Where did this whole "body guard" thing come from for ministers?

Originally Posted by LaGirl

i know a couple that does it too! lol i knew a lady that did it, dont think she does anymore.

he doesnt leave early here......we are always waiting on him.....he is so gracious in wanting to help people and we are STARVING READY TO EAT! lol

I have been to a few services he has preached at. . the last one I was at, he did come in late (during the preliminary singing, although no 'guards') but he didn't leave early then either. He was, however, practically mobbed with people wanting him to pray for this person or that person during alter call. . .you could barely get to him. He was very patient and prayed with and for countless people. The sanctuary was emptying and he was still being asked to pray for people.

[tv1a]

There's nothing wrong with a preacher with a body guard. Scriptures indicate the Apostle Paul used people for bodyguards a few times throughout his ministry.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by CC1

I have not read any of this thread yet and someone may have already posted this but the answer is easy.

One time back in 1978 Elder Epley was preaching his famous "sleeves" message in a moderate Pentecostal church. A large burly man who perhaps was not quite full enough of the Holy Ghost and who had not heard a sermon on the fruit of the Spirit in a long time took offense since his wife was in fact wearing short sleeves in that service.

Suffice it to say that Eler Epley barely escaped intact after that service. Luckily the guy swung high (4 ft.) and missed Elder Epley's head by a good six inches. That bought enough time for the ushers to restrain him and usher Elder Epely out to the AMF horse and buggy for a quick escape to an out of town restaurant for that after service meal.

After that Elder Epley has deployed a private security force made up of young ministers in his church for any public events he may be at. After relaying this to his father who is active in the charismatic movement the concept spread like wildfire and was adopted by many major charismatic ministries as SOP.

How did you find out????????????????????????????

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Old Paths

I have never seen this sort of thing and the other half of that story is I don't want to see it.

When I read stuff like this thread it just makes me want to shout THANK YOU, JESUS FOR MY FELLOWSHIP.

The scripture comes to mind.


1 Peter 5:1-3


1 Peter 5

5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
KJV

True over 40 years in the church and hav e never seen it in the church. However I have seen it among my Father's friends.

[Sacerdotal]

I've never seen bodyguards for any preacher. I've been to Churches that have attendants from that local Church for each visiting preacher present that make sure they have water and know were the restrooms were and such.

To me it shows respect for the visiting minister. Bodyguards would seem a little strange to me. Why would someone who lives uprightly need a bodyguard?

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Sacerdotal

I've never seen bodyguards for any preacher. I've been to Churches that have attendants from that local Church for each visiting preacher present that make sure they have water and know were the restrooms were and such.

To me it shows respect for the visiting minister. Bodyguards would seem a little strange to me. Why would someone who lives uprightly need a bodyguard?

Good question!

[Monkeyman]

There was once a time that a death threat was given towards Bishop Haney. The church wasn't told but he had many watching him for a few sundays. I remember we had 1 BAAAAD usher and I hoped that he would spot the assailant. Nothing ever happened but we had to take it seriously because of the shooting on our premises shortly before.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

There was once a time that a death threat was given towards Bishop Haney. The church wasn't told but he had many watching him for a few sundays. I remember we had 1 BAAAAD usher and I hoped that he would spot the assailant. Nothing ever happened but we had to take it seriously because of the shooting on our premises shortly before.

That is wisdom and is the right thing to do in that situation. I don't think Bro. Haney is arrogant, but I have seen plenty of others who seemed to use this whole bodyguard deal to prove that they were important or maybe even "worthy" of a death threat.

A number of years ago, while working on a state-wide campaign against gambling casinos, I had more than one death threat made against me. I didn't get body guards and didn't back down from what I felt was the right thing to do. (Ohio is still casino free) I did, however, meet with an agent from the organized crime task force and shared with him the info I received just in case I came up missing. In all honesty, there were times I was leary of starting my car. I all of that, I still did not resort to body guards. Didn't need them then, and I certainly don't need them now!!

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

That is wisdom and is the right thing to do in that situation. I don't think Bro. Haney is arrogant, but I have seen plenty of others who seemed to use this whole bodyguard deal to prove that they were important or maybe even "worthy" of a death threat.

Arrogant he's not, confident he is! I recall the time that I sat across from him in his office and I in my wonderful way of doing, told him how he should do something....he smiled and gently said, "Jon, see these shoes? You'll NEVER fill them so stop trying" ....hahahahaha....talk about a learning experience for a monkey!

I haven't witnessed the bodyguard syndrome you speak of, I hope I never do!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Sacerdotal

I've never seen bodyguards for any preacher. I've been to Churches that have attendants from that local Church for each visiting preacher present that make sure they have water and know were the restrooms were and such.

To me it shows respect for the visiting minister. Bodyguards would seem a little strange to me. Why would someone who lives uprightly need a bodyguard?

About 8 years ago, before he lost his mind, I approached Carlton Pearson in a hotel to ask about a friend of mine on his staff. I almost got thrown to the ground by two of his bodyguards but he motioned them back and we had a nice short chat.