Not trying to start an arguement, but I'd not at all expect a woman dressed as she was to approach an usher or anyone else & initiate conversation. I hope her intentions were pure, but she's dressed differently than everyone in the church, she likely knows no one there, her skin color is different than all others there (likely), so to think she'll be open & talkative to anyone, especially a male usher, just doesn't jive.

Buckhunter2, she only spoke to one person and it was a woman. But it was just a how are you and thanks for coming kinda of conversation. She didn’t see the other stuff since she worked with the kids when church started but she did mention the accent and nervousness of the woman after church. I dont think our entire county has a person that is middle eastern, at least according to the census records, but who knows. Again, the behavior was was the main issue. Our church is basically a rectangle 40x100 ft. We want to be welcoming as we can, we want everyone in church and worship God, but evil and good intentions are getting more blurred everyday.

When I did church security, I found the best way to handle a situation like you described is to walk up and introduce yourself, welcome the person and ask them if you can help them. If God is working on them, they often seem to know you are there to help and usually tell you what you need to know.

I know for me, when I moved, and visted a couple churches, its very intimidating to walk into one when you don't know anyone there.

No wonder some people find churches uninviting. LOL!

Because of what I said at the end of my post. The radicals in every religion, faith or believe make it more difficult to be welcomed with open arms.

When my wife and I were visiting new churches several years ago, if I didn't know someone there, the first thing I would do is introduce myself to an usher at the front door and tell them we are visiting. Just because you look like everyone there doesn't make you one of them.

Of course the church I attend has LEOs there. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Need to have good armed, trained security in foyer area if you have one. They can watch from behind in case the need arises.

Some of the most judgmental people are inside a church building.

Should have asked her instead of aldeer. We can't do anything but judge and assume because we weren't there. I think if it was serious, you would have asked her, you being a "deacon".

I was talking with a friend one time that was a contractor in Africa how those Christians could just stand there waiting to have their throats cut by the ISIS guys when that was goinging on. He told me that African Christians were much different than American Christians in that they actually believed the Bible explicitly and by being executed all that was happening to them is that they were going to Heaven faster. It was eye opening for me.

Think that one went wayyyy over your head

The people inside that church building are all exactly like you and me Jake, no better, no worse. There’s only been one man who wouldn’t disappoint you, all the rest of us fall short.

Apparently so.

+1.

Deacon = Servant. Not judge. What if she was on the fence, and ready to accept Christ but because of the unfriendly nature of your church, she left and didn't. And then died, only to spend eternity separated from God.?

Not sure not being there - but coldtrail and buckhunter2 and others had good ideas.

When I was younger and in new areas out of state in new surroundings - believe it or not - i got nervous at a few churches i visited for the first time r 2. It was probably the devil trying to get me to not go. I can understand if a lady is nervous going into a church she has never been to and not knowing a sole there - probably intimidating for her if i had to guess

I like to greet people at church i am member of w big smile to help them feel welcome - but i do some work w bus ministry and chior so i dont get to do that as much any more

If the community is that small it shouldn’t be hard to find her.

Its better safe than sorry. If i hurt someones feelings to protect my immediate family and church family then so be it. God gave us reasoning abilities and hopefully common sense.

Working around those Ragheads for probably 30 years, I don't trust any of them.

When we had that shooting at NAS Pensacola a few years ago, that was the first thing I asked. And was told Yep!

Being around them always made me concerned.

I am trained security for a large church that averages about 400 or more on Sunday. We wear radios and all are armed you must also qualify on the range to serve. You can look at it a lot of different ways and justify your opinion. Sometimes i have as many as 7 grandkids in attendance and one of my responsibiltys is to protect them from harm. It is aiso my responsibility to be a spiritual leader to them also. There are people in todays world that need to be watched we will just leave it at that. We stand at the doors and welcome people and give out bulletins you never leave your door unlocked or unattended. If someone should approach as the woman last week she never gets inside. Also think of childrens departments and someone wandering around there with bad intentions. I refuse to even sit with my back to the door in a resauraunt.I trust the Lord with my soul but he didn"t make me stupid either We have enough men several of them leo's and retired that you only serve every 4th month. The other 3 months we are all armed too

Also, think about what so much unrest that has been happening over there and other Countries forever stems from.. Religion.