2012-02-15T09:41:48Z http://blog.pastorsclassroom.com/comments/atom.aspx Quick Blogcast tag:blog.pastorsclassroom.com,2007-12-13:709092 Allen Mitchell 2007-12-13T22:26:37Z 2007-12-13T22:26:37Z Ennis, you know I am usually soft-spoken but I saw this and could not resist commenting. I am not an advocate of violence but, I am advocate of safety. Luke 22:33-33 JESUS' BOYS WERE STRAPPED!! Peter said he would die if necessary. As a pastor I would hope my deacons were willing to protect me. Verse 36 "he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." Is Jesus suggesting that they be armed? Verse 38 they responded, "here are two swords." I know, I know -- he who lives by the sword dies by the sword, right? Jesus only stopped the use of force when it was his time to go to the cross. I'm not saying we want all our deacons as armed security, but if you are pastoring in an environment where crime is prevalent, then you need to be prepared.<br> <br> Nehemiah 4:13 had the men ready with swords, spears, and bows... for PROTECTION. Afterward he had one half of them doing the building while the other half kept watch.<br> <br> I did my first year of chaplaincy with New Orleans Police Department. I kept watch without a weapon. I had one officer tell me, "I have a 45 in my gym bag, use it if you need it." I do not own a gun nor plan to, but if I stayed with NOPD, I would have definitely learned how to fire a weapon, just in case. I do not know if these comments are open to anyone. I am not a vigilante, I have faith, but I also believe the Lord wants us to be prepared if we can. I would not make it known that my deacons were carrying heat, but I would think about saving lives if necessary.<br> <br> This is just a little thought on the subject. I am not sure I would advocate man's methods, but we must also think about the times in which we live. If we can change our methods of evangelism, we can also change our methods of retaining the folk we baptize. We are obligated to care for the flock as well.<br> <br>I look forward to your response and any others who may have comments. Again I am no authority on the subject. But recent events do make me think about what I need to do in these dangerous times in which we live.