Church Safety & Security: Is There a Need for a Church Safety & Security Ministry?

Violence in church horrifies us, yet it’s actually nothing new.  In fact, about 10 percent of all mass shootings happen in church or on church-owned grounds.  It is sad when we have to even think about “security” in what used to be considered safe, sacred places of worship and fellowship. 

 

Unfortunately, that’s not the case anymore.  We are not talking just about a medical emergency or random act of vandalism, although these are serious concerns.  I am talking about true, up close and personal deadly violence. 

 

That kind of violence has steadily increased over the years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.   Places of worship are seen as easy, “soft” targets.  Due to the fact that society is in a state of decay, our Churches have become prey for the wicked--and must be defended and safeguarded. 

Here are just a few facts to support my point: 

According to the most recent statistics I could find (from 1999 to February of 2017), 974 “deadly force incidents” occurred in churches or faith-based operations.  Of those, only about 200 incidents are from people doing violence upon persons they knew (acquaintances or relatives.)  The rest are outside incidents. Only about 47 of those incidents were religion based (so called “hate crimes”) and 576 of those incidents included firearms.  

 

Of these incidents, 375 occurred during “service” hours and the rest during off-hours.  These incidents have been on the rise in America, ever since 1980 when a gunman shouted, “This is war!” and began to shoot up the First Baptist Church in Dangerfield, Texas – killing five and wounding ten more.

Since then, on-grounds church violence has been a frequent occurrence.  Here is just a small sample from the many “church shootings” over the years. 

 

November 2017 – At least 26 worshipers ranging in ages from 5 to 72, from First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, died according to Texas authorities. Another 20 worshipers were injured. 

Sept. 2017 – One person was killed and six others were injured in a September shooting when 25-year-old Emanuel Samson, masked and wearing a tactical vest, fatally shot a woman who was walking to her vehicle, and then entered the rear of Burnette Chapel Church of Christ near Nashville, Tennessee, and shot six other people.  

June 2015 – Dylann Roof killed nine black parishioners during a Bible study session at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. 

June 2014 - Two priests at a Phoenix, AZ church were part of the more than 780 deadly attacks in US places of worship in the past 15 years. 

February 2010 – Richmond, California – Three hooded men walked into Gethsemane Church of God in Christ, opened fire and then fled the scene, as the singing of the choir was replaced by frightened screams. The two victims, a 14-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man, were hospitalized.

March 2009 – Maryville, Illinois – Suspect Terry Joe Sedlacek, 27, of Troy, walked into the First Baptist Church, and shot pastor Fred Winters dead, point blank. Several church members were injured by a knife in the struggle to capture the suspect after the attack; the suspect also had stabbed himself when his gun jammed, but survived.

July 2008 – Knoxville, Tennessee – A gunman opened fire in a church during a youth performance, killing two people and injuring seven. 

Dec. 2007 – Colorado – Four people were killed and five wounded in two shooting rampages, two at a missionary school in suburban Denver and two at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The gunman in the second incident was killed by a Church Security Guard. 

Aug. 2007 – Neosho, Missouri – First Congregational Church – 3 killed – Eiken Elam Saimon shot and killed the pastor and two deacons and wounded five others.

Feb. 2006 – Detroit, Michigan – Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church – 2 killed including the shooter – Kevin L. Collins, who reportedly went to the church looking for his girlfriend, and later killed himself. 

March 2005 – Brookfield, Wisconsin – Living Church of God – 7 killed including the shooter – Terry Ratzmann opened fire on the congregation, killing seven and wounding four before taking his own life.

July 2005 – College Park, Georgia – World Changers Church International – shooter killed – Air Force Staff Sgt. John Givens was shot five times by a police officer after attacking the officer, following violent behavior.

I offer you these statistics, not to frighten you, but to awaken you to the reality of the world that we live in today.

Now, for a few words from the perspective of someone who has been a pastor and missionary for 22 years, as well as a stint in the military, 7 years in the security industry tasked with the protection of people and property, and the training of security teams in both the US and overseas.  

 

Serving as a pastor carries with it the responsibility of being a shepherd.  Shepherds in the Old Testament not only cared for their sheep, but they protected them. (See 1 Samuel 17:33-37 and John 10:11-15.)  We have usually understood our protective role as needing to focus on our spiritual enemy—the devil.  He is our most vicious enemy, and it is our job as spiritual leaders to protect, shepherd, and stand in the strength of our Lord for our congregations. 

But I think there’s another application pastors can make to the role of shepherds in today’s leadership context.  As you have already read, much has been in news headlines about violence occurring at churches. 

 

I also realize that this issue is filled with theological concerns and differences of opinion regarding the rights of Christians to defend themselves.  As pastors and church leaders, I believe we will answer to our congregations and to God for whether or not we have been conscientious in protecting the people who attend our churches.  It may be unlikely that your church will have an active shooter, but that doesn’t mean you should stick your head in the sand. 

Here are several questions that contributed to my thoughts on this subject: 

   1) How likely is it that a child in your nursery might be in the middle of a domestic dispute?

   2) Is it possible someone controlled by drugs or alcohol would see your church as a place to express their anger?

   3) Do you know what would happen if a member of your church had a medical emergency in the middle of a worship service?

