security between the pews

A friend asked recently for some advice on putting together a security plan for a small local church.  While I am certainly no expert on security, I have had some experience and a bit of training in keeping people safe, and in situational awareness, and am all too happy to help.    We all have a need for heightened awareness in our current troubling times.  Danger can, and does, come from every direction and from a dizzying array of personalities, and we would be foolish to entertain the thought that "It can't happen to us."; it can, and it might.  Violence may reach us wherever we are in an ever shrinking, demoralized, chaotic, and disjointed world that, more and more, reflects an individualized thinking, breaking rapidly away from the comforting past-normal of community and unity.  For many of us, "church" is a last remaining refuge of common thought, purpose and fellowship.  We have a need, and a desire, to look out for each other.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Several recent articles lead us to the inescapable conclusion that focusing on the safety and security in a church environment is a need, not a luxury.

Christianity Today highlights some of the needs facing the church in America today in  Church Security: How Do We Keep Our Churches Safe in a World Where Evil Is Present?

CNN focuses on the trend for churches to focus on training for an armed response in Security becomes a top priority for churches after Texas Massacre.

Lifeway gives us The Balance between Security and Worship at Church.

I've noted a few resources on the web that I think bear reading and exploring, for anyone, because we're all in this together.

Full Armor Church states "Our material is designed to help churches organize and operate security based ministry programs and educate their volunteers and staff on church safety protocols. Our resource kits provide valuable information, church forms, response guides, training PowerPoints, child safety guides, instructor’s guides, and fully customizable policy manuals.  We are committed to the cause of keeping churches safe and guarding the integrity and work of the Body of Christ within our communities. As part of that mission, we have promised to keep our prices affordable for ministries of all sizes."

Sheepdog Church Security offers a comprehensive array of both free and affordable paid training resources.  Reading through their training chapters will provide a wealth of insight into the need for critical thinking about security for worshipers.

Smart Church Management sends up 8 Tips to Tighten Church Security.

Brotherhood Mutual highlights a few guidelines on preparation for Church Safety and Security.

NOCSSM  "is a national organization of churches across the United States. We provide our members with educational resources to help them in their security efforts. Resources include our web site which includes written policy and procedure templates, best practices for church security and training videos from some of our national conference sessions of special interest to church security teams".


more to come