Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, some memories still feel remarkably close.

In this special episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, I share a personal reflection I first wrote on the fifteenth anniversary of the attacks—the story of where I was, how I learned our country had been attacked, and the days I spent beside my father watching the tragedy unfold.

A decade after writing those words, and following my father’s passing earlier this year, those memories carry a different weight.

We’ll also reflect on why remembering tragedy matters, what September 11 taught us about service and sacrifice, and why those entrusted with protecting others must continue learning from the past without living in fear of it.

Twenty-five years later, may we never forget.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

A church safety ministry should provide a sense of security without making worship feel like a security checkpoint.

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at the balance between being present and being prominent. From positioning and team rotation to situational awareness, approachability, and the challenge of worshiping while remaining watchful, we explore what a quiet, effective safety presence can look like on an ordinary Sunday.

The goal isn’t to make the congregation constantly aware of the safety ministry. It’s to create an environment where people can worship freely, knowing someone is paying attention.

Protected—not policed.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Church safety conversations often focus on violence and active shooters. Those threats deserve preparation—but they aren’t the only emergencies a congregation may face.

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look beyond security to the less dramatic but often more likely emergencies churches need to prepare for, including fires, evacuations, severe weather, and environmental hazards. We’ll discuss children’s ministry considerations, assembly areas, working with local fire departments, and why having an emergency plan means very little if nobody knows how to use it.

Good safety preparation isn’t always exciting. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing where to go, who is responsible, and what to do before the alarm ever sounds.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Less-lethal tools can sound like the perfect compromise for a church safety ministry—but less-lethal does not mean harmless.

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we take a practical look at options such as OC spray and gel, conducted electrical weapons, restraints, and impact weapons, along with the training, legal, and environmental considerations that come with them. We also examine an often-overlooked question: What happens when the tool doesn’t work?

The goal isn’t to argue for or against less-lethal options. It’s to help church safety ministries understand their limitations, recognize the responsibility that comes with authorizing them, and make decisions based on what actually protects rather than simply what feels safer.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Good intentions aren’t enough when your church safety ministry is operating on assumptions about the law. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at why understanding the laws where you serve matters—from trespass and use of force to firearms, custody disputes, protection orders, medical emergencies, and more. We’ll also discuss the difference between church policy and law, criminal and civil liability, and why insurance coverage shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Knowing the law shouldn’t make your ministry afraid to act. It should help you prepare so that when something happens, you can respond with greater confidence and within the boundaries of the law.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Every strong church safety ministry started with a first step. In this episode, I share the story of building our ministry from the ground up, the lessons learned along the way, and why it's important not to compare your beginning to someone else's years of growth. If your church is just getting started, this episode is for you.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

This week's episode is deeply personal. After the passing of my father, I found myself writing a eulogy—and in the process, discovering a legacy I never fully understood while he was alive. Through forgotten memories, stories shared by family and neighbors, and one final conversation, I realized that the greatest legacies aren't built on accomplishments, but on quiet generosity, showing up for others, and loving people without expecting recognition. Today, I'd like to introduce you to the man who had the greatest influence on the man behind the microphone.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Church safety has taught me far more than how to recognize threats or respond to emergencies. It has changed the way I see ministry, leadership, and the people God has entrusted to our care. In this more personal episode, I share how my perspective has evolved over the years, the impact the Crosspointe Church shooting had on me despite happening at a neighboring church, and why I no longer see church safety as simply providing security. Sometimes the greatest lesson isn’t about protecting a building—it’s about serving the people inside it.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Domestic violence does not always stay behind closed doors. It can follow someone to work, to school, and even into the church.

In this episode, we look at what church leaders and safety ministries should consider when a victim warns that an abusive spouse or former partner may show up. From stalking and protection orders to children’s ministry concerns, confidentiality, and the danger of forcing reconciliation, this conversation focuses on how churches can respond with wisdom, compassion, and practical awareness.

The person creating the danger may not be a stranger. They may be a familiar face, a former member, or someone the congregation already knows. That is why these situations must be taken seriously, handled carefully, and never dismissed as private relationship drama.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

On July 5, 2026, church security at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham, Illinois, contacted law enforcement about a suspicious vehicle and a suspicious man inside the church during a time when no worship service was taking place.

In this episode, we look at what has been publicly confirmed, what remains unknown, and why this incident matters for church safety ministries. The lesson is not about speculation or assigning motives. It is about vigilance during the moments many churches treat as downtime: before services, after services, between services, during Sunday school, and in the parking area.

A church does not become inactive simply because worship has ended. People are still present, entrances are still being used, and the safety ministry’s responsibility may not be finished just because the sanctuary is emptying.

I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource.

https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Used with permission.

© Haley Jones

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones

Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/

Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones

Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs

Produced by: Joshua Frerichs

Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs

Release Date: January 16, 2026

Used with permission

Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones