Faith Under Fire: Defending God’s House.

The Next Steps Show

Episode: Faith Under Fire: Defending God’s House
Host: Peter Vazquez
Guest: Mike Harville – Security Director, Kensington Church; Co-Founder, Security Leaders Coalition; Board Member, Faith-Based Security Network

Peter Vazquez:
This podcast is brought to you by Open Door Mission—restoring hope and changing lives.

Look around, America. The world is shifting by the day. The question is—what will you do next? Welcome to The Next Steps Show, a place for real discussion and direction.

Today’s topic cuts deep. I came across a disturbing image online—posted by a pastor, no less. The picture showed two depictions of Jesus: one with brown skin, carrying bread and fish; the other, white-skinned, wearing a red “47” hat, holding a rifle and a Klan hood. The caption read, “The choice is yours. Which one do you follow?”

Let that sink in. A faith leader, called to shepherd souls, spreading something so divisive and dangerous. This is exactly how the Left weaponizes faith—to pit believers against one another.

Evil doesn’t respect sanctuaries. And denying that truth will not save anyone.

That’s why we’re continuing a conversation I began earlier with Carl Chinn, founder of the Faith-Based Security Network. He reminded us that churches must be ready, willing, and able—because law enforcement often arrives after the bang.

Today, we go deeper with a man on the front lines—Mike Harville, security director at Kensington Church and co-founder of the Security Leaders Coalition.

Mike Harville:
Thank you, Peter. I’ve worked in security for years—corporate first, then church. About fourteen years ago, I joined my church’s security team and eventually became director. I connected with other local security directors, and together we formed a coalition to share information and strengthen response. That collaboration led me to the Faith-Based Security Network, which now serves ministries nationwide.

Church security is not about politics. It’s about protecting people of every faith. Whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, every house of worship faces threats—and we must prepare.

Peter Vazquez:
That photo I mentioned—it’s poison. It pits believers against believers and makes security harder. Our nation has seen rising violence against churches, and still many pastors ignore the threat.

Mike Harville:
It’s tragic. When we talk about church security, people often imagine guns. But preparation is much broader—observation, de-escalation, training, and spiritual readiness. You must be right with God and mentally prepared to serve.

Too many assume “God will protect us.” Yes, He can—but God also works through His people. Think of David and Goliath: God could have struck Goliath dead, but instead, He used a young man with a weapon. That’s stewardship, not fear.

Peter Vazquez:
Exactly. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Security is not paranoia—it’s biblical responsibility.

In Michigan recently, a man attacked a church—crashing his truck into the building, shooting, and setting it on fire. Four people were killed, eight injured. If armed security had been in place, lives could have been saved.

Mike Harville:
That’s right. The church had no armed protection. Unfortunately, many denominations forbid firearms on property, leaving congregations vulnerable. What stops a gun is another gun. Evil doesn’t yield to good intentions—it yields to resistance.

Peter Vazquez:
Governor Whitmer told the public “not to speculate” on motives, even after clear anti-Mormon statements from the suspect. Yet when synagogues or mosques are attacked, they’re immediately called hate crimes. That hypocrisy is dangerous.

Mike Harville:
Absolutely. Hate is hate. When someone kills out of hatred for a faith group, it’s a hate crime—no double standard should apply.

Peter Vazquez:
Gun-free zones are politician’s theater. They do not make anyone safer. They make targets easier.

Mike Harville:
Agreed. Red flag laws are controversial, but we do need mechanisms for intervention when genuine threats emerge. The key is balance—protecting rights while preventing violence.

Every church must assess risk. We once had a member making inappropriate advances toward women. He was warned, refused correction, and we had to remove him. That’s still protection—no weapon needed.

Peter Vazquez:
Exactly. And the bigger issue—churches are being attacked not just with bullets, but with culture. The same spirit that mocks faith online is emboldening violence in the streets.

Mike Harville:
That’s true. When churches minister outdoors or in public spaces, they need situational awareness—trained volunteers, communication systems, even drones for surveillance. It’s not paranoia. It’s prudence.

Peter Vazquez:
Carl Chinn once said, “When you see the fear in the eyes of victims or witness blood in the parking lot from the violent deaths of children, that will change you.”

We are in a battle between good and evil.

Mike Harville:
Exactly. Evil is the deliberate destruction of God’s people. The devil works through men just as God does—but the outcome depends on who stands ready. We must be watchmen. God said in Jeremiah 6:17, “I set watchmen over you and said, listen to the sound of the trumpet.” Yet too many ignore the trumpet today.

Peter Vazquez:
President Trump put it bluntly: “This epidemic of violence against Christians must end immediately.” In New York, Governor Hochul’s “Concealed Carry Improvement Act” tried to make churches gun-free zones. Some pastors still resist armed protection out of fear or misunderstanding.

Mike Harville:
The Bible is clear—there’s a difference between murder and defense. Jesus told His disciples to buy swords. Defense is righteous stewardship. Fearful pastors need to understand that protection is love in action.

Peter Vazquez:
Mike, before we close, how can churches get involved with the Faith-Based Security Network?

Mike Harville:
Faith-Based Security Network (FBSN) offers national training and coordination for ministries. Membership is $99 per year, with optional access to over 100 professional training modules for just $50 more—training that normally costs hundreds. It’s law-enforcement-grade education available to churches of all sizes. Visit FBSNAmerica.com to join and get equipped.

Peter Vazquez:
Training saves lives. Education is the foundation. Whether you’re armed or not, be prepared—spiritually, mentally, and physically.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about faith in motion, stewardship in action, and courage rooted in truth. Be a leader. Protect the flock. God bless the United States of America—and do not let a second go by where you are not a Voz por Libertad.