Act Now: A Practical Guide To Christian Safety

We live by faith in God's protection. Yet, the Bible also calls us to be clear-eyed and prepared. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we must be wise in how we act toward outsiders (Colossians 4:5). In a world where reports of violence particularly against churches in places like Nigeria, are increasingly common, this wisdom is more critical than ever.

This isn't about living in fear. It's about living in faith and freedom, empowered by practical knowledge. This guide explores how to be security-conscious without sacrificing your spiritual confidence.

1. Personal Safety: Wisdom for the Journey

Biblical Foundation: More Than Sheep Among Wolves

Jesus didn’t send his followers out naively. His instruction in Matthew 10:16 is a masterclass in balanced living:  “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

He calls us to be gentle, but also shrewd. This isn't a contradiction; it's a command for spiritual awareness paired with practical caution.

Practical Steps for Your Daily Life

• Stay Aware: Make a habit of noting your surroundings. Put your phone down in parking lots and unfamiliar areas.

• Share Your Plans: When traveling to remote locations, let a trusted friend or church leader know your route and expected return time.

• Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels wrong, leave. Don’t worry about being polite.

• Learn Basic Skills: Self-defense and first aid aren't about seeking conflict. They are tools for survival and helping others in crisis.

• Pray for Discernment:  Daily prayer for protection, as in Psalm 91, is a powerful practice. Ask God for guidance about where to go and what to avoid.

2. Church Security: Protecting the Flock

The Reality We Face

The threat to churches is not abstract. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a deeply troubling wave of attacks on worship centers. In one harrowing incident in 2025, gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State during a service, abducting dozens of congregants [Source: BBC News]

The scale is alarming. More than 16.2 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including high numbers from Nigeria, have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict. Millions now live in displacement camps. (Open Door) 

These events show that insecurity has reached the very heart of our worship. Open Doors also noted that while the violence is concentrated in these northern and Middle Belt areas, attacks have increasingly started to spill into some southern states. (Open Door) 

Biblical Perspective: Courage in Crisis

The early church was no stranger to danger. After being threatened by authorities, they didn’t pray for the threats to vanish. They prayed for boldness. “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31).

Their example teaches us that prayer doesn’t erase danger, but it can fill us with the courage to face it.

Practical Church Security Measures

• Conduct Risk Assessments:  Walk through your church property regularly, looking for vulnerabilities like poor lighting or unlocked doors.

• Train a Security Team: Establish a team of ushers or volunteers trained to monitor entrances and parking lots and de-escalate situations.

• Invest in Technology: Install CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and ensure all areas, inside and out, are well-lit.

• Forge Community Links: Build a relationship with local police. Invite them to know your worship schedule and building layout.

• Plan for the Worst: Create a simple emergency response plan. Do your members know the evacuation routes?

A secure church isn't a fortress of fear; it's a sanctuary where fellowship can flourish without distraction.

3. Digital and Cyber Security: Guarding Your Online Life

Many believers overlook digital threats, but scammers increasingly target faith communities.

Why It Matters

Churches have lost significant funds to hackers who have infiltrated email accounts or online giving platforms. Fake social media profiles impersonate pastors to solicit money, and personal data shared in online prayer groups can be exploited.

Practical Digital Safety Tips

• Use Strong Passwords:  Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, use a password manager.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds a critical second step to logging in, beyond just a password.

• Verify Online Ministries: Before donating to an online cause, check its authenticity. Look for physical addresses and legitimate contact information.

• Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact:  Treat online messages from unknown "pastors" or desperate "believers" asking for money or personal details with extreme caution.

• Secure Your Livestream:  Churches should protect their streaming equipment and accounts from being hijacked.

4. Balancing Faith and Precaution: The Nehemiah Model

Faith and caution are not enemies; they are allies.

• Courage refuses to let fear dictate your life.

The model for this balance is Nehemiah. While rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, his team worked with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other (Nehemiah 4:17). They trusted God for the project's success while standing ready to defend it. That is our call today: spiritual confidence, plus practical readiness.

SendYouth: Equipping a Resilient Generation

In this complex landscape, young believers need to be equipped both spiritually and strategically. SendYouth is committed to building a generation that is:

• Courageous and mission-ready

Our programs help churches empower their youth with cyber safety training, crisis response skills, and leadership development—all within a framework of strong, faith-building mentorship.

Conclusion

Security is now a pressing issue for the global Church. We cannot ignore the realities of danger, but we must never let fear drown out our faith. The path forward is the balance Jesus himself gave us: to be wise as serpents, yet gentle as doves.

Through prayer, preparation, and partnership, we can walk wisely, worship boldly, and remain protected in body, spirit, and digital life.

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