Comments on: A Gated Community Known as Church

By: Beyond the Bulletproof Glass | GivMusic.com | Love Music. Love People.

Beyond the Bulletproof Glass | GivMusic.com | Love Music. Love People. — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:49:02 +0000

[...] was recently reading a blog post from a gentleman named Lee Bezotte. He was describing an experience that he recently had (with [...]

By: chad houck

chad houck — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:22:53 +0000

Wow. Powerful story and amazing how succinctly the words of your six year old summed it up. So sorry this was the reception you got, but thank you for sharing it, and I hope the pastors who are reading this, lurking in the shadows of “not in MY congregation” are taking notes.

This is real, this IS typical, and while the bulletproof glass may be a sign of the extreme end of the spectrum, we have visited (and been guilty of being part of) more than one church that may have had our own versions of the same.

In fact, what are some of the other “bulletproof glass” issues that you’ve seen in the church? Sounds like I may have a new blog post coming…?

Blessings,
Chad

By: Bobby Minor

Bobby Minor — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:05:39 +0000

Lee,
Great stuff! I have two thoughts. The first is, why are so many churches only open on Sunday for a couple of hours??? Is that the only time someone can walk in off the street that needs help? What if someone has a crisis on Monday, or Tuesday, what then??? Also, why do so many people think the church is the building when it’s us. We are the church. After spending 11 days in India this past summer I really struggled when I came back. Many of us here in America take our faith for granted. It’s just something we do rather than a lifestyle or who we are…

By: Tim Flenker

Tim Flenker — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:30:18 +0000

Dont worry Lee, i have a feeling that if Jesus walked in to that church, He would not be welcomed either, His blood would stain the carpets.

By: David P Buckingham

David P Buckingham — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:09:36 +0000

I have heard and know about churchs that have put security people in place (some armed) because of concerns over children. (Sunday School, preschool etc). Some are concerned or have had experiences where the speaker (platform) has been rushed by individuals on drugs etc…..Some are concerned about the church secretary being the only one in the building during many hours in a day….I can understand these concerns……BUT as you have stated….what is the church about? Precautions should be taken as needed….BUT again as you have stated….church is about PEOPLE. They have come to the church for help and they should be able to receive some even if it’s a referral to an agency that is better able to help meet their needs. We are blessed to be part of a church that is open 7 days a week. Maybe not to the extent it should(?) be but is none the less open. And people are helped as they come in the doors. The FIRST concern of the church should be to as best they can meet the need of the person coming in the door.
I too am sorry to hear of your being turned away…..Focus appears to be to much on agenda and not people.
Good insight.

By: Valerie

Valerie — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:43:11 +0000

Wow. That is so sad!! I can’t believe you were treated so poorly, especially with Hudson!! You know, because people who want to shoot up a church go during the week with a small child! Seriously…..people are too busy in their own “worlds” to even pay attention to others anymore! Tragic….

I actually heard on the John Tesh radio show tonight that churches are soon going to be harder to get into than airlines! He listed several of the recent attacks as a reason and said that churches are so far behind the “normal” safety standards because of the fact that they pride themselves as being open, safe, and accessible to all. He even mentioned a few cases where that exact vulnerability and openness led to violence. (Ex. violent people can usually find their victims easily seeking refuse at a nearby church and can continue the violence) He mentioned that this might keep many people from coming to church in the first place. I hope that our church never succumbs to the fear….

By: Lee Bezotte

Lee Bezotte — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:35:51 +0000

Yes, Scott I’ll drop one off :)

By: Scott Tinman

Scott Tinman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:31:16 +0000

Hey can I get one of those flyers?

By: Josh

Josh — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:26:09 +0000

Great message. One that churches must hear.

By: Rachel Perry

Rachel Perry — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:25:37 +0000

I agree with you, church should be about people every day and not just Sunday! Sorry you guys experienced so much rejection in visiting the local ministers. I guess it’s time for us to do some serious praying for the QCA churches!