One of the hardest things about being in the church security ministry is when most members of your church don’t even know that you’re a member of the church. I can recall the countless times when church members would actually ask me and other members of the security ministry if we’re contracted security hired by the church and are floored when they find out some of us have been there for years!
Unlike other ministries that are out in the open, like kitchen ministries, community transportation, children’s nursery care and more… protecting God’s people is one of those things that isn’t talked about at any church dinners or meetings or sadly sermons. One member calls it ‘plausible deniability’ and for those who don’t know what that means, here is a definition:
“A condition in which a subject can safely and believably deny knowledge of any particular truth that may exist because the subject is deliberately made unaware of said truth so as to benefit or shield the subject from any responsibility associated through the knowledge of such truth”.
Plainly put, they know we’re there but they won’t say anything. Or as one member put it, “You guys are a necessary evil and serve just as much a purpose at the church as any of the ministries that are seen.”
The only differences are those who have been called to serve in their respective ministries is that some are seen… others are not, but it does not mean that different ministries are no less than others who serve.
A few scripture verses come to mind whenever I’ve encountered those who feel as if they’re being isolated from those in the church when it comes to this ministry:
Matthew 6:4 ESV
So that you’re giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-2 ESV
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
And most importantly:
Colossians 3:17 ESV
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Even though we’re not recognized (and more than likely never will), we must not forget that fact is we do serve a very important purpose in our houses of worship – just as any other ministry. If for some unfortunate reason evil does stick its head unto the church properties, which there are many documented cases of that happening, then all of the ministries who fed, clothed, transported, and all of the members will be thankful that those “Hidden little figures” live by the mantra “Christ’s servants first… ourselves, last.”
So for those of us who are serving their places of worship and by and large will never be seen or heard and are considered by those in the church as a “necessary evil” while God has called and anointed and equipped us for such a time as we’re facing now with violence in our places of worship.
May we forever remain… Hidden little figures!
From the tower…
Keeping watch…
Chappy
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