Church Security

[smince]

I'm posting this in Strategies and Tactics. Please move if it fits in another forum better.

I've read the posts on "carrying in church", but this is a different thread. I'm currently writing a safety policy for my church on how to respond to natural disasters, fire, medical emergencies, and violent confrontations that may occur on the church grounds. We currently have volunteers who patrol during services, but several feel a need to expand this program.

I recently attended a conference on Church Security put on by the Alabama State Board of Missions. I feel that due to the fact that there is a course on this subject, there is a need. The conference covered physical security of the church and congregation, child protection, and financial security(robbery and embezzlement). Although the current church burnings are south of my location, we've experienced robberies, vandalism, and breaking and entering in our local area. And national news stories have covered shootings, armed robberies and other crimes involving the church.

I would like to hear from THR members whose church may have a dedicated security program(armed or unarmed), or who are/have been involved in such activities. Any realistic suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks

Scott

 

[Sistema1927]

I just attended a seminar hosted by DHS on "Soft Target Awareness-Places of Worship" that was a real eye opener. If it is offered in your neck of the woods, I would recommend that you attend.

Since each church plant is different, you are going to have to do a vulnerability study for your site. I am in the process of doing that for my church at present.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

I like to read John Farnam's "Quips and Lessons Learned" on his web site at http://www.defense-training.com/

I was impressed with this entry.

15Dec05

Church Security

I just completed a training program for a large, Christian church in FL. We trained the entire staff of ushers, which are being formed into unit that has a secondary (security) function. Some are cops and carry anyway, and a few others have local CCW permits and carry occasionally, but, for the most part, inconsistently. All carry now, and all have successfully completed the first phase of their training.

"Church security" seems a contradiction terms, but churches everywhere, particularly Christian churches, have been compelled to seriously address this issue. It is indigenous to our times!

The idea is to have a mini-police-force on property at all church functions, a force consisting of armed church members who are trained and can be called upon, at a moment's notice, to deal with a disturbance or a security emergency.

On a philosophical level, my students struggled with this notion, and it required a good deal of intense discussion for them to come to terms with their new responsibilities. In the end, all recognized that this was necessary a nd that they, each one, needed to step forward and participate.

I see this as a trend. Christian and Jewish churches will increasingly find themselves under attack, both ideologically and physically, by Marxist politicians and violent Islamic evangelists alike. Most will respond with naive denial, but some, like this one, will take reasonable, albeit reluctant, steps to confront this challenge. They deserve a lot of credit for confronting the threat honestly.

/John

 

[CrisOR]

Scott,

I haven't read this yet, but it's on my list:

Crime Prevention for Houses of Worship

The ToC is available here: ToC

 

[smince]

Yes, I read Farnams quips, also. I copied that very post and gave it to our Pastor and Chairman of Deacons. One of the "eye openers" they've had lately.

 

[bogie]

Security at a service is somewhat akin to bouncing at a bar - get the offender outta the place with as little disruption as possible.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Church security is an interesting subject for a lot of Christians. The variety of responses given seems as varied as the people you ask.

Some peaceful Islamic communities have taken to the idea of having security given the climate in which muslims in the U.S. are enduring. It's usually very low key. My muslim friends seem to see it as a natural extension of their faith, that is, the protection of it with force.

Of course, in the Neo Pagan community (of which I am a part) there are some who don't believe in providing any security. But, frequently, at drum circles and various gatherings like Samhain or even the upcoming Spring rituals there can sometimes be trouble from well meaning (yet misguided) types who want to interfere.

Various groups like Asatru usually go armed as a matter of course. Wiccans, not so much.
However, I would say that most, not all, neo pagans have no problem with security during rituals or gatherings. In fact, I'd say that there's usually at least one guy chomping at the bit to take up that job.
The depth of the security varies for various reasons just like with any other religious path.
Personally, I follow a shamanic path and choose to not bring weapons into anything I do that's linked with that. It's just how I feel about the activity. But, recently, some neo-pagans have had to deal with interference from those who don't respect their right to worship, so I've begun to reevaluate that choice and carry at least one handgun (plus one reload) with me despite my reluctance.
Intellectually, it's a question. I'll wrestle with the philosophy while I'm armed and err on the side of caution. *see .sig*

 

[SSN Vet]

a HUGE concern

It seems that there has been a general breakdown in civil society in the USA....from politics to activist to customer service in the market place.

I have several friends involved in Christian missions and have heard first hand many stories of the persecution of Christians overseas. Especially in Muslim countries.

If anyone has any doubts that this is real....just surf the Voice of the Maryrs web site at http://www.persecution.com

But hear in the land of the free? The church burnings in MS have attracted attention lately....but a radio news article recently quoted a stat. that there have been something like 50 churches burned in MS in the last 20 years! Hello! Does this sound just a little bit like persecutijon!

I think this is a huge issue and churches everywhere should seriously consider security measures.

My worst fear....some nut cake walks into a service with an automatic weapon and starts spraying the congregation. If disgruntled kids are doing it at public schools, how long untill someone vents at a Sunday service.

That's not paranoid in my mind .... it's a+b=c logic.

 

[TexasRifleman]

My worst fear....some nut cake walks into a service with an automatic weapon and starts spraying the congregation. If disgruntled kids are doing it at public schools, how long untill someone vents at a Sunday service.

That happened already right here in Ft Worth. Although no automatic weapons were used, it was right in the middle of a youth group meeting. The guy also tossed a pipe bomb. 8 dead.

That particular church now has an armed security contingent, and my church does as well, mostly made of members that CCW, but a few police officers.

As an aside the VPC was quick to blame the guns of course, which were legally purchased about 10 years before all this happened.

That incident pretty much shut up the folks that argued against church security.

 

[smince]

The church burnings in MS have attracted attention lately....but a radio news article recently quoted a stat. that there have been something like 50 churches burned in MS in the last 20 years!

I don't know about MS. The most recent arsons are in my home state of Alabama.

My worst fear....some nut cake walks into a service...and starts spraying the congregation. If disgruntled kids are doing it at public schools, how long untill someone vents at a Sunday service

Happened in Minnesota or Wisconsin last year, too.

 

[1911 guy]

Biggest problem

Is usually getting the Pastor and deacons to admit there is a problem. With the arsons in Alabama, it's getting easier to make the point, but any group of people can and eventually will attract the attentions of ne'er-do-well's. My Dad is a minister and feels no need to carry. My Grandad, also a minister, never left home without it. Opinions vary among people and congregations, but my opinion is that some measure should be taken to provide a safe place of worship for everyone who wishes it as unobtrusively as possible. I'm a gunny, but even I would feel weird with an usher with a shotgun standing in the rear of the sanctuary. Oddly, knowing that myself and a few others are CCW'ing in pews doesn't give me the same disquite. Mental, I guess.

 

[SSN Vet]

my bag

your absolutely right....Alabama...not Mississippi! my mistake.

 

[smince]

Is usually getting the Pastor and deacons to admit there is a problem.

This was the FIRST lesson they taught us in the seminar I attended. Of course, I am a deacon, and I've been doing "informal" security ever since we became members there. As far as I know, myself and my wife are the only regular CCW's at our place of worship.