   4) What would you do if a natural disaster required congregants to evacuate? 

These are just a few of the questions that a security protocol can assist you in answering. 

Churches can be a safe place for any sinner without being a “soft” target.  I believe that we must not allow our fears to overwhelm our faith in God’s protection.  With that noted, it is not fear but wisdom that would have us be prepared should someone with violent motives arrive at your church.  My desire is that during the next few weeks these posts might help get the security conversation/process started at your church. 

Here are some ideas to get that conversation started:

Know your state laws regarding weapons on church property. If you pastor a church (especially in the South), you need to know that you likely have individuals at your church with concealed weapons permits, and how they can be trained further. 

 

Developing security protocols will help clarify your church’s position on this issue.  As the church’s leader, you’re responsible for what your church does to handle a situation that may arise.  We should think through these issues and be prepared, rather than hope that nothing ever happens, and be taken by surprise. 

Consider developing an in-house security team.  If possible recruit people to this team with medical, private security or public law enforcement, or emergency background.  Security teams can help churches answer a host of questions regarding much more than safety—health emergencies, evacuation plans in case of weather related emergencies, etc. especially concerning small children and the elderly.  Information about developing security teams is readily available from a number of sources. 

If your church is willing and financially able, employ off-duty police officers or trained private security personnel as Sunday morning security.  This provides the appearance of security, keeps your church from being a “soft” target, and creates a sense of professionalism and authority that lends confidence to your congregation.  And often deters violence. 

If you employ a police officer, you may lessen the need for someone with a gun to handle a potential situation.  If unable to employ public or private officers, get to know local law enforcement or contact a private security consultant and see if they can offer suggestions to you and your church regarding the startup and training of a church security team made up of volunteers from the congregation. 

Vet your volunteers in nursery, children, and student areas with background checks and waiting periods before allowing them to serve in these areas.  Along these lines, create check in and check out systems for the safety of the children at your church. 

Communicate any changes, thoughts or ideas regarding added security often, and well.  Develop these protocols alongside church staff, elders, deacons, trustees, or volunteers.  Get their feedback and assistance with implementing any changes, and give them opportunities to help develop and then own the security protocols at your church.  Review the plan periodically. 

I don’t believe that worship and security are mutually exclusive.  In fact, creating a sense of safety (for parents with their children on your campus) and a sense of security for all congregants can actually enhance worship.  It says to our congregation that we care about them and allows us all to focus on why we are really there—the worship of our Savior and declaration of His gospel.

Be Safe! 

Russ Sharrock


I have made available to anyone interested a FREE series of Do-it-Yourself forms that can be printed for your use:

1) A Safety & Security Risk Assessment form.

2) Church Emergency Plan Template

3) General Fire Safety Checklist

4) A Bomb Threat Checklist

5) A Bomb Threat Distance chart for various types of explosive devises to be referred to in the event of a bomb threat evacuation.  These are minimum distances to evacuate away from the area of blast.

They’re Word documents so you can make any changes necessary to fit your church size and needs.  I will be adding new forms as time allows. 

For a copy of any of the Do-it-Yourself forms, or if you have any questions, you can contact me at: integritysecconslt@mail.com

 

Church Safety & Security: Propose and Persuade—Starting a Church Safety Team

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15)

Fall is approaching quickly!  That means attendance will go up in most churches. Is your church ready to protect its people?  The past couple of months I have been sharing how to start a safety and security ministry in your church.  Summer is a great time to start taking those steps!

If anyone wants something done about safety or security in your church, it is because they have at least one safety concern. A few of the more common concerns are fire, child safety, medical emergencies, burglary, disrupting behavior and armed attacks.  The ad hoc approach is to address a top safety or security concern before proposing an organized ministry.

For example: A church in a small Ohio city experienced two break-ins in less than a year, with several items of value taken. Not only did this raise concerns about stolen property, but it made those who cleaned the church during the week feel less secure. The congregation decided to harden the building for better access control. First they put gratings (with inside release for fire safety) over second story windows above a rear entry roof (where the burglars gained access). More secure doors were put on all entrances. Basement windows were replaced with impact-resistant glass blocks. Later, surveillance cameras were added. This was all done with the pastor and the Church Board acting like a Security Committee.

I would suggest first talking with the people who work in the church. Besides staff, children, adult, and nursery ministry leaders. Let them tell you of their concerns and experiences. Write these down and then let them know that their concerns are yours.  Plan the routes and procedures for fire evacuation.  

Clear fire hazards indoors and outdoors. Plan the routes and procedures for fire evacuation. Plan a fire drill.  After this, you can help the church address the next safety concern. If a serious injury and a heart attack happened during church activities and no one present knew what to do, church members would likely want someone trained to respond to medical emergencies.  Arrange for First Aid and CPR training for key people and for scheduling one of them for each event.  During this time you want to be gathering supporters.

Once on board with safety projects, these supporters will be partners in drawing up and proposing the blueprint for a Church Safety Ministry.  Some of them may end up being on the Safety Committee or the Medical Response Team.  Once the plan for the Church Safety Ministry is ready, it can be presented to the Church Board and the congregation. 

There should be both a written proposal and a live presentation.  

If you have any questions or you are interested in a consultation on safety & security for your church you can contact me at: integritysecconslt@mail.com