Church Security Roll Call

“Safe for the Holidays” is our theme for December. The entire month is in the “Holiday Season” from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day. This is a special time for churches and synagogues. During this season, most churches are busy with many activities. All of these draw people from outside the congregation, even those who normally do not attend church. This presents special challenges for safety and security.

Special Podcast: Neutralizing an Active Shooter by Sheepdog Church Security

Attacks on churches with deadly force in recent years should be a lesson learned. Places of worship – no matter their religion – can and will be attacked. This is not just an increase in neighborhood crime: deadly force attacks on churches themselves are more frequent and more intense. And the question many are asking is: “Where is the security?”

Security guards and safety team volunteers are expected to be trained in preventing and stopping a deadly attack, but they can only do so much. The church staff, leaders, and congregation should know what to do in case of an attack. If a lockdown is called for, not everyone is in a room which can be locked. How would they know what to do?

Not only do churches have walls around the grounds and buildings, but also within the building. In the event of a violent person on the rampage inside the building, these walls and doors also serve as defensive measures. We do not want an active killer to target our church, but we do want to be ready for it … just in case. Is your church ready?

Sutherland Springs, TX – Masked Gunman kills 26 people in church

Congregants from First Baptist Church were gathered for their Sunday morning worship service when a masked gunman entered the building and began firing. The shooter, Devin Kelley, began firing on the outside of the building and then entered the church and continued firing. As he exited the church, an armed neighbor began shooting at Kelley and hit him. He fled in his vehicle and crashed soon after. He was found dead in his car. The attack left 26 people dead and at least 20 more wounded.

In Bible times, strong walls and gates were a vital part of a city’s defense. And within a city was at least one fortress for holding out if the enemy got into the city. Our church facilities should help us defend against an active killer. Is your church ready?

Proverbs 27:12 stresses the wisdom of foreseeing the likelihood of trouble and preparing for it. The writer of 1 Chronicles commended members of the tribe of Issachar for knowing what to do in their time. Our times are perilous times for churches, and it is wise to be prepared for these times.

What if there was a fire at your church? With 50, 100, 400, or more people inside your church building– how do we avoid panic and chaos. How can we be sure that everyone gets out safely? If there is a fire, how will they be alerted? And how do we know who got out?

Fire is only one of many risks a church faces or may face. But fire is more likely than many other risks. There are many places in and around a church building where a fire may start, and many potential causes, ranging from lightning to arson. Is your church ready to respond to a fire?