The Wartime Church

The recent incidents at Jesus Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, and the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney serve as stark reminders that Christians are at war whether we acknowledge it or not. The attempted shooting of Pastor Glenn Germany and the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel underscore the need for self-defense training and a strategic plan for our churches. We must recognize that we are living in a time of war – a war against our faith, our values, and our way of life. To effectively navigate this tumultuous period, it is essential for pastors and churches to adopt a wartime mindset, as opposed to a peace time one that many currently hold.

Do I need to remind you of what has been happening over the past year? How “Christ is King” has been labeled “antisemitic?” Or how Resurrection Sunday was mocked by the Biden White House with a declaration of “trans visibility?” Or how about our elected representatives passing “hate speech” legislation that effectively outlaw parts of the Bible? Not to mention how quickly we forget the horrific massacre of six Christians including three young children at a Nashville school. Being winsome and “nice” won’t cut it anymore, Christian. It’s time to get serious.

The time for complacency is over and we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect our churches and communities from potential threats. A wartime church is characterized by a heightened sense of urgency, vigilance, and preparedness. It is a church that recognizes the spiritual battle being waged against it and actively works to protect its members and uphold the values of the faith. In 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” This verse underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared in the face of both spiritual and physical attacks.

In contrast, a peace time church is characterized by a sense of complacency and a lack of urgency. It is a church that may be more focused on personal growth and individual spirituality, rather than the broader spiritual battle being waged against it. While there is certainly value in personal growth and spiritual development, a peace time church may be ill-prepared to face the challenges and threats that come with a wartime environment.

In the case of Pastor Germany, it was the swift and courageous actions of church members that prevented a potential tragedy. Their response highlights the importance of fostering a sense of community and preparedness within our churches. By God’s sovereign grace a miracle happened and the gun malfunctioned. This gave congregants and Pastor Germany enough time to react and subdue the suspect.

The incident in Sydney similarly underscores the need for Christians to be vigilant and prepared for potential attacks. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, who has a global online following, was wounded along with at least three others when a man lunged at him with a knife during an evening service. Praise God for those who swiftly took action to stop the attack.

In a wartime church, the pastor serves as a spiritual warrior, leading his congregation into battle against the forces of darkness. This is exemplified in Ephesians 6:10-12, which states, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

To transition to a wartime church, it is essential for pastors and church leaders to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to spiritual warfare and physical threats. This includes:

1. Developing a comprehensive security plan: Ensuring that churches have the necessary security measures in place to protect their congregations and property from potential threats.
2. Training in self-defense and emergency response: Equipping church members with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves and their fellow believers in the event of an attack.
3. Fostering a sense of community and preparedness: Encouraging open communication and collaboration among church members, as well as promoting a culture of vigilance and preparedness.
4. Emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare: Preaching messages that highlight the ongoing battle against the forces of darkness and the need for Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

The war against Christianity is not a hypothetical threat, but a very real and present danger. As Christians it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves and our churches for the challenges that lie ahead. By adopting a wartime mindset and implementing a strategic plan for spiritual warfare, we can ensure that our churches remain strong, resilient, and steadfast in the face of adversity. Let us remain committed to advancing the Kingdom of God by discipling the nations to uphold the values and principles of our faith, and may God grant us the wisdom, courage, and strength to prevail in this ongoing battle.

Christ is King.
Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com