" Especially around Christmas we see more robberies," said Paul Griffin of the Assemblies of God internnational headquarters.

Just recently, someone broke into Praise Assembly of God and took electronics.

"A couple TVs, DVDs, things of that nature," said Joe Sardo of Praise Assembly.

Ministers there worry troubling times may tempt more people to break the eighth commandment.

"It seems to be increasing so we thought we better be a little more careful," said Sardo.

So the church created a safety team, a group of volunteers who keep a close watch and double check those locks.

Staff at Assemblies of God headquarters walked us through their safety measures, which are many. They've never had a break-in but it is a concern.

"It's just desperate times for people," said Griffin.

Many churches use high tech security cameras so there's usually someone watching.

" We thought about that. We may at some point do that because I see a rise in theft activity," said Dave Coble, pastor at Calvary Assembly of God.

Coble says his church had expensive public address equipment stolen about a year ago.

"Probably $4,000 total," said Coble.

That's a lot for a small church.

"I've taken measures just the last week or two because we're coming around to the same time we got hit last time," Coble said.

"It is sad; a place of worship used to be a sacred place," Griffin said.

The scripture tells them to pray and, this Christmas, they're praying their church is safe.

" Pray and be careful," Coble said.