Easter - Is Your Heart Right With God

The Easter celebrations are here, and we're gearing up for the large crowds that flock to our campuses. We affectionately call them "Christers", folks who typically attend only on Christmas and Easter. I have no issue with that. I really don’t have any problem with Christers because this may be the only sermon they hear for the year, but it might be the right sermon for the year.
 
In church safety, we treat these high-attendance weekends seriously. We review and update policies, run refreshers on crowd management, and go "all hands on deck" to keep everyone safe so they can fully experience the Easter message.
 
This year, our church will hold all our services outdoors under a large tent, which introduces additional safety considerations beyond what we usually encounter. However, rather than adopting the alarmist stance of some security experts who have claimed that our risk level has escalated from High (Orange) to Severe (Red), implying an imminent attack, we will continue with our established approach to safeguarding our congregation and not let fear drive our decisions.
 
Lakeview is one of the most peaceful campuses I've experienced. The worship center features clear glass modular doors that offer stunning views of the lake from three sides. On Sunday mornings, it's not unusual to spot deer and turkeys nearby. A scenic trail circles the lake, dotted with benches every hundred yards, perfect spots to pause, reflect, and connect with God.
 
Two benches sit directly behind the main worship center, visible during services. Our standing policy is clear: no one sits there while the pastor is on stage, to avoid distractions. Last Easter, during the final service, I got word that a man was on one of those prohibited benches. I was asked to tell him to move. I advised against pressing the issue mid-service, as it would have caused more distraction than allowing him to stay. I then positioned myself discreetly to observe, ready to signal him away from the worship center if he stood up.
 
After the service ended, curiosity drew me over. I asked if he was okay. With a warm smile, he replied, "Why wouldn't I be okay?"
 
I explained that on Easter, most people attend the service, so seeing someone alone outside seemed unusual.
 
He responded gently, "I doubted you'd let my kind into your church."
 
I am really curious now. I asked him, "What do you mean by 'your kind'?"
 
"I'm a Muslim."
 
Here's your church safety scenario: Experts warn we're in a Severe Threat Environment; an attack is imminent. You've just encountered a Muslim on campus during Easter services, sitting alone outside the worship center instead of attending. Respond! (Some of you will get the joke.)
 
He continued, "I brought Christian friends to the service. We're all going out for lunch afterward. I didn't think I'd be welcome inside, so I sat here enjoying the day while I waited."
 
The Holy Spirit whispered in my ear that it was time for evangelism.
 
I extended my hand. "I'm Jim." He shook it warmly. I told him he was wrong. Lakeview welcomes everyone. In that moment, I imagined he might never have heard the Gospel or the resurrection story clearly. What if the Spirit moved him to ask questions, leading to salvation? What an Easter miracle that would have been.
 
But then I thought: What if I'd approached him during the service, told him he couldn't sit there, and asked him to leave if he wasn't attending? Without knowing his story, he might have concluded he was being singled out because he's Muslim, on Easter Sunday, no less, in a "Severe Red" environment where "sleeper cells are everywhere." Threat inflation leads to decision degradation.
 
I've been in church safety for over 18 years. Not every unfamiliar face is a threat, especially without red flags. Radical voices in the industry would have us believe every Sunday, especially near Easter, brings inevitable attack. This over-focus on foreign-inspired threats can distract from real, everyday risks: medical emergencies, domestic disputes, or service disruptions.
 
If your training is solid, your team already knows to look for genuine concerns, "If you see something, say something." Raising anxiety only breeds suspicion toward normal visitors. Not every car in the lot is scouting; not every diaper bag hides a bomb; not every person with a Middle Eastern appearance is a radical.
 
Lakeview is growing, we're even planning a new worship center. On normal Sundays, our three services fill up fast. Easter will bring even bigger crowds and many unfamiliar faces.
 
So prepare this Easter remembering He is with us. Pray, Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Make sure your heart is right with God, Psalm 34:7 states, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.”, and remember who we serve and your training.  Even the Father reminds us “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10.
 
This does not mean we will rest or lower our guard after a lifetime of standing as a warrior. It simply means we will lean fully into the power granted to us by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We will walk in the strength They have instilled in us, to protect the flock entrusted to our care while advancing the Kingdom of God. We will have our hearts right with God, show the reason for the season, our Lord and Savior and let the Holy Spirit lead our thoughts and actions for the day. With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost on our side, who can defeat us.
 
He has risen! Let's watch over the flock, welcome every visitor, and celebrate the risen Christ!
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