Church security: From the parking lot to the pulpit
Watch the Ministry Pacific interview with Tim Peterson of Strategos International
Threats to faith-based organizations continue to grow and evolve. How can churches provide a secure environment without becoming fortresses?
Churches are started with passion and driven by compassion. Because of that, no one ever considered security at houses of worship even a few decades ago.
But today’s church environment has changed, with shootings, arson and vandalism emerging as real threats that must be addressed.
How can faith-based organizations protect their people while staying true to their spiritual missions?
The answer is not to militarize. Instead, houses of worship should focus on developing a group of lay people who begin by practicing situational awareness and de-escalation in the service of the church. Training and the involvement of people in all levels of ministry can elevate the security of houses of worship.
In this interview, Tim Peterson, director of Church Security Solutions for Strategos International, joins us to draw up a “blueprint” for church security. It’s much more comprehensive than posting a guy with gun (in fact, it may not even include that guy). Security is a team effort of lay people who use their five senses to engage in awareness and action. Security professionals are welcome, but are not mandatory.
Church (and any kind of) security begins in the parking lot and extends all the way to the pulpit. It involves parking lot attendants, ushers, children’s workers, greeters and anyone who can develop an alert mindset. We discuss a holistic approach to protecting what matters most – your people – without undermining your mission.
In addition, we discuss active shooter and violent incident insurance and it’s role in protecting churches in the aftermath of a shooting. Contact us to learn more about active shooter insurance.
Key moments in the video:
1:00 – Introduction of Tim Peterson, director of Church Security Solutions, with Strategos International.
3:22 – Tim Peterson discusses current challenges in church security.
6:00 – Although pastors understand the importance of church security, many lack the time and expertise to oversee this function of the church. Is it advisable for lay people or other church staff members to lead church security?
8:05 – When it comes to security, churches appear to have two extremes. One extreme is that security is unnecessary or impossible to provide. The other extreme is the idea that an unorganized and untrained “posse” can effectively repel a violent intruder. What is the shortcoming of each approach?
10:45 – Most church security teams, including those who are armed, are led by civilians. This means extensive firearms training is required.
11:50 – Fighting a gun battle in a crowded church building requires a specific set of skills that varies from target practice or concealed carry training. There is no such thing as “friendly fire.”
14:00 – If a church is considering developing a security ministry, what are the first three steps it should take?
18:30 – What is active shooter insurance and how can it protect churches and nonprofit organizations?
21:00 – Why does church security require a team approach that requires the participation of people from all walks of life?
24:15 – Why does church security start in the parking lot?
29:50 – How can church volunteer teams cultivate awareness and alertness in order to proactively address potential security threats?
35:00 – How can churches receive training in alertness and awareness?
36:00 – What is de-escalation and what is its role in church security?
41:00 – Church services may be disrupted by protestors. The goal of many protestors is to provoke a hostile response from church members and to record on their smart phone for worldwide broadcast. Church leaders need to train their members to de-escalate in these situations.
43:00 – Does Strategos International provide church security training in California and other West Coast states?
45:05 – Is it possible for a church to have a security team that is unarmed?
45:55 – Churches are considered “soft targets” for active shooters. How can they become more secure? What is lockdown and how can my church implement it in a security crisis?
47:10 – When it comes to security, how can churches balance safety with compassion when it comes to the presence of homeless and mentally ill individuals on their campuses?
