was "complied" from quotes in other stories and from our online blogs, not from an actual interview conducted by Eric Young.

We are addressing youth pastors charges with the safety of MINORS. Many here are theologically extrapolating without justification in doing so. Let's be honest, most Americans that suffer harm overseas (Christian or not) do so not for their perceived "faith" but their perceived wealth or political alliance. Such people are "victims" not martyrs.

The recent movie "Taken" with Liam Neeson addressed the white slavery industry (something that is a reality). After seeing this film, one dad from a local church contacted me about having his daughter in our classes before going on summer missions. He said, "Jeff as a Christian I'm thrilled that my daughter wants to go on missions to a 3rd world country, but as a 'father' I have some safety concerns." Who would fault this father?

The church shooting today in Illinois is a perfect example of congregation members who did NOT "turn the other cheek" but acted to safe their church from a crazed gunman. Had they sat by, who knows how many may have died? But it would seem that some commenting have the "turn the other cheek" philosophy at all costs, when Jesus was advising on how to respond to an insult--not a physical attack. Notice it was a "slap" or challenge.

So for those who agree with our approach...thank you. For those who do not, I just hope someone who "does" will be watching your children or teens one day...maybe even congregation, should a predator come knocking.