“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many
advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as
haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
The book of Proverbs mentions plans several times. The
importance of careful planning is emphasized in Proverbs 21:5. Working
carefully and paying attention to detail pays off in success, while (as the
saying goes) “Haste makes waste.” Also, seek counsel in planning (See 15:22)
and seek the Lord’s guidance. (See 16:3)
A ministry requires coordination and agreement on how
things are done, even if it is just two persons. Even just one person should
know what to do in a situation. Those of
us who have worked in construction know the importance of a detailed drawing of
what we are making. It is called a "blueprint." The blueprint first
shows the overall outline of the item. Then more intricate items have
additional drawings with details of sections and/or components of the larger item.
There are a number of reasons we need a detailed
blueprint of a church safety and security ministry:
1) The first is effectiveness - Safety Team members need to know what
to do in different situations and to know who leads.
2) The second is accountability. - The Safety Ministry is accountable to the
congregation and its leadership. It
needs everyone’s support.
3) Another reason is legal liability. - In Romans
13:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-17, the apostles urge respect of authorities and
obedience of laws (as long as it isn't disobedience of God's law). To avoid criminal charges we plan to be
legal.
4) Finally, we want to help, not hinder, the
church's testimony in the community. How we conduct our business affects our
testimony to a watching world. Paul said
in 1 Corinthians 14:40, "But let all things be done properly and in an
orderly manner."
A church does not always charge ahead into establishing a
safety ministry. Most of the time one or two safety concerns are the reason a
team is set up. It could be fire safety or conducting a fire drill and
fireproofing the church. It could be access control following a burglary.
Possibly a heart attack or serious injury has alerted the congregation to the
need for a medical response team. A sexual abuse incident may create a desire
for better child protection.
Whatever the situation, we should focus the initial
blueprint on meeting felt needs. Propose
and outline a few of the policies. These should include team member
qualifications and basic policies for the initial safety concerns. Begin with seeking God's guidance through
Bible study and prayer. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the
Lord, and your plans will be established." This passage goes on the
say, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his
steps.” (v. 9)
Bring together a few like-minded individuals to plan for
the Safety and security ministry
and draw up the blueprint. Initially you
might look for people with backgrounds in military, private security, law
enforcement and emergency services.
These people will most likely be the core members of the ministry. Then
include others in the church who agree to participate in the planning. Now consider a name for the ministry and the
team (this should also be a matter of prayer).
Once the safety ministry blueprint is drawn up, it can be presented to
the church.
Remember, keep it simple. Don't propose too much.
First of all, you want to have the support of the congregation. Second, get the
team working successfully, then see what else can be done.
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
Integrity
Security Consulting
Russ
Sharrock
405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com
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