you don’t need a “sunday special ops” team to create a secure environment. instead, focus on building a group of lay people who practice awareness and de-escalation.

Only a few years ago, most churches and many nonprofits believed violence “can’t happen here.” Security concerns were for someone else in some faraway place. But the recent proliferation of mass shootings, from small towns to suburbs, has gotten the attention of all but the most ostrich-like leaders. The awareness is positive. But what now?

Enter Vaughn Baker, president of Strategos International. This veteran law enforcement officer, trainer and consultant will join us and 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 proactive action. Professionals are welcome, but 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, greeters and anyone who can develop an alert mindset. We’ll discuss a holistic approach to protecting what matters most – your people – without undermining your mission.

OUR EXPERT

VAUGHN BAKER

Vaughn is president of Strategos International, a Independence, Mo.,-based firm providing security training, consulting and executive protection services. Baker has 20 years of experience in law enforcement including patrol, investigation, SWAT and special operations. He has trained thousands of church, school, health care, government, law enforcement and military personnel in security practices. Baker is also the author of The Church Security Handbook.